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So you’re planning for an adventure. You have Europe in mind, but your bank account
doesn’t agree with you. Plus, as a novice traveller, you want an adventure to a place that
does not require any instant noodle cooking back in the hotel room. Most important of all,
you want to have a good time and probably learn something new.

Well, surprise, surprise, what you are describing is Turkey, and where else in Turkey does the
magic happen other than Istanbul!

Credit: giphy (http://gph.is/1it8qO3)


Where to Stay?

Ok, first thing’s first. You need a place to stay. There are 2 famous areas in Istanbul that
come to mind when you talk about traveling in Istanbul, namely Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu.
These two areas are almost neighbouring each other, separated by the Golden Horn, a river
valley that connects with the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. Depending on what type
of person you are, you might have a tendency to choose either one.

Sultanahmet

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2-Golden_Horn_and_Sultanahmet.jpg?x15382)

Credit: By User:Simm (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via


Wikimedia Commons

Sultanahmet is the more historical area of the two and the main advantages of staying in a
hotel in Sultanahmet is that it is closest to most of the famous tourist attractions such as the
Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, etc.

However, the downside of this is at night, the area sort of goes to sleep along with the
tourists. If you are not a night owl, or bringing along your family during your travel, this is the
neighbourhood for you.

Beyoğlu

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/4833437190_b8339fec56_o.jpg?x15382)Credit: Kevin Jaako
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaako/4833437190/in/album-72157624765684812/) on Flickr

Beyoğlu is the modern part of Istanbul famous for its restaurants and cafes as well as its
nightlife. It’s also home to Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata area with its famous tower, Istiklal
Caddesi, etc. If the nightlife, shopping and food are your thing, this is the area for you.

The area is basically alive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but if you’re worried about the
noise, the hotels are located away from all the hustle and bustle of the nightlife, albeit within
walking distance.

If you ask me which area would I choose, I’ll answer both. It is after all, an adventure. Try out
both places. If you have a week in Istanbul, you can maybe spend the first 3 days in
Sultanahmet before relocating to Beyoğlu.
10 Must Visit Attractions in Istanbul

1. Aya Sofia

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/4-
Aya_Sophia_muzieum.jpg?x15382)Credit: By Arild Vågen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Antalya Istanbul Bursa

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Built by emperor Justinian as the greatest church of the Byzantine Empire, the Aya Sofia or
formally known as the Hagia Sofia was converted into a mosque after the conquest of
Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire. It is now a museum and a one of the greatest
landmarks of Istanbul.

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hagia-Sophia.jpg?
x15382)Credit: Jorge Láscar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jlascar/8291196158) on Flickr

Location: Aya Sofya Medanı, Sultanahmet


Opening Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm (Summer schedule from 15 April – 25 October), 9:00am –
5:00pm (Winter schedule from 25 October – 15 April)
Entrance Fees: 40TL
Website (http://ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr/en)

2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/15865402297_eac477fa86_b.jpg?x15382)Credit: Tobrouk
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/tobrouk/15865402297/in/photolist-qaYkmV-5a4Ks4-8tZsie-66NYYR-WZqyB2-
8S1FoV-6SYyb6-nJGo2C-p944CE-aBGzXL-ExHsVp-fG5CWS-iWDuzV-4Ttkbb-meYJN-4nW1f9-5mbNUA-
s8qfAq-7U2FWQ-pDRDZ-BcWagw-caKaqj-psDUiX-y2a1p-5xabKi-7SDGGs-qqY6qS-qpptTz-5NY5ph-7SEBbE-
4UDpTd-7SAh3i-9Rt3ib-bQJzVe-oeAYJR-6nF2bb-5NTYYR-a375pr-kxi2cb-q7Y5bK-aBGAqs-atgVBT-9qdtHJ-
aBGAzj-aBDVhe-aBGA2s-4xumJF-aBDVFk-8rbMGt-6FJz8H)on Flickr

The Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet 1st from 1609 to 1616. The nickname “Blue
Mosque” comes from the interior decoration of the mosque that consist of tens of thousands
of blue Iznik tiles. Muslims are welcome to pray in the mosque, but for non-muslims, visiting
is only allowed outside prayer times.

Location: At meydanı, Sultanahmet


Opening Hours: 8:30am – 11:30am, 1:00pm –  2.30pm,  3:30pm – 4:45pm (Daily). The Sultan
Ahmet Camii is still a working mosque, and is therefore closed to tourists during prayer time.
In general, the opening hours of the Blue Mosque Turkey are from 8:30am  until one hour
before dusk each day, excluding 90 minutes each prayer time, and two hours during Friday
noon prayers.
Website (http://sultanahmetcamii.org/)

3. Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/6-Imperial-Hall-with-the-throne-of-the-
sultan_Topkapı-Place.jpg?x15382)

Credit: By Gryffindor (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Topkapı Palace was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century. Located beside the
Bosphorus, this palace is where the Ottoman Sultans ruled over their empire until the 19th
century. It is a stunning display of Islamic architecture.

