Istanbul City Pictures : Turkish Travel Blog

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.