To start this series, I wanted to share my Istanbul pictures and was undecided as to whether black and white was the right format to do it. After all, Istanbul is a colourful and vibrant city so pictures should reflect that.
However, when I visited in January of this year, constant rain and even snow meant there no blue skies or sunny backgrounds in my photos. The benefit though was that the dark skies made for interesting pictures in black and white. If you have read my blog before, you will know that I am a great fan of B&W pictures.
I revisited Istanbul in January of this year. The last time I went there was seven years ago for a romantic week with my new hubby on our honeymoon. I do not normally visit a destination twice but with Istanbul, any hard-core fan will tell you that there is never a shortage of things to do. In my case, when I am trying to improve my photography skills, there is also no shortage of potential subjects for pictures. I hope you enjoy.
My Pictures of Istanbul
Galata Bridge Fish Boats
If you visit Istanbul and need to stick to a budget for food, head to Galata Bridge and find these boats. They cook fresh fish and serve it in a tasty sandwich for the great price of just 5 Turkish lira
Bosphorus Cruise
Cruising the Bosphorus in considered to be one thing that you have to do when you visit Istanbul. You can buy tickets that include dinner and a live band but if you don’t want all the extras, buy a ticket direct from Galata bridge for just 12 lira
Dolmabahce Palace
This palace was the center for the Ottoman empire in the years before their downfall. Extravagant is not the word! Tickets prices are not cheap but in my opinion, it is definitely worth a visit
Sweetcorn seller
As to be expected with any busy city, street food in Istanbul is popular. One option is tasty and hot corn on the cob
Hagia Sophia
I paid twenty lira to view the Hagia Sophia again. With its unique decor, I can never tire of visiting it.
Taksim Square Statue
Taksim square is where you should head to if you want to shop and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. This statue is a landmark of the area and it is of great importance because it includes the figure of the founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Blue Mosque
Also known as the Sultan Ahmet mosque, I got the feeling that someone did not want me in there. I was refused entry twice, first because it was prey time and second because they were closing. Not great timing on my behalf. I am visiting Istanbul again in April so hopefully it will be third time lucky.
Roasted Nuts
I don’t like eating nuts but loved seeing these little carts selling roasted nuts all over the city. On cold and wet days, they do a great trade.
Topkapi Palace
Another landmark which proves that the sultans of the Ottoman Empire were not hesitant in lavishing themselves with the riches of the empire.
Galata Tower
Dominating the skyline and offer amazing views over the city is Galata tower. On my honeymoon, I went at night time but plan to visit again during the day.
Taksim Tram
A nifty and nostalgic way to get around
Simit Seller
Selling simit to the fishermen of Galata bridge was this old man. I got the feeling that he loved having his photograph taken and is no stranger to requests.
Dolmabahce Clock Tower
I went looking for this landmark and felt quite a fool, when asking for directions only to be told that I was stood right in front of it.
Nasreddin Hoca
This bloke was not too chuffed because I do not recognise that he was dressed up as the legendary urban figure of Nasreddin Hoca. Hence the lack of a smile on his behalf and then he charged me for the photo!
Taksim Side Streets
On the surface, Taksim may seem like a modern and new destination however look careful at the architecture, especially on the side streets and you will find history there
Bascilla Cistern
The cost to enter is just 10 Turkish lira and though it is famed for its ancient aspects, it also achieved status as a location for the 1963 James Bond film called “From Russia With Love”. I found it really difficult to take good photos in there.
Readers Question!
I took this photo of an impressive building on the side of the Bosphorus however can not find out what it is. Do you know?
Further Photo Posts about the city of Istanbul
14 Famous landmarks of Istanbul
View from Galata tower
Photo tour through the Grand bazaar
There you are Natalie ive missed you this week nice pic’s once again cant wait till next year when we will have much more time on our hands Istanbul is a place we are going to visit we want to visit all the places you have been
Heard you were coming out in March so will catch up with you then. Going back to Istanbul in April so hopefully more pictures to publish
Omg, soooo beautiful! Really amazing! Now I want go to visit Istanbul more than more!
Do it sooner rather than later Sandra. Even in the winter when it is cold and raining, still a great place to get to know
ha, I’ve never seen someone dressed as Nasreddin Hoca! Great photos. Might that building be the old military academy on the Anatolian side?
Kevin recently wrote about..Photo Gallery: Pamukkale, Turkey – The Cotton Castle
It is strange that you should mention military Kevin as I did wonder that myself. Maybe the way it is built. I am sure it was on the Anatolian side as well
Here is an extensive info.about Kuleli Military High School on the Bosporus.
Sorry, here is the link . . . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuleli_Military_High_School
thanks Sinan – great reading
These pictures are simply wonderful.
