Istiklal avenue leads to places that inspire and fulfill the senses. The stretch between Galata tower and Galatasaray highschool provide many places to explore. The view at the top of Galata tower gives a great orientation to all of the bustling streets below, the geography of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, and the magnificent skyline of all of the mosque minarets and towers of Istanbul.
After taking in the breathtaking view, you could either get a cup of coffee at the Cherry Bean on Camekan street, just opposite from the tower, or grab a cup of freshly squeeze orange or pomegranate juice on your walk up the hill to Tunel, the square with the tunnel train stop to Karakoy and the Sishane metro.
A cat may welcome you at the entrance to the Galata Mevlevihanesi, a museum on Sufi Islam. Green grass grows at the peaceful cemetery. Take a close look at the tomb inscriptions for Ottoman Turkish in Arabic script. Imagine spinning at the wooden whirling dervish hall. Read about the Ottoman military band at the exhibits on musical instruments. Look at the calligraphy pens and felt hats, too. These all give insight into the spiritual beliefs and practice of Sufi Islam.
After all of this new information, you might start to feel hungry for lunch. Swing by Helvetia, a comfortable cafeteria on Asmalı Mescit street behind Tunel square. There are no menus so simply request up to five of the dishes for a single plate of food. All of the customers sit together at long tables with water pitchers and baskets of bread so feel free to socialize with locals and fellow travelers.
After the light lunch, continue walking up Istiklal to Salt Beyoglu, the art museum at no. 136. Gallery exhibits often include Turkish artists and photographers, giving a perspective on the local culture and history. A garden grows in the room with a window panel ceiling opposite the Robinson Crusoe bookstore. Try reading a short Turkish book in the children’s section. Take advantage of this space for quiet reflection before returning to the hectic street life of Istiklal.
**This article was originally published on March 26, 2015, at http://turkishvisafees.com/a-day-on-istiklal/
After taking in the breathtaking view, you could either get a cup of coffee at the Cherry Bean on Camekan street, just opposite from the tower, or grab a cup of freshly squeeze orange or pomegranate juice on your walk up the hill to Tunel, the square with the tunnel train stop to Karakoy and the Sishane metro.
A cat may welcome you at the entrance to the Galata Mevlevihanesi, a museum on Sufi Islam. Green grass grows at the peaceful cemetery. Take a close look at the tomb inscriptions for Ottoman Turkish in Arabic script. Imagine spinning at the wooden whirling dervish hall. Read about the Ottoman military band at the exhibits on musical instruments. Look at the calligraphy pens and felt hats, too. These all give insight into the spiritual beliefs and practice of Sufi Islam.
After all of this new information, you might start to feel hungry for lunch. Swing by Helvetia, a comfortable cafeteria on Asmalı Mescit street behind Tunel square. There are no menus so simply request up to five of the dishes for a single plate of food. All of the customers sit together at long tables with water pitchers and baskets of bread so feel free to socialize with locals and fellow travelers.
After the light lunch, continue walking up Istiklal to Salt Beyoglu, the art museum at no. 136. Gallery exhibits often include Turkish artists and photographers, giving a perspective on the local culture and history. A garden grows in the room with a window panel ceiling opposite the Robinson Crusoe bookstore. Try reading a short Turkish book in the children’s section. Take advantage of this space for quiet reflection before returning to the hectic street life of Istiklal.
**This article was originally published on March 26, 2015, at http://turkishvisafees.com/a-day-on-istiklal/