I have written about this magnificent city in Romanian, you may consult the post at least for the wonderful pics! I used to live there and to keep visiting it every time I had the opportunity. The Turks are very proud of it, the Greeks living in Istanbul are calling it “I πόλις” (I Polis, “the city”) as there is no other in the world, loving it more than more people can imagine. This is a post with new pictures and perspective for one of the most beautiful cities of the world. I was inspired by another post of someone a little bit famous but who understood nothing of it. I respect his opinion anyway, even so different from mine.
The famous Blue Mosque
photo courtesy Philip Greenspun
Famous for it’s mosques, Istanbul is the place where some of the world’s most delicious culinary delights can be found together!
Dining on Istiklal Caddesi (the Independence Boulevard)
photo courtesy Philip Greenspun
Some of the Americans can find it unusual, but they may stay at rest, Istanbul is a city full of McDonalds, Starbucks, Burger King’s, and they may successfully avoid the famous Beyti Restaurant, in Florya (the neighborhood containing a forest and the International Airport, in the picture below:
Restaurant Beyti, Florya, the head of states “favorited” restaurant in Istanbul
[source]
Beyti Güller, the founder, is a proudly photographed guy with most head of states or celebrities than a lot of people alive, interesting character, as you may see in the next pictures, all taken from the restaurant’s very poor made website.
Beyti with Lord Carrington, Margaret Thatcher and a Turkish official, I suppose 
[source]
I think, the site manager’s don’t know who the great majority of the captured personalities are, but that’s just personal. He may ask the owner, Mr. Güller, at least it would be better for the Turks to find out something concerning them.
With Li Xiannian, once China’s President, Beyti sporting here some masonic paraphernalia
[source]
Above, Beyti seems to have been running from another meeting, more secret, just to be captured with one of the “Eight Elders of the Communist Party in China”. This is a “grill meat restaurant”. Famous for it’s charcoal grilled chicken and lamb.
“Pilav Üstü Et döneri” – shaved roasted meat cooked on a vertical spit on buttered rice
[source]
They say it’s a king’s table
[source]
Let’s better continue with the famous eating the above dishes:
Beyti with Gorbachev!
[source]
Beyti with Carter!
[source]
This is the last “Beyti” pic, there are a lot on the site, without too many explanations, but that’s the spirit. Who cares? The most interesting fact regarding the city is that it is built on two continents. There is an European side as well as there is an Asian side. I prefer the European, and only in the following caption, you can see the Asian side, across Bosporus.
Fishing in Ortaköy
photo courtesy Philip Greenspun
This caption was taken from Ortaköy, a part of Beşiktaş, a famous European neighborhood. Asian side has it’s own beauty, feel free to explore it when you are going there. I like the people. They are relaxed even when they seem busy. They’re good together.
Waiting for Tram
photo courtesy Philip Greenspun
They’re good and normal, even tired. A mixture of nationalities living together with the visitors. I tell you they’re much better than the natives from the Mediterranean beaches. Less hassling in Istanbul.
Cruise Ship in Karaköy
photo courtesy Philip Greenspun
This pic is taken from the other side, the Asian. A lot of passenger vessels are visiting Istanbul during the whole year. This is an all season city. The next pic is of my favorite neighborhood, named Beyoğlu.
Beyoglu, over the Golden Horn
[source]
This pic is taken from Eminönü, the original Constantinople, over the Golden Horn. Beyoğlu, the neighborhood containing the Galata Tower and the Tunel, the oldest subway in the world, was called Pera, and was the Jewish neighborhood. There is, after you come out of the “metro”, Istiklal Caddesi (The Independence Boulevard), a pedestrian promenade, where the only transport may be assured by a small old fashioned tram.
The trams on Istiklal Caddesi
[source]
This is one of the most famous part of the marvelous city. It contains a lot of cinemas, bookstores, fashion stores and restaurants. There are some night clubs as well, but the trendiest are situated in other parts of the city.
Istiklal, again
[source]
One of the most cosmopolitan people conglomeration in the world, it is very peaceful in comparison with New York, for sample. It’s full of gold and shopping places. Other blogs are full of that, the bazaars and the mosques, I tried to show you a little of all and what I personally like most of all. If you may have a list to check, with cities to visit before you pass out, Istanbul is a must. I like Bombay too, quite a lot, but I like Istanbul more. Here you can breathe. That’s actually a metaphor, the air is as polluted as any other city with over fourteen million living people in it. But if you have a heart attack on the streets, you’re being taken care well. Here they care.
If you liked what you read, and for that I thank you for your patience, subscribe to this blog by Email and follow me on Twitter and on Google+. For a joyous day, check my pins on Pinterest
About the Author
