Indian in Turkey (Istanbul, Hereke)

This is the main palace of the Ottoman Empire which was used by some 30 Sultans. That's a lot of history embedded. More than just seeing the building you should imagine/picturize how this place must have been over those periods - Ottoman empire was known for treachery and deceit even with the family. Reading a little on the web, before you go there will be very helpful. The commotion and chaos on the news that the sultan has been killed by his own son!

Being there early, 9am as the gates open helps. As time goes by many excursion buses bring people and you will have to wait in long line to see each item. Entrance fee here and in most other Istanbul places is about 20TL or 10eu.

Harem, the women's quarter in the palace is one of the main attraction we were told. So we went there first. There is a separate ticket to be purchased inside for 20TL or 10eu again! Reading about Harem on at least wikipedia before hand helps. Other than great tiling and colors of the various sections of Harem, you will be amazed how the Sultans were leading a polygamous life with around 5-6 official wives and large number of second line wives called Favorites and then of course the occationals. The Harem was operated by Eunuchs, cleaver idea as Sultans did not want their women to loose focus. Queen mother was supposed to head the Harem and many beautiful and intelligent girls from all over the empire were brought here to provide the best choice for sultan to continue his lineage.

The section that impressed me most was the one where prophet Muhammad's relics and other holy stuff from Mecca are kept. These were deposited with the sultans for safe upkeep as the empire was more stable and long lasting.

There are many other sections, such as, Treasury (royal jewelery), Dresses, Throne, Courtyard and place where sultan would break fast on Ramzan, Baghdad hall (on capture of Baghdad), Circumcision hall (wow!). The last one is very beautiful and well maintained. We wondered why such elaborate hall for such purpose, but were told that the royal household would have numerous princes, almost 4-5 per wife and hence there would be regular functions here.

Visit Konyali Restaurant (111 year old) at the far end of the Topkapi Palace, as you will find a beautiful view of the Bosporus river and the fort walls. read more here http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/kon…

Ayasophia is only a short walk from Topkapi. Infact just opposite is the Blue Mosque.

Ayasophia is a beautiful church from Byzantine period converted into a church. After you have seen the inner area, remember to take the ramp to go up the balcony to see different view, some good art and close look at the pillars which are beautifully carved.

This one is just across the road from Ayasophia and some what difficult to notice, unless you ask for it. There is good Tourist Information office when you walk towards this place from Aya Sophia. Pick up some useful information, the detailed map of Turkey could be very helpful, if you are planning more than Istanbul.

This cruise along the river upstream towards the Black Sea should not be missed. There are two versions 2-hour and 6-hour (with 3 hour lunch break on the Asian side). We took the shorter one as we had other things to do in the day.

Along the same tram line (along Divan Yolu) is a station called Eminonu, where you will find these cruise options. We were kind of shocked to find that the guy selling tickets was dressed in executive attire and talking top quality English! The trip was just 20eu and boats were clean and less crowded. There are high end options with cabins, but this one looked fine, given that the weather was great and temperature outside was 27 deg. C.

The Mediterranean blue waters and shoreline that shows all monuments of Istanbul was engaging. You will be served some Turkish Tea (be ready for a strong dose) and not much else on board.

We passed under two of Istanbul's bridges (suspension bridges) and the return was along the Asian coast.

Asian side is very residential, European side is business place and Golden Horn (also European side) is historic. Each of these 3 areas carry a very distinct style and activities.

This place is walkable distance from Kabatas station on the tram line.

The palace is in good state and you can get a feel for the life of Sultans who lived there in the 19th century and till the new Turkish Republic was formed in the 1920's.

English guided tours will help you understand and explore.

Two things that I found particularly interesting were (1) Hamam, the rooms where sultans took bath. The Alabaster marble was superb. (2) the grand ceremonial hall with its size, decor and opulence, that talked of the sultans might.

After the palace which is very near Kabatas station, we decided to go to Istikal Caddesi again. We were quite charmed by the first visit and wanted to take another stroll along this shopping street.

End of Istikal Caddesi, you will find that you are on a high ridge and can take the walk down narrow shopping streets. We walked further to find Galata tower (nice). All along there were shops with every kind of Muscial instruments and at the end we need to reach the tram station back (just the one after Galata Bridge).

Next morning we did some shopping in and around Grand bazaar.

Turkish Airlines completes our trip. An exotic experience of Greece and Turkey.