Jack Scott recently wrote about..Zenne Dancer
Thank you Jack – Always there with support while i figure the whole photography thing out!
Natalie recently wrote about..From Expat Blogger To Published Author : How He Did it
Wonderful shots, I love them in B & W especially the Galata Tower.
Lisa recently wrote about..Kitty Cat and Rat Sharing Bowl of Milk
Thanks Lisa, I like that one as well. Total fluke that the bird was in the picture
Natalie recently wrote about..Sea Kayaking in Turkey : A Personal Challenge to Conquer
the mystery building is Uskudar’s Selimiye (military) Barracks. During the Crimean War it served as a military hospital and is where Florence Nightingale brought a new order to nursing by laying down the norms of modern nursing.
Also, with respect, the Bosphorus is not a river
Loved the photos – you’ve done a great job, making them very atmospheric.
Alan Fenn recently wrote about..Birth Of The Blues!
My bad about saying it was a river Alan – Also had to read it twice when you said it was military barracks. isn’t it against the law to take pictures of military places in Turkey?
don’t think it’s ‘active’ these days – anyway, so photogenic, who cares?
Alan recently wrote about..Amasya – Beautiful, Historic, Captivating
You are absolutely right Alan, that’s exactly what it is. I was frantically looking through my photos trying to find the name!
Very pretty photos, especially of Hagia Sophia in black and white. Whenever I go near the blue mosque I know I am not supposed to be there so yes, I get what you mean when you say someone is telling you not to be there!
Wonderful shots
Jacqueline recently wrote about..The Oxygen Diet: Breathslim Review and Giveaway
Hi Jacqueline – I am not sure why but i seem to prefer the Hagia Sophia to the blue mosque. Glad you like the pictures.
Natalie recently wrote about..Uzumlu and Traditional Turkish Life. A Photo Post
Great photos! Making me even more excited to go to Turkey in April!
Ali recently wrote about..Odd Signs and Statues in Southeast Asia
Looking forward to reading about your visit Ali. April is not that far away
Natalie recently wrote about..From Expat Blogger To Published Author : How He Did it
Fantastic photos! I’ve always wanted to visit Istanbul and those pics make me want to visit even more. Not only is there so much history to the city and region, but it’s also the only metropolis bridging two continents. One of the things on my bucket list is to have breakfast in Asia and lunch in Europe, with only a brief walk in between
Derek recently wrote about..Highlight Of The Week: Bhangarh Fort
That is a good idea Derek – will do it next time I am there. Have you set a date yet for Istanbul or is it on your bucket list?
Natalie recently wrote about..Paragliding in Turkey : Thrilling Experience or Safety Hazard?
Merhaba, the building is Kuleli Askeri Lisesi (Kuleli for short), between Çengelköy and Vaniköy on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Selimiye is in Haydarpa?a near the Marmara(Sea).
Thanks for letting me know Engin – time for some research. it looks like an interesting place
Natalie recently wrote about..Olu Deniz – Forgiving the None Traditional Vibes
These are such great inspiration – I found this just as I’m figuring out how we are getting to Istanbul in a couple of weeks – can’t believe it’s so close! Istanbul has been at the very top of my destinations I ‘need’ to see, and I am so thrilled to be going! I’ll definitely visit the fish boats!
Dayna recently wrote about..Keeping Things in Perspective while Traveling
I am looking forward to reading all about your experiences Dayna. I am sure you will love Turkey
Natalie recently wrote about..The Burning Flames of Chimaera
I love these photos! I had such a great time in Istanbul and want to go back and see other parts of Turkey.
Abby recently wrote about..Bet you can’t guess where in the world I am…
The rest of Turkey is just as great Abby. I can recommend the south west coast
Natalie recently wrote about..My Istanbul Pictures in Black and White
Beautiful, beautiful pictures!
Thanks Diana. Glad you like them
Natalie recently wrote about..The Burning Flames of Chimaera
Great pics. I’ve been booked to do some training in Istanbul in the next few months so I’ll go and see these wonderful sights. Thanks for sharing.
Do you ever get to Bitez?
Simon
Hi Simon, I have been to the surrounding resorts but yet to visit Bitez itself. I heard it is a great place to go though. Has a good reputation
Natalie recently wrote about..From Expat Blogger To Published Author : How He Did it
Hi Natalie,
. Never mind I will get to see one day.
your photos are fabulous. My biggest regret not getting to see Istanbul with Ian – I think he was going to take me there on honeymoon
It is a shame Heather as I am sure that Ian would have loved going around all the sites with you. Will miss his happy go lucky outlook on life. Perhaps visit the city another time, when you have scope to deal with it.
