Off the Beaten Track - Turkey

Posted on Thursday 23 Aug 2007

Istanbul quite literally sprawls itself across two very diverse continents so its no surprise that it ranks as one of the most favoured tourist destinations of the world. Visitors can trace their way through streets where crusaders once marched, admire some of the most architecturally awe inspiring mosques, peer into the sultan's harem and hunt for bargains in the world famous Grand Bazaar. Istanbul really has it all.

If there’s one thing that the F1 fraternity always makes time for when they get back from a day’s work and that is to take a stroll to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. It’s one of the greatest shopping experiences ever to be had and has been in existence since the 15th century.

One souvenir worth seeking out is the Iznik tile. There are hundreds of imitations available in the Sultanahment district, but seek out the real thing at Iznik Classics (Arasta Carsisi 67-73). They aren’t cheap though; prices start at a whopping £148 for a single tile!

The Spice Bazaar, which locals refer to as Misir Carsi is also worth going the extra mile for. Found just off the Galata bridge by the Golden Horn, Misir Carsi is one of the most wonderful smelling places on earth. Sample nuts, sweets, dried fruit and, of course, Turkish delights and sweet “sucuk.”

See a side of Istanbul that can only really be seen from the water and take a ferry ride up the Bosphorus. Pick up the ferry near the Spice Bazaar and disembark in Rumeli Hisar to see the fortress that once guarded Constantinople.

If you like diamonds don’t return home without first taking a trip to Topkapı Palace. The palace houses what’s affectionately referred to as “The Spoonmaker's Diamond,” the fifth largest diamond in the world. As legend has it, it was given its name when someone found it on a rubbish heap, thought it was a fake and swapped it for three spoons!

If architecture is more your thing, take some time to visit the Blue Mosque which dates back to the 1600s. One of the most famous monuments of Turkish and Islamic art, hundreds of Muslims still use the mosque for daily prayer and worship (known as “namaz”). Visitors of all faiths who are modestly dressed may enter the Blue Mosque; special slippers and head and shoulder coverings are distributed at the entrance. Tourists should avoid mosques on a Friday, though, when Muslims are required to attend worship.

A visit to Turkey wouldn’t be complete without trying an authentic kebab, perhaps the oldest fast food of all, available on nearly every street corner and probably better for you than the ones available at home!