Exporing where East meets West in Türkiye

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Thursday, 23 April 2026 - Final day in Istanbul mixed Bosporus scenery with errands before departure. We cruised past palaces, mosques, and fortresses linking Europe and Asia, including Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy, Rumelihisarı, and Maiden’s Tower. Back in Galata, we explored streets near the tower and picked up a luggage strap before packing for the return to the United States.

Our last day in Türkiye. The only planned activities were a scenic ride on the Bosporus and finding a luggage strap to hold Cal's new $40 suitcase together on the trip home.

turkey2026 — A quiet farewell morning in Istanbul set the tone for our final day. The Bereketzade Ali Efendi Mosque that was just down the street a block away from our hotel. The mosque was built by Bereketzade Ali Efendi, the first commander of Galata appointed by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453 AD.

turkey2026 — We wandered the Galata neighborhood under gray skies before departure errands. Elegant buildings near the tower reflect Istanbul’s layered European and Ottoman influences.

turkey2026 — Rainy streets revealed tightly packed Ottoman row houses climbing the hillside. Many date back 50–200 years and still define the texture of old Galata living.

turkey2026 — The Galata Tower was built by the Genoese in 1348 as a watchtower to defend the city's walls and later served as a fire lookout tower. The tower stands approximately 207 feet tall.

turkey2026 — Cal in front of the Galata Tower.

turkey2026 — Small details of Istanbul appear everywhere, even in the pavement design. Evil eye motifs are embedded into the sidewalk as cultural protection symbols.

turkey2026 — The matrix menu of the sidewalk juicer. Fresh citrus is pressed continuously for passersby in the busy Galata district.

turkey2026 — We took a taxi to the waterfront for a scenic trip along the Bosporus by the tour company Dentur. Dentur was a company recommended by our guide, Mesut, and the cruise was excellent, the ship was very comfortable and informative.

This is the ornate waterfront gate of the Dolmabahçe Palace.

turkey2026 — The Grand Çamlıca Mosque on the Asian side in Istanbul. Completed in 2019, it is currently the largest mosque in Türkiye, with a capacity to hold up to 100 thousand worshippers. The design includes six minarets and a massive main dome, designed to be visible from much of the city.

turkey2026 — Çırağan Palace blends Ottoman grandeur with modern luxury hotel life. Once a royal residence, it now operates as the Kempinski Istanbul.

turkey2026 — The Çırağan Palace, was built by Sultan Abdülaziz between 1863 and 1867 and was formerly used as a royal residence before being converted into a hotel in 1991.

turkey2026 — The Beylerbeyi Palace that we visited on the first day in Türkiye. It was completed between 1861 and 1865. This is one of the palace's two bathing pavilions, which were historically separated for the harem (women) and the selamlık (men).

turkey2026 — The Ortaköy Mosque was commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I. Built in 1856, it remains one of Istanbul’s most photographed landmarks.

turkey2026 — A close look at the Neo-Baroque features of the Ortaköy Mosque. Its Neo-Baroque design reflects the Ottoman Empire’s late architectural style

turkey2026 — The historic Kuleli Military High School originally served as Ottoman cavalry barracks before becoming the oldest military high school in Türkiye. Following the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt, the school was closed and the building was repurposed as a museum.

turkey2026 — The Grand Çamlıca Mosque is so photogenic from the river. It is located on Çamlıca Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, offering panoramic views to both the European and Asian sides of the city.

turkey2026 — The historical mansion currently serves as the Consulate General of Egypt. Built around 1902, the structure is a notable example of eclecticism, blending Italian Neo-Renaissance styles with Ottoman influences.

turkey2026 — The Rumelihisarı fortress was built in 1452 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II to control the Bosphorus Strait and prepare for the conquest of Constantinople. The name "Boğazkesen" literally translates to "strait-cutter" or "throat-cutter," referring to its strategic position at the narrowest point of the strait.

turkey2026 — The Anadolu Hisarı, a 14th-century medieval Ottoman fortress, the Asian counterpart to the Bosporus defenses built between 1393 and 1394 by Sultan Bayezid I. It is the oldest surviving Turkish architectural structure in the city. It was constructed to control the narrowest point of the Bosphorus strait during preparations for a siege on Constantinople.

turkey2026 — The Küçüksu Pavilionwas commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I, was completed in 1857, and served as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.

turkey2026 — A brief break of sunlight reveals the European shoreline. Even under shifting weather, Istanbul remains layered and atmospheric.

turkey2026 — The Dolmabahçe Palace located along the European shore. Built between 1843 and 1856, it served as the main administrative center and official residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1856 until 1922. It houses the world's largest crystal chandelier, a 4.5-ton gift from Queen Victoria, and boasts 285 rooms and 46 halls.

turkey2026 — The Maiden's Tower located on a small islet in the Bosphorus strait. Originally built in the 5th century BC, the tower has served as a defense fortification, customs point, and lighthouse throughout its history.

The tour was exceptional, highly recommend the experience while in Istanbul.

turkey2026 — Back on land we returned to the hotel freshening up. Off to find a suitcase strap and shop for jewelry. We passed the Galata Tower and had to snap a picture.

turkey2026 — The street side as we walked toward the water.

turkey2026 — Small neighborhood grocers remain central to daily city life. Even in tourist districts, local markets continue traditional routines.

turkey2026 — The roof of the historic Tophane-i Amire building, originally constructed as an imperial armory or cannon foundry by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. The structure features a distinctive roofline with multiple lead-covered domes and smaller lantern-like cupolas, commonly found in Ottoman industrial architecture.

turkey2026 — The Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque constructed between 1580 and 1587 for the Grand Admiral Kılıç Ali Pasha. Originally right beside the Bosphorus and now several 100 yards away.

turkey2026 — The Tophane Pavilion was completed in 1852. It was originally built for the Sultan to use when visiting nearby military facilities or to greet foreign dignitaries arriving by sea. The two-story building features elegant exterior decorations and a baroque-style projection on the second floor.

turkey2026 — On the way back to the hotel, after successfully finding a luggage strap, we passed a sleeping kitty at a textile shop. Istanbul’s streets often balance commerce with unexpected stillness.

turkey2026 — Narrow Istanbul streets wind between steep historic buildings.

turkey2026 — The Crimea Memorial Church an Anglican church was built to commemorate British soldiers who died in the Crimean War. It was built in the Victorian Gothic style. The foundation stone was laid in 1858, and it was inaugurated for worship in 1868. It currently serves as a Church of England parish in Istanbul.

turkey2026 — A final touch of Cappadocia returns in souvenir form in Istanbul.

We headed back to the hotel and began preparations to return to the United States.

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