Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey, located in between Europe and Asia. Founded as Byzantion (an Ancient Greek city) in 660 BCE, and renamed as Constantinople in 330 CE. The city grew in size and influence, becoming a beacon of the Silk Road and one of the most important cities in history. It served as an imperial capital for almost sixteen centuries, from 330-1922. It was a Christian city until the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, where it is transformed into Islamic by the Ottomans. Many churches were converted into mosques, and many extensive beautiful mosques were built during the Ottoman Empire. After the Turkish war, Ankara replaced the city as the capital of the newly formed Republic of Turkey. The city’s name was officially changed to “Istanbul” in 1930.
9am: Breakfast at Cafe Velvet
Cafe Velvet is a Turkish-style cafe that is colourful, cosy and slightly vintage. They have lots of beautiful Turkish coffee cups in so many different pretty designs. Pop right in for some amazing Turkish breakfast.
10:30am: Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque was ordered by Sultan Suleiman I, and designed by imperial architect Mimar Sinan. An inscription specified that construction was started in 1550, and completed in 1557. It was the largest mosque in the city for 492yrs, until it was surpassed by Camlica Mosque in 2019. With its location on the Third Hill, it provides great views of the city around the Golden Horn.
12pm: Lunch at Erhan Cafe & Restaurant
Erhan Restaurant is a casual Turkish restaurant that receives very good reviews. The food served here are amazing and they have a huge menu! The entrance might be a little bit confusing as the restaurant is located on the 2nd floor.
1pm: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene (Museum)
The Topkapi Palace served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was used as an accommodation for ranked officers from 1853-1924, and opened as a museum from 1924 till today. It was ordered by Sultan Mehmed II in 1459, and was originally called the “New Palace”, to distinguish it from the Old Palace (Eski Sarayi, the first Ottoman palace built in Istanbul in 1453. The Old Palace has since been demolished and now occupied by the Istanbul University. After the 17th century, Topkapi gradually lost its importance. The sultans of that period preferred to spend more time in their new palaces along the Bosphorus. In 1856, Sultan Abdulmejid I decided to move the court to the newly built Dolmabahce Palace.
Located at the outer courtyard of Topkapi is Hagia Irene. It is one of the few churches in Istanbul that has not been converted into a mosque, as it was used as an arsenal until the 19th century; but the cross on the dome has been replaced with a crescent moon - symbol of Islam, by the Ottomans. Hagia Irene is one of the three shrines which Emperors devote to God's attributes, together with Hagia Sophia and Hagia Dynamis. It was the first church to be completed in Constantinople (capital city of the eastern Roman Empire). It now operates as a museum and concert hall for classical music performances.
4pm: Break at Cafe Rumist
Cafe Rumist is filled with beautiful Turkish mosaic lanterns/lamps. Pop right in for some traditional Turkish desserts or a cup of Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is prepared using very finely ground coffee beans without filtering - yes, the coffee is served with the grounds in it. Coffee grinds, water and sugar is added into a small metal pot called “cezve”, and the coffee is brewed by boiling. As soon as the mixture begins to froth, and before it boils over, it is taken off the heat and poured into the serving cup. It may be briefly reheated twice more to increase the desired froth. Coffee is traditionally served in a beautiful small porcelain cup. It is often paired with something small and sweet to eat, like a Turkish delight.
5:30pm: Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. It is regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world.
7pm: Dinner at Roof Mezze 360
Roof Mezze 360 is located within Seres Hotel. It offers great views of the sea and nearby attractions from its rooftop terrace. The alfresco dining area looks really comfortable and romantic. The indoor dining area looks really elegant with gold trimmings. It has great reviews for both food and service.
10pm: Arrive at Esenler Otogari, Overnight Bus to Sofia
After dinner, head back to the hotel to collect the luggages. Head west to Esenler Otogari and catch the 11pm bus departing for Sofia. It is a 9hrs 30mins overnight bus, arriving in Sofia at 8:30am.
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