We stayed in Istanbul for 1 week and left right before riots broke out not too far from where we were staying in the Old District. We were just blocks from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. We rented a charming 2 bedroom apartment that came with a generously sized bathroom, kitchen, dining room and living area. The modern conveniences were a nice touch. I'll look for the contact information and post here when I get the chance.
The trip was very different and I especially enjoyed the cuisine, although I'm pretty much burned out on lamb and kebab for a long time. We visited mosques, museums, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice market, and many other sights.
Hagia Sophia
One of the entrances to the Grand Bazaar.
Inside the Grand Bazaar.
I really liked the lamp shops....
Matt liked the brass and copper.
Looking at meerschaum pipes.
Wearing my new necklace from the Grand Bazaar.
Many trinkets and odds and ends.
More Hagia Sophia shots...
Cute stray dog. We were surprised at how many cats there were on the streets. They'd walk under our tables at restaurants, sleep on public benches, climb everywhere... Many stray dogs too.
Inside the Blue Mosque
Inside Hagia Sophia.
Restoration work... very tall scaffolding.
Intricate details everywhere.
Walking up to the second level of Hagia Sophia.
Under all the plaster were these very intricate tile mosaics. Very beautiful.
More photos to come!