Istanbul wanted to visit for a long time. In not for the distant 2013, everything was crazy about Roxolane. In addition, politics added a bit of bitterness: on Taksim Square just there were performances. And here we are with a friend of Yule, being professional historians, decided to visit the former capital of Turkey.
In one Soviet film there is a phrase about the "city of contrasts". This Istanbul is touched on all 100. Only here you can see both a freely running Turkish and clutched to the head. Already at the airport we felt these contrasts when we saw a lot of pilgrims who came to Muslim holidays.
We lived in the hotel in the heart of the old city, in the tourist area of Sultanahmet. Room for two with all amenities, including breakfast. They paid for 6 days 530 euros. True, periodically there was no light, then the water turned off. Apparently, they wanted tips. After left 1 dollar for cleaning the room, all the cataclysms ended.
By the way, in Russian in Istanbul do not understand, only English saves.
In Istanbul stood a terrible fry. It was not saved by water, the Turkish "Su". Many Turks sold it right outside: half-liter for half a liter, it is quite inexpensive. In general, prices in Istanbul on food, compared with Ukrainian, acceptable: something even was cheaper. An unforgettable taste of peaches and bananas. Fried chestnuts and nuts of different species also tried. From chestnuts expected more.
On Monday, we arrived and looked at the center, visited our friend-student living in another part of the city. I liked the simple solution to the Turks of the transport problem. At each stop there is a kiosk, there works by a person who puts money to the citizen of the resident of Istanbul. When you need to use the transport, your card serves simultaneously and a travel document. Only across the front door, apply a card to a special branch from the driver, after characteristic sound, pass. Complete everything through the middle and rear door. The bus is a running line that reports the following stops. I also liked that moms with small strollers can easily attach them with special belts available on the bus. But the main mode of transport is still a tram, with air conditioning, but the smell inside it is specific. Surprised that nobody inferior to her grandmother, and they do not shout. With me, the guy was driving a few stops, and the grandmother stood. She sat only after the boy came out.
On Tuesday, we visited the Mosque of Ayia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as the Archaeological Museum, on Wednesday and Thursday went to the Topkapi Palace and Harem, went to a cruise around the Black Sea. Prices are acceptable. For example, a blue mosque - free, Ayia Sofia - 25 lire (100 hryvnia, or 13 dollars), topkapi - 25 lir, harem - 15 lire, cruise by sea - 12-15 lire. In the evening, I visited Taksim Square, where there are many shops and life just hits the key. There for 100 dollars on four sitting in three nightclubs. Turks do not drink, but vodka in the menu is not a problem. And even a striptease to see - as in the order of things.
On Saturday fell on the Grand Bazaar. It was bargained: the price can be reduced even 3-4 times. Bought T-shirts and sweets. There are no equal in this Turks. On Sunday, a famous yerebatan (basil) was visited - an underground reservoir with water reserves, quite recently described in "Inferno" Dan Brown. Log in - 15 lir, but impressions for life.
Turks are not shy to flirt. For example, I wink and believed for your own, and I would even get married to Yule aged Turks.
In general, the journey turned out to be unforgettable. So much that I flew to Istanbul for another week in August. In July, we did not have time to visit the Suleyman's Mosque, where Roksolana was buried. I had to fix this laughter. Visiting the mosque is free, just do not forget that the shoes need to be removed, and cover your head.
I advise everyone to visit Istanbul. There are many foreigners from all over the world and there are almost no Russians. This is a western city with oriental chip or vice versa. But impressions are for life!
