The messages, asking me if I was fine, flooded in. I was – however, a street away from my hotel, in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, a suicide bombing had left five people dead, including the attacker, and 36 people injured.

The Blue Mosque.The Blue Mosque.

Unfortunately, Istanbul is now often mentioned within the context of political turmoil, terrorist attacks, fear and uncertainty, which all dim the light that should be placed on the city. Because in reality, Turkey’s historic, cultural and economic centre is gorgeous, set against the backdrop of an intricately woven history and living proof that a city can simultaneously be modern and traditional.

To sole travellers, Istanbul is the proverbial oyster. To honeymooners, it is a leather-bound book, with a pleasant adventure on every page.

It is perhaps difficult to speak of Istanbul without the use of superlatives. No other city in the world sits astride two continents, connecting Europe and Asia, no other city is characterised by the harmonious blend of Islamic and European culture, and perhaps no other streets have a dozen languages spoken on them on a daily basis, ranging from Arabic and Turkish to English and Greek.

Grand Bazaar.Grand Bazaar.

As you walk through some of the modern streets of Istanbul, losing yourself in the line-up of shops, cafes and bars, the sounds of the Islamic call for prayer suddenly fills the streets as you feel like a character in Jason Goodwin’s The Janissary Tree.

Every step in Istanbul brings you closer to a historic monument, testament to the city’s complex past. The beautiful Hagia Sophia for instance was originally a Catholic Church, which was later transformed into a mosque. As you walk, head up, through this building, you again experience the multicultural blend as you face the minimalism which is found in all mosques, with its low chandeliers and carpets, while simultaneously finding yourself surrounded by the stained glass we so frequently associate with Catholic temples – in fact, Catholic figures are still seen on the walls of this building.

Dolmabahce palace.Dolmabahce palace.

You cannot speak about mosques, however, without mentioning what is perhaps the most famous one of all, Sultan Ahmed Mosque or what is more often referred to as the Blue Mosque, so called for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. The Blue Mosque stands at the edge of Galata bridge which spans the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus. The mosque was built during the rule of Ahmed I and is mostly used by locals on special Islamic holidays.

The area in which the mosque lies is surrounded with a number of traditional coffee shops where you can spend time sipping a strong Turkish coffee or tea – without milk, as this will be met with confused stares! The Spice Market is also in the vicinity and is definitely a culinary experience you cannot miss.

The spice market is a culinary experience.The spice market is a culinary experience.

However, if you really fancy a good afternoon of shopping, the Grand Bazaar is guaranteed to provide you with a range of things, including traditional carpets, sweets and souvenirs. It consists of approximately 3,000 shops divided into 61 streets, heaving with a mass of tourists bent on testing their bargaining skills. Don’t worry if you get lost – everyone does. 

If you’re more into modern brands, Taksim is, excuse the pun, right up your street. Then, after you have cured your shopping urges, hang around for a drink as the booming nightlife takes over the streets of Taksim.

Boasting some of the finest architectural wonders in the world, and with its extraordinary historic legacy on practically every corner, Istanbul is truly an amazing city, which has unfortunately been overlooked by tourists in recent years due to its ongoing conflicts. Yet, resilient as ever, Istanbul continues to be the ultimate cultural crossroads and its pull is now as stronger as ever.

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