a website for curious travelers
April 25 marks the day 100 years ago when soldiers from Australia and New Zealand landed on the beaches of Gallipoli in an (ultimately futile) Allied attempt to take control of the Dardanelles and Constantinople.
A couple of weeks exploring Turkey on a group tour let me see all sorts of amazing things. And left me wanting to return. Springtime Turkey itinerary Day 1: April 13 A First Glimpse of Read More …
Shopping is always a good way to spend a rainy day and the Grand Bazaar has been the place for shopping in Istanbul since 1461. Originally a place where merchants from throughout the Ottoman Empire Read More …
Istanbul’s Archaeological Museum is actually three museums, the Ancient Orient Museum, the Archaeology Museum, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum (the Çinili Pavilion). There is also a lovely garden filled with artifacts (and cats), but it Read More …
The Harem at Topkapı Palace is on my must-see list, not because of the romance and mystery associated with it, but because it is supposed to have stunning tiles. We all have our priorities. I Read More …
Topkapı Palace served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years (between 1465 and 1856) until Domabahçe Palace became the official residence. Established as the seat of government for the Ottoman Read More …
This is a gorgeous evening – not hot, but warm and humid enough to feel a bit sultry. It is a night that begs to be enjoyed. The Blue Mosque draws us in, moths to Read More …
The Blue Mosque was built early in the 17th century to rival the Hagia Sophia. Today it remains among the most splendid buildings in a city rich in magnificent architecture. Today the mosque’s courtyard bustles Read More …
We approach the ancient church of Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) – now a museum – from the grassy plaza that links it to the Blue Mosque. Inaugurated by the Emperor Justinian in 537, the “church Read More …
Out walking in the city, we pass a small – but elegant – monument (which will quickly become a key navigational landmark) and head for the plaza beyond. The open space around us was Read More …