Natalie recently wrote about..Uzumlu and Traditional Turkish Life. A Photo Post
Wonderful pictures! I’m going to arrive in Antalya at the end of March and I’ll be staying there for a while. Hope to visit Istanbul soon. But your pictures make me wonder whether a couple of days would be enough. Better revise my plans. Funny story with Nasreddin Hoca.
Octavia recently wrote about..Mountainbiking in Romania. Cycling over the Bucegi Mountains
I went for a three day city break and did not manage to get everything done that I wanted, but it all depends on what you want to see. I wanted to see everything
Natalie recently wrote about..Sea Kayaking in Turkey : A Personal Challenge to Conquer
I loved all the pictures, esp the galata tower with the bird in the background
Siddhartha Joshi recently wrote about..Dried Nectarines and Apricots
Snapped just at the right time with that one Sid!
Natalie recently wrote about..My Istanbul Pictures in Black and White
Hi Natalie,
Great photos! Love the Galata shot.
Hagia Sophia and Galata are my favourite places in the city I call ‘home’.
I know someone will have beaten me to it, but the ‘unknown picture looks like Kuleli Askeri Lisesi – The Military High school.
Thanks for sharing
Magi -I wondered where you had ended up and what was happening with you. Good to hear that Istanbul is now your home. Will have to FB you next time I go.
Natalie recently wrote about..Olu Deniz – Forgiving the None Traditional Vibes
Gorgeous in black and white! Fabulous shots Natialie!
Terry (Adventures in Ankara) recently wrote about..“Junking”
Thanks Terry. I am always a fan of the black and white format. Should try to experience more actually.
Natalie recently wrote about..Idyllic Phaselis : Beautiful Beaches and Ancient Ruins
Gorgeous! Can’t wait to visit Turkey.
When you are coming? Would you like to do a pre-trip interview about your travel plans?
Natalie recently wrote about..Paragliding in Turkey : Thrilling Experience or Safety Hazard?
Great pics, especially in black in white. I usually travel via Istanbul from South Africa to Europe and, although I have explored the city only once before, it was a long time ago – definitely think that next time, I will stay over for a couple of days before moving on!
Cynthia recently wrote about..Seven Super Shots
Definitely try and arrange at least three days before moving on Cynthia. Will be worth it and a chance to relax after the long journey from South Africa
Love the contrast you get with black and white images! And the city is just so photogenic – how can one resist? Maybe you’ve mentioned before, but what camera and lenses are you generally using?
Lastly, if you visit in April and have time, please let me know. Would love to meet you in person!
Hi Joy. It is a nixon D40x with a 18-55m lens. Need to replace it those as traveling over the last years means it has taken quite a knock.Will also look you up in April to get some local knowledge and tips…
Beautiful photo essay! I love black and white photos and the mood they create! Everything looks so timeless
Jade – OurOyster.com recently wrote about..Blog Roundup February 2012
Thank you Jade – They do create a timeless mood which i am quite happy with but still eager to experiment with other styles as well
Natalie recently wrote about..Sea Kayaking in Turkey : A Personal Challenge to Conquer
Amazing pictures! Love the streetview of Istanbul
designdizayn.blogspot.com
Thanks Leonie – Very easy to photograph the streets as they are so characteristic
Natalie recently wrote about..The Burning Flames of Chimaera
Love the light and shadows in these, Natalie – really suits our city well. Just have to ask about your Sultan Ahmet Mosque comment – was “prey time” an unconscious reference to all the carpet shop touts around it? Well done – come back soon and take more!
Hi Catherine – I was surprised as I was not really hassled by the carpet touts. Perhaps me and my friends look scary!!
Natalie recently wrote about..Olu Deniz – Forgiving the None Traditional Vibes
Love the photos. Istanbul looks and sounds really fascinating. Old and new, east and west.
It is fascinating Clare – If you have not been before, I totally recommend it. Like you say, a blend of old and new
Natalie recently wrote about..Idyllic Phaselis : Beautiful Beaches and Ancient Ruins
I’m not really one for black and white photos; they either work or they don’t. But I think for Instanbul, they do. It gives the city a whole new feeling. Makes me want to hop a plane to Turkey.
I was in two minds whether to publish in black and white Sherry as Istanbul is so colorful but it seems to have worked
These are truly stunning, Natalie – very striking! You’ve captured one of my favourite cities and managed to make it look so moody. Love Istanbul in black and white. Just beautiful!
lara dunston recently wrote about..Mouthwatering Melbourne – A Taste of the Melbourne Food Scene
Thank you Lara. Glad you liked them. In three days, I amassed around two thousand pictures so there was a wide range to choose from
Wonderful shots!
Nice shots, Natalie! We were hoping to make it to Istanbul this year, as we were trying to get an extension on a press trip to the Black Sea region, but now it looks like the press trip may not happen. Regardless, your photos definitely make me want to go!
