kipsadventures: 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

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.