Istanbul City Pictures in Black & White

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

[wp_geo_map]

About
Latest Posts

Author

Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

Latest posts by Author (see all)

Pin87

Share55

142 Shares

Comments

Natalie says
at

Oooo – do came back and tell me about the Olive oil wrestling. Always wanted to see that
Albay Lori says
at

Natalie–having lived in Turkey the past two years, I absolutely have fallen in love with it just as you have. I have gotten many travel ideas from your posts, I have been inspired by your photography, I have become infatuated with this amazing country. I do not want to leave!

Thank you for sharing your talents via your blog–I look forward to each and every one!!

Oh, and it is off to Edirne and the Olive Oil Wrestling this weekend ….. can’t wait!!
Natalie says
at

Thanks Ray, glad you liked them. September is a great time to go but it is still quite hot so be ready! 🙂
Ray says
at

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
Natalie says
at

I was a bit worried about making them black and white as well Si but they turned out well
Si @ Man vs World says
at

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!
Natalie says
at

thanks Sinan – great reading
Sinan007 says
at

Sorry, here is the link . . . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuleli_Military_High_School
Sinan007 says
at

Here is an extensive info.about Kuleli Military High School on the Bosporus.
Natalie says
at

Post edited alex
alex says
at

lo also Bosphorus is not a river .It is a part that joins Black Sea and Marmara Sea.
alex says
at

the last picture is a sailor man school for the navy of the Anotolia side .. Very respectful school for over a century
Natalie says
at

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?
Jason says
at

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
Natalie says
at

You are welcome Cathy – glad you liked the pictures
Cathy says
at

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
Natalie says
at

You will have to plan a return trip – I have been three times now and it is always different
fatemeh says
at

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.
Natalie says
at

Thanks for the link Elif. I love the old picture on there from 1841
elif cagliyan says
at

Love the photos 🙂 the last one is Kuleli Military High School. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuleli_Military_High_School
Natalie says
at

I saw it on your FB page Lisa, many thanks for sharing. Much appreciated.
Rebecca says
at

WOW! Makes me want to come back!!!
Lisa @chickybus says
at

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.
Nat says
at

Thank you very much Arti – Those two are also my favorite as well. Glad you liked
Arti says
at

Extraordinary pics! Loved the monochrome!
All the pics are fantastic but I especially loved the Bosphorous cruise and the Topkapi palace.
Just amazing.
Pete says
at

Beautiful!! Love the shot of the simit vendor. I hope we get the chance to meet up while we’re here!!!
Natalie says
at

Glad you liked the photos Cherina – Plan that return visit very soon as you can never tire of Istanbul
Cherina says
at

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!
Natalie says
at

Thank you Cheryl, you should come one day. It really is a unique country
cheryl says
at

The more I read and see on your blog, the more I want to come to Turkey. Really beautiful photos too!
Natalie says
at

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
Pat Yale says
at

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.
Adrian B. says
at

Really nice shots and a great idea for taking photos on a cloudy weather 😉
dtravelsround says
at

These are great shots! Istanbul is such a photogenic city. Such great opportunities to capture a magnificent city.
Christy @ Technosyncratic says
at

Beautiful!! The photos work really well in Black and White – I love the one of the Blue Mosque… and the roasting nuts. 🙂
Bret @ Green Global Travel says
at

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!
Alex Berger says
at

Wonderful shots!
Natalie says
at

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
Natalie says
at

I was in two minds whether to publish in black and white Sherry as Istanbul is so colorful but it seems to have worked
lara dunston says
at

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!
Sherry says
at

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.
Natalie says
at

It is fascinating Clare – If you have not been before, I totally recommend it. Like you say, a blend of old and new
Natalie says
at

Hi Catherine – I was surprised as I was not really hassled by the carpet touts. Perhaps me and my friends look scary!! 🙂
Natalie says
at

Thanks Leonie – Very easy to photograph the streets as they are so characteristic
Natalie says
at

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
Clare Cheetham says
at

Love the photos. Istanbul looks and sounds really fascinating. Old and new, east and west.
Catherine Bayar says
at

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!
Leonie says
at

Amazing pictures! Love the streetview of Istanbul 🙂

designdizayn.blogspot.com
Jade - OurOyster.com says
at

Beautiful photo essay! I love black and white photos and the mood they create! Everything looks so timeless
Natalie says
at

When you are coming? Would you like to do a pre-trip interview about your travel plans?
Natalie says
at

Thanks Terry. I am always a fan of the black and white format. Should try to experience more actually.
Natalie says
at

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 says
at

Thanks Diana. Glad you like them
Natalie says
at

Thanks Lisa, I like that one as well. Total fluke that the bird was in the picture
Natalie says
at

Thank you Jack – Always there with support while i figure the whole photography thing out! 🙂
Natalie says
at

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
Natalie says
at

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…
Joy (My Turkish Joys) says
at

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!
Cynthia says
at

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!
EurotripTips says
at

Gorgeous! Can’t wait to visit Turkey.
Terry (Adventures in Ankara) says
at

Gorgeous in black and white! Fabulous shots Natialie!
Magi says
at

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
Natalie says
at

Snapped just at the right time with that one Sid!
Natalie says
at

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
Siddhartha Joshi says
at

I loved all the pictures, esp the galata tower with the bird in the background 🙂
Octavia says
at

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.
Natalie says
at

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.
Heather says
at

Hi Natalie,
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 :-(. Never mind I will get to see one day.
Natalie says
at

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
Simon Jordan says
at

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
Diana says
at

Beautiful, beautiful pictures!
Natalie says
at

Looking forward to reading about your visit Ali. April is not that far away
Natalie says
at

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 says
at

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 says
at

Thanks for letting me know Engin – time for some research. it looks like an interesting place
Natalie says
at

I am looking forward to reading all about your experiences Dayna. I am sure you will love Turkey
Natalie says
at

The rest of Turkey is just as great Abby. I can recommend the south west coast
Abby says
at

I love these photos! I had such a great time in Istanbul and want to go back and see other parts of Turkey.
Dayna says
at

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!
Jacqueline says
at

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
engin says
at

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).
Derek says
at

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 😉
Ali says
at

Great photos! Making me even more excited to go to Turkey in April!
Alan says
at

don’t think it’s ‘active’ these days – anyway, so photogenic, who cares?
Nat says
at

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?
Alan Fenn says
at

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.
Lisa says
at

Wonderful shots, I love them in B & W especially the Galata Tower.
Jack Scott says
at

These pictures are simply wonderful.
Nat says
at

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
Kevin says
at

ha, I’ve never seen someone dressed as Nasreddin Hoca! Great photos. Might that building be the old military academy on the Anatolian side?
Nat says
at

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
Nat says
at

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
Sandra says
at

Omg, soooo beautiful! Really amazing! Now I want go to visit Istanbul more than more!
phil + Di marina gateway says
at

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