Istanbul [2] (60 minutes)
Alongside some sites in the old city, we visit more in the newer city.
Topkapı Palace (40 minutes)
An in-depth tour of the palace of the Ottoman sultans including historical and cultural detail. Many parts of the palace have been subject to restoration over the years and cannot always be visited. Our repeated trips allow us to show much more than can be seen today. (Available as an add-on to ‘There be Dragons’)
Counting his tespih beads. In Sultan Ahmet Park
Interior of Küçük (Little) Hagia Sofia after its restoration
Anything can be sold on the streets
Ortaköy village and the Mecidiye Mosque (post restoration), beside the first Bosphorus bridge
Buying a Lottery ticket in the street
Kumpir are giant baked potatos with heaped multiple fillings. One to share.
Caique hall in the Sea Museum, Besiktas
Mehter Band of the Turkish Army. Inside performance.
The 'nostalgic' tram is running again after a gap for street restoration
Whirling dervishes at the Galata Tekke
The Haliç Metro bridge was (is) hated by the locals for disturbing the skyline, but it is the best architecture of all the bridges
An Istanbulkart is essential for travel round the city. Cheap to buy and discounts over cash/tokens
In the highly built-up Istanbul, parks are essential. Gülhane Park
Interior Hagia Irene Church, 5th century, in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace. It was used as an arsenal and museum, and never converted to a mosque
Hagia Irene set up for a concert as part of the Istanbul Music Festival each June.
The Gate of Salutations. Entry to the second court of Topkapı Palace
The Diwan, which means the Viziers' Council. Our meaning is derived from the benches around the room
Tableau of the Zülüflü (Eng. Halbadiers with Tresses). The Zülüflü were the porters and footmen of the palace, responsible for crowd control as well as messages and moving goods.
The Palace has large collections of blue and white porcelain and other gifts received over the centuries. The display is now much reduced.
Gold Ewer and Basin, 19th century. Part of the Treasury collection. The Treasury section has recently reopened after major repairs.