Solo Travel in Istanbul Part 2 - Grand Mosques, Palaces and Galata Streets

Hello my friends. I’m traveling alone in Istanbul, but I never feel lonely thanks to the cats and dogs here. They are in cafes, on the streets and even inside mosques. You see a furry friend at every step. In this city they are part of the family. Everywhere you can see signs inviting you to feed and protect them. This is probably the loveliest side of Istanbul. Sometimes while trying to take a photo, a few curious cats might surround you. This is a sweet experience that wouldn't happen to you in every city.

On my last post, I mentioned my walk in the Fatih district. Leaving the quiet areas of the city, I returned to the center where its heart beats. The atmosphere of the period of Suleiman the Magnificent, known as the Magnificent century, is felt better here. The Sehzade mosque is a masterpiece that stands out, especially with its interior peace. You can enjoy the silence here compared to the crowds of Sultanahmet or Hagia Sophia. The Suleymaniye mosque that follows is one of Mimar Sinan’s greatest works. The complex covers a massive area with its madrasah, library and hospital. Its four minarets symbolize the four great sultans who lived in Istanbul and its ten balconies symbolize Suleiman being the tenth sultan. Mimar Sinan’s genius can even be seen in the special ventilation system that collected the soot from the oil lamps in the mosque to use in ink making.

Topkapı palace is, in my opinion one of the most important places to visit while you are here. This palace was a management center that hosted 25 sultans for 400 years and influenced Asia and Europe with its decisions.The entrance fee is quite high. But it is one of the must see places to feel the heart of the empire. You should be prepared for the photography bans inside the palace. You can walk through the first gate if you don't want to push your budget and visit the green courtyard, where the Hagia Irene Church is located, for free.

Istanbul’s medieval heritage is also quite interesting. The public toilet culture, which has persisted since the Constantinople period, was a situation not often encountered in European cities at that time. This tradition continues today; there are clean and affordable public toilets all over the city.

As I continued to explore the city, I went down to the Galata bridge. For me this meant blending into the real atmosphere of Istanbul. With its fishermen, ferry sounds and historical view, this bridge is one of the most vivid symbols of the city beyond aesthetic debates.

Just above the bridge rises the Galata tower, left from the Genoese. It has been used for many purposes from a fire tower to an observatory. Now Galata is one of the city's most popular observation decks.

Istiklal avenue is like the main artery of the city. This street is closed to vehicle traffic, I don't need to look at Google maps. The atmosphere draws me in. It hosts millions of people every day with its nostalgic tram, shops and historical buildings.

In the nineteenth century with the Ottoman Empire turning towards the West, traces of European architecture became prominent in this region. This change gaind momentum during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid. And his residence was moved to Dolmabahce palace. This is the most luxurious example of Baroque and Rococo styles. Walking along the Besiktas coastline while watching these magnificent buildings was a unique experience to fully feel Istanbul. Closing out my post with this final thought. I will continue to share my new adventures with you. See you very soon friends.