delights

church, it was later converted to a mosque by the Islamic Ottomans. For almost a millennium it boasted to be the largest enclosed space in the world, designed lavishly to show locals and foreigners the strength and wealth of the Turkish emperors. The stunning inside mosaic artwork testifies to that claim. Since 1934, this iconic sanctuary has been open to the public as a museum.

6. Grand Bazaar

You can feel the pulse of Istanbul when visiting the mystic Grand Bazaar, which is said to be the largest covered market in the world. There are around four thousand shops selling an array of merchandise from cheap souvenirs, homeware and delicious Turkish delights, to expensive handbags, carpets, shawls, scarves and shoes. It is a paradise for shopaholics. Also worth visiting is the nearby Spice Bazaar which has been the city’s premier spice outlet for several centuries.

7. Bosphorus cruise

Cruising in the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, gives visitors the opportunity to see a silhouette of

Istanbul from another perspective. Taking the cruise makes it possible to visit the suburb of Uskudar which lies on the Asian side, and offers far more Middle Eastern flavours than its European counterpart.

8. Galata Tower

The 1349-built, 61-metre high monument dominating the city’s skyline finds a place in this list because from the viewing gallery of this circular tower, one gets the best 360 degree panoramic view of Istanbul.

9. Istiklal Street

This is the city’s liveliest thoroughfare through which thousands trundle every day. The only vehicular movement breaking the flood of human activity is the slow passage of nostalgic wooden trams, which sometime stop service if the crowd is too thick to penetrate. Both sides of the street are lined with elite shops selling high-class accessories and jewellery, art galleries, cafes where discussions are vibrant, and passages dotted with drinking joints. Most of the buildings surfaced here at the turn of the 20th century under the influence of the art nouveau movement.

10. Cagaloglu Hamami

Without a traditional Turkish bath at a public bathhouse, a visit to Istanbul is incomplete. There are almost hundreds to choose from, but the best place to take a watery plunge is the Cagaloglu Hamami built in 1741. Here many renowned personages from King Edward VIII and Florence Nightingale, to John Travolta and Cameron Diaz have experienced the traditional practice. It is so famous and popular that American author Patricia Schultz’s has listed it in her popular book 1000 places to see before you die. The hour long exercise generally comprises of a steam bath, body massage, followed by a splash with bucket-loads of water, soap and shampoo, to bring a clean and happy ending to the ritual.

Main pic: Illuminated Blue Mosque

Top right: Topkapi Place Complex

Inside Hagia Sophia

trAvel notebook

I STANBUL GETTING THERE

Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) flies from major Australian cities to Istanbul via Singapore.

ACCo MM o DATI o N

Istanbul has no shortage of hotels to suit your budget. The Crown Plaza (www.crowneplazaistanbul.com) in the Old City is one option. Otherwise see www.expedia.com.au or www.booking.com for best deals available Cagaloglu Hamami: See www.cagalogluhamami.com.tr for address and pricing

Below from left to right; Bread making Galata Tower

Dolmabahce Palace Garden

Grand Bazaar

Delicious Turkish delights

Suleymaniye Mosque interior

View of the Istanbul skyline