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My first memory of Karin Eaton was when we were invited by Kay West to interview some Mediterranean restaurant by Vandy. Kay knew that Karen was just like me, always game to review restaurants that were, you might say, slightly off the beaten track. I remember Karin dressed for the evening in a long billowy skirt and silk midriff top. The evening was rousing good fun, with belly dancers, incredible food and lots of wild and crazy Meds. I have had a special place in my heart for Karin ever since. (Hey, when you share a Hooka pipe with someone, that’s saying something.)
When Karin mentioned she was going to Istanbul recently, I knew we had to ask her to chronicle her trip. Not only is she an amazing photographer, she a real sleuth when it comes to places tucked away from the common traveler.
Seriously, get yourself a LARGE coffee because there are lots of photos to enjoy today. I couldn’t cut any – they are all exquisite.
Karen:
One of the nicest things about travel is meeting people, and meeting people often leads to happy coincidences. For example, this past winter, I met my new friend, Tijen, in Los Angeles at the Design Blogger’s Conference. As it turns out, Tijen lives in Istanbul, which is one of my favorite places on the planet. So, when Tijen suggested that I attend Istanbul Design Week, I didn’t hesitate.
Istanbul, considered to be the gateway to Asia, actually straddles Europe and Asia. This photo is taken from the Topkapi Palace and looks across the Bosphorus from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side of Istanbul. My husband, Robin, and I visited Istanbul 5 years ago. Knocked out by the magnificent mosques and palaces in the old town of Sultanahmet, we vowed to return. For this second visit, Tijen encouraged me to explore the Asian side of the city.
This elegant breakfast of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and simit (their traditional sesame-covered, ring-shaped bread) is a fantastic way to start the day.
Staying on the Asian side involves crossing bridges, which is where you come face to face with the reality of 20 million people all driving cars. Seriously snarling and stinky traffic that I have never encountered anywhere else.
However, staying on the edge of the Bosphorus is very soothing.
Just steps outside the lovely Hotel Sumahan begins the feast for the senses with this artful arrangement of figs…
A glorious haul of tiny cucumbers
These shiny little fish are called Istavrit and come right out of the Marmara Sea. They are lightly battered, fried and eaten whole. Yum!
Fat pomegranates ready to be juiced
Hanging Hookahs!
This friendly gentleman was happy to let me take his photo.
Ataturk founded the Turkish Republic in 1923 and his portraits are ubiquitous.
After my delightful morning stroll, Tijen came to pick me up to take me on a tour of the trendy neighborhood of Beyoglu. This exceptional view across the convergence of the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus Strait is on the terrace of the hip 360 restaurant.
Fantastic color dominates Cezayir Street as restaurants get ready for the lunch crowd.
Most of the boutiques in this area are independently owned and carry one-of-a kind, handmade pieces. This store carries clothes by the designer Cemil Ipekci.
This pretty shop window is at Bahar Korcan In Galata.
This young tailor at Antijen in Beyoglu customized 2 very fun dresses for me!
Magical antique store
The House Café was created by the Turkish design team Autoban
At the end of the day, ready for dinner, we head down to Galata bridge also known as Fish Restaurant bridge. It crosses the Golden Horn estuary to join Galata and Sultanahmet. Fishermen on the top and fish restaurants below.
Raki is the anise flavored drink favored by Turks and drunk throughout dinner. I found this utterly delicious with fish.
For our last few days, my husband, Robin, and I moved back over to Sultanahmet. It is such a pleasure to return to a foreign city and to have a base of familiarity with the people and surroundings.
We decide to commit a whole day to the fabulous Grand Bazaar (next time it will be a whole week).
We were enchanted with the discovery of this tiny store in the Bazaar. This old gentleman has been selling exclusively Victrolas for decades. When we entered his shop he was listening to Ella Fitzgerald!
This 9’x7’ store in the jewelry section of the Bazaar has specialized in watches from the days of Constantinople for 3 generations. The shop owner enjoys his lunch while we look around.
These fantastic silk Ottoman robes date from the 19th Century
The view of the minarets and dome of the spectacular Blue Mosque combined with the enchanting call to prayer remind us of the complexity of Istanbul’s 8000 years of history.
The combination of gritty and glamorous, ancient and modern, Asian and European combine to make Istanbul an exotic,romantic, and endlessly fascinating destination. We will return.
StyleBluprint tip: “Our friends at Belle Meade Vacations have some excellent itineraries to Istanbul and know the best places to stay. During a month with turkey on the brain, turn the bird into a trip, and discover Istanbul”
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12 Responses to “Trip to Istanbul”
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Hello Karin
Really wonderful. This is place I have longed to go. Thanks for such a compeling reason to make it happen. Best Susan
Hi Karin!! Not surprised to see that it was you exploring Istanbul! Thank you for such a wonderful tour..your pictures were wonderful and artistic, like you!! :)
Okay, Karin and Robin, i an utterly jealous. I can’t wait to go someday.
Karin,
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Istanbul for the first time this summer. It was SUCH a delight and I’ve truly fallen in love with it. Your pictures were a fantastic journey back. I especially identified with your last photo and comment… I spent some time overlooking the city and listening to the’enchanting’ call to prayer, thinking of the massive amount of history experienced in that city. Thanks for sharing.
Those pictures are absolutely amazing- I will have to add this place to my Bucket List now!!
something new to add to my dreams………..I am on that plane right now!!!!
I really enjoy seeing the joy travel brings to ones life.I’d love to see more around the world ventures from other people’s travels.
It excites me to see such beauty in Karen’s photographs!
Hey Karin! I just happened upon this today! What a happy surprise! My wanderlust is lusted up
with these delving and delicious shots. I want a victrola.
I’m forwarding to Lilli and my aunt and uncle who traveled to Turkey in the last year!
Love – Cora
We have just returned from Istanbul about 2 weeks ago… Cindy with Belle Meade Vacations planned the trip and the guide service, Sea Song Company. My all time favorite place was Hagia Sophia. I have been wanting to go there for about 35 years and I was amazed !! It is a true delight as are the figs and the pomegranate juice squeezed fresh by street vendors…
Beautiful photo essay…my husband and I went to Istanbul and Greece for our honeymoon. The photos brought back fond memories. It is a beautiful and exotic place.
Thank you for sharing your trip….it looks wonderful over there….I’m ready to go!
David
Karin, this fills me with admiration, wonder and envy. Not to mention longing. Alas, I have been very near that magical city but never entered it — I got no farther than Kusadasi.
Your photos are elegant. Like you.
My Dear Karin:
I m so sorry I missed your article until this time. And thank u so much for letting me know about it. It is really wonderful how u ve tried to summerize everything about İstanbul. It is a huge city and many things to put into writing. But by your creative and enthisuastic vision I can see it is not hard. And I m really flattered that u ve started your article with my picture. Your presence in İstanbul Design week and at the bloggers meeting was so special for me. U gave me such positive energy that my days passed with u in great joy! I really do hope that u come back here with Robin soon cause we will continue to show u some hidden treasures in İstanbul. As u know there is no end to it:) I m also looking forward to come to Nashville with Barış one day and write about your nice city and sweet people…I m so happy that I met with you probably one the very best thing what bloggers meeting in LA provided me was to meet with you!!! Thx again for your great article about İstanbul! I m looking forward to read your blog posts. I really enjoy to read your genuine writing… Love, Tijen