Location: Babıhümayun Caddesi, Gülhane Park


Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:45pm (Winter season, between October 30th – April 15th) ,
9:00am – 6:45pm (Summer season, between April 15th – October 30th). Closed on
Tuesdays and on certain religious holidays.
Entrance Fees: 40TL
Website (http://topkapisarayi.gov.tr/en)

4.  Basilica Cistern

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/4086669134_a019bec2c1_b.jpg?x15382)Credit: Clint
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/amberandclint/4086669134/in/photolist-7e8fmE-iw9tE-euKd7K-48Sa52-
C91oC-PW3Wa-quTr7v-99u8ew-5AJbWH-qzwzGV-9ugijM-RNQvXV-5ANqvo-vNBaYU-5AJ9Ez-fDCCz2-
5ANpc3-5AJbu8-5ANrY1-5a2ggf-5AJaxn-FPzssm-ea68SD-s9LvTJ-5a2g5W-au3cKG-5ANpRm-5p6hHZ-
9Wd9Fp-mCatX2-5AJb6x-59X3An-d7nxmo-tgt2D-BsBUL-HaaXF-g46iuM-ce93Tb-wHiU4L-g46m2Q-d7nzom-
48S7Tv-oR4nok-buKQCa-59X36H-eDGbj-9ugige-aWFYzg-9Wd9Vp-9WfZ5E) on Flickr

The Basilica Cistern is a huge underground hall supported by 336 columns in 12 rows. It was
once used to store the imperial water supply. It was built by Emperor Constantine but only
finished during Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.

Location: Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet


Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00am – 5:30pm (Winter) and 9:00am – 6:30pm
(Summer). It opens at 1:00pm on first days of religious holidays and on January 1.
Entrance Fees: 20 TL
Website (http://yerebatan.com/homepage)

5. Galata Tower

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/8-Galata-Tower-in-Beyoğlu-district.jpg?x15382)

Credit: Cristian Viarisio (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tesking/4080191066/in/photolist-7dy3DQ-cPTmDm-


cPTH9y-dwmWUg-bHhyS6-vdYQx1-3bixp3-5sptSB-7zC8o4-bF8fdu-egf9WY-vdYRa3-fz69T5-ozcPQN-
88qeGs-5sWGB2-pdQK6n-ssyk8C-ru2Sfv-vQ8htb-4gujSH-f1EEJ-4NWgY9-gmHBTV-5FYxcU-ghgtu8-4qwZ7M-
dWav1Z-pFZtNw-8vTXNg-ezJcV-8WeQQz-5qg5dh-TjFjY-cRk8jd-6ZfU9u-d7ne8S-6unGZi-MUWjE-pNaNJG-
6oe2nf-nBmnX2-71TCyQ-4nRHg8-5SthSG-5SoY5n-6JsoSn-9v62Rm-pJBBm8-9UT7yg) on Flickr

Get a birds’ eye view of the city of Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower, located in
Beyoğlu. Built in 1348, the tower was part of a sub city belonging to the Genoese that
stretched all the way to the Bosphorus .

Location: Beyoğlu
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Entrance Fees: 19TL

6. Istanbul Archaeology Museums

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/9-The-Alexander-Sarcophagus-found-at-the-
Necropolis-of-Sidon.jpg?x15382)

Credit: Gürkan Sengün [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0


(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

This huge museum complex that’s equivalent to the British Museum brings together


historical artefacts from Turkey and throughout the middle east while sweeping through the
vast history of the region.

There are 3 main sections, Museum of the Ancient Orient; the main Archaeology Museum;
and the Tiled Pavilion of Mehmet the Conqueror. Expect to spend a good part of a day in this
area.

Location: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu, Gulhane Park


Opening Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm daily
Entrance Fees: 20TL
Website (http://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr/main_page)

7. Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/8683029891_ca14b4d493_b.jpg?x15382)Credit: Mattia Panciroli
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtpancio/8683029891/) on Flickr

For the shopping “kaki’s” the Grand Bazaar offers a wide range of Turkish local products. It is
basically the world’s first shopping Mall and takes up a whole city quarter.

Location: Beyazıt Meydanı, Beyazıt


Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm. Closed Sundays and bank holidays.
Website (http://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org/)

8. Süleymaniye Mosque

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/20905165_113879562612928_984895799802462208_n.jpg?
x15382)Credit: mirzaasakic (https://www.instagram.com/p/BYauKZzhoY0/?taken-at=336842028) on
Instagram

Not to be mistaken as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque or the Blue Mosque, the Süleymaniye
Mosque sits on the hill above Sultanahmet district. In its garden area lays an interesting
Ottoman cemetery, home to the tombs of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife
Haseki Hürrem Sultan, also known in the west as Roxelana.

