Tuesday, May 1, 2012

random photos of istanbul, april 2012



one of the buildings on the hippodrome




the turks planted over a million tulip bulbs (100 different varieties) in istanbul.

we were lucky enough to be there during their tulip festival





the real thing (turkish coffee)

an apple tea


the turkish coffee master at work, shop was very tiny. you could be served inside or standing outside

lots of choices if one wants pickled veggies

a big bucket of grape leaves ready for making dolmas 

baklava

chocolate baklava

another roasted quince (paste) with a chocolate baklava, our snack



cute street near galata tower

galata tower, an istanbul landmark

people fish night and day from the galata bridge

some of their catch

nice view of the topkapi towers

we wandered into the rope making part of bazaar section 

selection of seeds

outside of lokum store, has been a family business for 4 generations

a selection of the home-made lokum, no artificial anything added to their lokum (turkish delight)


same store (hard candy)

spice bazaar


dried peppers and eggplants

The Armine store. Their head scarves and very pretty raincoats  are the hot item for muslim women and are gorgeous.

 water gate of dolmabahce palace. palace was right on edge of  water, fabulous spot

P
Palace grounds. Sultans moved here in late 1800's after they decided the Topkapi palace wasn't modern enough for them. They do a nice tour of the palace reception  and harem rooms. Rooms  were all done in a European style, frescoed ceilings and walls done by the Italians and French. Tons of gold leaf gilding, way over the top, glittering crystal huge chandeliers, glass items, paintings etc. Only things Turkish were the carpets and fabrics on the furniture. They wanted to display to the European world at that time that they had what it took to keep up and impress. 


palace grounds

more of grounds

such a deep gorgeous color

hagia sofia hiding behind here.
Great week long trip!

1 comment:

  1. Love all the bright colors! Chocolate bahklava sounds yuuummy!! Cool grape leaves and dense Turkish coffee.

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