Turkey, Day 3 in Istanbul

​As I write now listening to the call to prayer, I realize I’ve become quite accustomed to this 5 times a day. Those singing the call to prayer have amazing voices, at least those here in my area of Istanbul.

I dragged myself out of bed after struggling with a dog barking nearly all night long. Ear plugs and my phone’s white noise next to my ear eventually drowned out most of the yapping, but how frustrating to be awakened time and again by this dang dog’s bark!

Our itinerary featured the Topkapi Palace, a cruise up the Bosphorus, and the spice market. So we set out at 9 in drippy cold weather. I was again sooo pleased to have brought my down jacket—a last minute addition to my bag. It was downright cold, and the wet pavement (cobblestone and marble in some places) made our trek a bit daunting. Our 20 minute walk brought us to the palace. We wanted to get there early to avoid school groups and others arriving a bit later.

Topkapı Palace was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. Initially constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, it was expanded and altered many times, The palace served as the home of the Ottoman sultans and their court until the middle of the 19th century. The tiles were magnificent and the kitchens that had at one time kept 1000 busy each day featured large marble baking surfaces. We learned that buildings were first constructed in wood, but that they burned down often. Some wooden structures remain, but it looked to me like most were stucco.

The center ball held incense

The sultans would watch the full moon over the Bosphorus here

Ceremonial circumcision room

After a lunch on a bridge spanning the Bosphorus, we all hopped on a ferry for an interesting cruise. It was interesting to me how different the European side was from the Asian side. Somehow the Asian side seemed to feature more vacation homes/cottages than on the European. But many had been sold or were undergoing renovation.

Lunch featured this dish where fish is cooked in salt, then lit

After carefully opening the crusted salt, the fish is removed, plated and served!

Along the Bosphorus

These antique boats are really “cafes” overlooking the water

Once back on shore, we decided to visit the “spice bazaar” which was not far away. Our leader recommended a dealer whom she trusted and his stall at the market was a busy and delightful place.

Teas

Growing weary, we took the tram back to the hotel, drank wine with group members on the terrace, and then finished with a divine meal. Tomorrow—off to Ephesus!