When flying from Nakhchivan and landing in Istanbul, bridges joining two continents and the deep blue Bosphorus welcome us. The first breath of sea air, the sound of seagulls carried by the wind, changes the mood of the journey. The rhythm of the city is settling in your heart with the first step.
While taking a stroll around the Historical Peninsula, the magnificence of Hagia Sophia and the elegance of the Blue Mosque were telling us about the past in quiet tones. We are almost listening to the stories of the sultans up close in the courtyards of Topkapı Palace. The coolness of these stone streets is giving meaning to every step.
Waterfront mansions, palaces, and bridges pass by one after the other like a film strip, while we board a boat on the Bosphorus. The taste of hot tea and freshness of simit make the view unforgettable, while your camera stays in your hand because every angle provides a different postcard.
The sound of the city climbs upward in the uphill streets leading to Galata Tower. On Istiklal Avenue, music, shop windows, and street food are inviting you inside. During a coffee break, you understand even better why this energy here feels so unique.
On the Asian side, Kadıköy’s colorful markets and a seaside walk in Moda create a calm, gentle mood for you. In Üsküdar, the evening melodies mingle with the water, the lights of Maiden’s Tower singing your memories. We feel the journey truly worth it when we look out at the wide horizon from Çamlıca Hill.
Every moment you spend in Istanbul is turning into a story to tell on the way back. The welcoming faces, the flavors you are discovering, and the endless views stay with you. When, on your return journey, you look at your photos, you realize one thing quite clearly: the city is not really leaving you; it is already calling you back.
