Once upon a time, there were no shortcuts. Not even in the kitchen. Once upon a time spices were valued as gold, treated equally and traded across seas and lands. And Istanbul was in the heart of it. Lets nor forget the Grand bazaar of Istanbul, surviving the test of time. As Wikipedia teaches us: “The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m², attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.” People was taught since the dawn … Continue reading Visiting Istanbul: flavors of the Turkish cuisine

I was telling you in a previous post about the estimated number of mosques from Istanbul. Yet, no matter how hard I tried finding such an estimation for the number of shops from Istanbul, that I could not find. Strange for me having an entire post shops related for someone who does not find a pleasure in shopping but a necessity. And still, I am , because you must be warned: shopping is insane here. A shop for everyone, a scent for everyone… no, let me rectify: hundreds even thousands. This might give you an example. Can you pick just … Continue reading Visiting Istanbul: a maze of shops

Istanbul is the home of more than 3000 mosques. So, there was no wonder that each time you turn around you see at least one. Not previously documenting if any bank or religious holiday when visiting I found myself in Istanbul in the last week of Ramadan. A Christian like me, amidst a Muslim event is what friendship and unity means. My God and their Allah, and your god of choice at peace and in union. Do trust me: if planning on visiting Istanbul aim for that week. And I will explain you why: 1. You will be able to … Continue reading Visiting Istanbul: among beautiful humans