With two weeks in Istanbul I have got to know my way around and have felt safer and more comfortable here, I even gave directions to a tourist! The trams, metro, and boats make it very easy to get around and visit different districts, and the warm weather makes it comfortable to stay out late in the evenings. This is a city that doesn't sleep much, with most cafes and restaurants closing after 12 even on weekdays. My second week in Istanbul consisted of visiting a hamam (traditional Turkish bath), Dolmabahçe Palace, and shopping in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Çemberlitaş Hamamı was an interesting experience. I went inside the communal steam room with just a towel on not knowing what to expect. First I laid flat on the marble and relaxed in the hot room, then I was scrubbed vigorously with a dry cloth. I couldn't help thinking this woman must scrub at least 50 other women a day. Mountains of bubbles from traditional soap were poured on me, and then I was scrubbed once again. She then washed my hair and bathed me. I felt like I was being bathed like a baby, but it's the softest my skin has been in a while. I definitely recommend this communal scrubbing experience as a luxury treat using ancient methods.
Dolmabahçe Palace built in 19th century and was the administrative centre of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans residing there. Inside there is intricately painted rooms, decorated with ornate furnishings from around the world including chandeliers from England. Walking around the palace, harem, art gallery and clock museum took over 4 hours to give an idea of the size of the majestic buildings. You can spend hours looking at the walls in the grand hall which are hand painted with horses, war paintings, fruit, and balconies.
Visiting the palace feels like a strange time warp as it was built in the 19th Century, but has modem items like telephones inside, and is made more intriguing with the mix of Asian and European styles of decoration. It was interesting to learn how the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk stayed in a small room at the palace where he eventually died, and the long history of Sultans and their families staying in the palace before him.
Built in 1664, as part of the Yeni Camii complex, the Spice Bazaar is known in Turkish as Mısır Çarşısı, and sometimes translated to Corn Market. It is full of dried fruit, spices, tea, and tasty treats.
I also went to the Grand bazaar, a collection of narrow streets arranged in a maze, which was very busy, it was very easy to get lost inside. Most of the shops seem to be repeated, selling wedding dresses, jewellery, watches, bags, scarves at cheap prices. I'd definitely recommend visiting the bazaars but it's best to go with the company of someone who can speak Turkish.
It's been a fun second week in Istanbul full of shopping, walking, and a greater understanding of the lives of people that live in this mega city. Next week I will be taking a look at the classic ancient monuments of Istanbul.
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