Monday 9 November 2026, the first full day in Istanbul, over on the Sultanahmet side.
Sunrise, breakfast and pomegranate juice
A pink sky over the Golden Horn first thing. Then breakfast looking out over the city and, a little later, a fresh pomegranate juice.
On the way, the Sultan’s fountain, all carved marble.
Then a Turkish coffee with its glass of water.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is the Sultanahmet Mosque, built in the early 17th century, with its six minarets. The nickname comes from the blue Iznik tiles that cover the inside. Entry is free, but it closes to visitors during prayers. You walk through a tall gateway and the domes suddenly appear, framed by the arch. Clear blue sky that day, in the middle of November.
The Basilica Cistern, 336 columns under the city
Under the city there is a forest of 336 columns standing in water. This is the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan), built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian to store water for Constantinople.
Karaköy at blue hour
A giant Turkish flag covering a whole hotel front. Had to take the photo.
From the hotel in Karaköy you see the bridge and the mosque right across. Traffic noise mixes with the call to prayer. And blue hour only lasts a few minutes.
In the evening, off to the Galata New Galapera Restaurant. Mussels stuffed with rice, palamut (bonito), baklava and Turkish tea.
And Istanbul in 21 seconds.