Bret @ Green Global Travel recently wrote about..YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK- Day 2 Photo Gallery
Beautiful!! The photos work really well in Black and White – I love the one of the Blue Mosque… and the roasting nuts.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently wrote about..The Time We Almost Got Eaten by Tigers in Chiang Mai
These are great shots! Istanbul is such a photogenic city. Such great opportunities to capture a magnificent city.
dtravelsround recently wrote about..5 ways to get over being travelsick
Really nice shots and a great idea for taking photos on a cloudy weather
Adrian B. recently wrote about..The Jungfrau
Sorry to be a know-it-all but NOT Selimiye Barracks at Uskudar. The pic is of Kuleli Miltary School just outside Cengelkoy.
Love the pics. By removing the colour you can get rid of a lot of the ugly clutter. Especially struck me with the floating fish restaurants that can look very garish these days.
Thanks for letting me know Pat – either way, I can not see much chance of getting to see inside it.
Glad you like the pictures and agree about the fish restaurants, there was a lot of clutter in their pictures and it was hard to make them the centre of attention
Natalie recently wrote about..I Love Istanbul and Here Are Five Reasons Why
The more I read and see on your blog, the more I want to come to Turkey. Really beautiful photos too!
Thank you Cheryl, you should come one day. It really is a unique country
Beautiful photos! Turkey is such a fantastic place and I am loving that you have photographed these in black and white. Makes me want to go back. Right now!
Cherina recently wrote about..Pilgrimage, Wolves and Bandits…Oh My!
Glad you liked the photos Cherina – Plan that return visit very soon as you can never tire of Istanbul
Beautiful!! Love the shot of the simit vendor. I hope we get the chance to meet up while we’re here!!!
Pete recently wrote about..Do It Yourself – Turkish Food
Extraordinary pics! Loved the monochrome!
All the pics are fantastic but I especially loved the Bosphorous cruise and the Topkapi palace.
Just amazing.
Arti recently wrote about..Yamuna River: Ghats of Mathura – Vishram Ghat
Thank you very much Arti – Those two are also my favorite as well. Glad you liked
Wow, Natalie–this is fantastic. I simply love it! Black and white really worked well for Istanbul. Your composition is great and I love the contrast. Awesome!
PS: Love it so much that I’m going to share it on my FB page.
Lisa @chickybus recently wrote about..Bad Border Behaviors: 4 Case Studies and 2 Confessions
I saw it on your FB page Lisa, many thanks for sharing. Much appreciated.
WOW! Makes me want to come back!!!
Love the photos
the last one is Kuleli Military High School. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuleli_Military_High_School
Thanks for the link Elif. I love the old picture on there from 1841
i visited istanbul 2 years ago.i can’t forget the beauty ,dignity and calm of this city.i really want to visit there again.
You will have to plan a return trip – I have been three times now and it is always different
Such a lovely way to re-visit my trip to Turkey a few years back! Loved Hagia Sophia in B & W … And the shots of the activity on the Bospherous gorgeous! One of my favorite cities of all my travels is Istanbul ~ peoples, sounds, colors, cuisine all amazing! Thank You for taking me back
You are welcome Cathy – glad you liked the pictures
I love the pics and know how hard it is to choose B&W over color. I live in Istanbul and have to make that decision often.
I took some photos around my neighborhood, Ni?anta??, about the same time yours were taken. It was snowing and I also thought that B&W would highlight the contrasts between the soft shadows and white snow. You can view them here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150619584164919.437797.564504918&type=3
Wonderful photos Jason. Living in Istanbul must be a photographers dream. All the interesting subjects for photos. Don’t you have a website to showcase your work?
Natalie recently wrote about..The Gallipoli Battle & Anzac Cove : A Poignant Reminder in Photos
the last picture is a sailor man school for the navy of the Anotolia side .. Very respectful school for over a century
lo also Bosphorus is not a river .It is a part that joins Black Sea and Marmara Sea.
Post edited alex
Natalie recently wrote about..My Entry Into Capture the Colour
I love these pictures! I thought that Istanbul, being such a bright and colorful place, wouldn’t be so photogenic in black and white; I was obviously wrong!
Si @ Man vs World recently wrote about..Cheap and cheerful things to do in London
I was a bit worried about making them black and white as well Si but they turned out well
Natalie
what great B&W photos. I often think B&W too but the temptation to do colour stops me doing the B&Ws. I am planning to go in September. I understand that is a good time to go. Never been and the place looks lovely. Your photos were very interesting and so were the places you showed.
Ray
Thanks Ray, glad you liked them. September is a great time to go but it is still quite hot so be ready!