Location: Süleymaniye Caddesi, Beyazıt


Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00am – 5:30pm, closed during prayer times for visitors
Website (http://www.suleymaniyecamii.org/en)

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9. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/turkishmuseum2.jpg?x15382)

Credit: islamtoday (http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-236-4943.htm)

A visit to Turkey is incomplete without learning about its arts and culture. Housed in the
palace of İbrahim Paşa, who was Grand Vizier for Sultan Süleyman, it is a must see when you
are in Istanbul. Turkish carpet collections, exquisite ceramics, calligraphy and wood carvings
are on display here for your viewing pleasure.

Location: At Meydanı Caddesi, Sultanahmet


Entrance Fees: Adults – 20TL, Child under 12 – free
Website (http://www.tiem.gov.tr/)

10. Dolmabahçe Palace

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/21294791_475251742856760_2538310626665562112_n.jpg?
x15382)Credit: victorhupe (https://www.instagram.com/p/BYgwJFIFdqI/?taken-at=385917118) on Instagram

Built by Sultan Abdul Mecid I in 1854, the Dolmabahçe Palace replaced the Topkapı Palace
as the main residence of the Sultan. Unlike the Topkapı Palace, it clearly portrays European
influence in its decorations and architechture.

Location: Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş


Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm, closed on Mondays and Thursdays
Entrance Fees: 40TL
Website (http://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/portalmain-en/default.aspx)
10 Quintessentially Turkish Cuisines You Must Try

1. Turkish Breakfast

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/21296502_1963350163948631_8104325214189387776_n.jpg?
x15382)Credit: tasty_trips (https://www.instagram.com/p/BYiBDa8H9Yy/?tagged=turkishbreakfast)on
Instagram

For the complete Turkish experience, spend some time having a Turkish breakfast in the
morning. It usually consists of tea, bread, white cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, butter,
honey, jam and an omelette or boiled egg.

The most common and recommended place to have a Turkish breakfast is along the
Bosphorus coastline areas such as Bebek, Rumelihisarı where there is a huge choice of
establishments.

2. Simit

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Secak-Simit.jpg?x15382)

Credit: gul-imekan (http://gul-imekan.blogspot.my/2013/11/sokak-simidi.html)

Simit is Turkey’s answer to the Bagel. It can be practically bought everywhere from early in
the morning where you can hear street vendors strangely call out “Secak Simit! Secak simit!”
(hot Simit! Hot Simit!), yet, the simits are rarely even warm. But that’s not a bad thing since
they are usually eaten at room temperature.

3. Pide

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/21227151_1433678540055629_5845692532737966080_n.jpg?
x15382)Credit: miss_coconut16 (https://www.instagram.com/p/BYgXxXYACsl/?tagged=pide) on Instagram

This oval shaped bread comes in different styles and toppings with Kaşarlı Pide (melted
cheese) and Sucuklu Pide (melted cheese and spicy sausage) among the most famous of
them. Plain pide is also used in other dishes such as kebabs.

4. Iskender Kebap

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/19598581_670319996497084_7546657103462298172_n.jpg?
x15382)

Credit: Aç Gezgin
(https://www.facebook.com/acgezgin/photos/a.622431081285976.1073741828.622424027953348/6703199
96497084/?type=3&theater) on Facebook

There are a lot of types of döner kebap, but my favourite one is Iskender Kebap. Thinly
sliced döner meat is server with pieces of pide, a kind of pita bread. The pide pieces are
dressed with butter and tomato sauce with yoghurt served at the side. Dip the döner slices
and pide together with the tomato sauce and yoghurt and you’ve got a ticket to food
heaven.

5. Lahmacun

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/21148150_151102332140863_4610673741880360960_n.jpg?
x15382)Credit: eat_drink_fun_travel (https://www.instagram.com/p/BYgRXg5ADiM/?tagged=lahmacun)on
Instagram

This is my favourite dish, on a budget due to the fact that they are relatively cheap and also
filling. Also known as the Turkish style pizza, Lahmacun consists of a thin piece of oval pide,
topped with ground meat, onions, pepper paste, sometimes tomato, pepper, parsley, and
spices. It’s usually served with a salad and lemon on the side.

6. Börek

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/14520490_1331905233487044_1473228428473050152_n.jpg?
x15382)

Credit: Zaiqa.com
(https://www.facebook.com/zaiqacom/photos/basw.AbrGgVx4GBP0l1FgL1AeAdb65uN_U1TFRDPK7pDr5k5z
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type=1&opaqueCursor=AbpY3bDMwrQDLnQjc2HIqro8K0s6ywdDuJIvwCNMrtfwe0UqcHECra2niEkjT1DV9Z-

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KKPBv6WYaSUzsGFQz2IrABjuNnSgY7KBcQHb0RhM5FUCH5xXkjwXN6v3D3ao8&theater)on Facebook

Börek is made up of several thin layers of flaky pastry and filling. There are different types of
fillings to choose from such as spinach, cheese and minced beef. Locals have this particular
dish for breakfast or for a quick lunch. There are also variants of this dish such as Çibörek,
kalem böreği, Su böreği and a few more that you must also try.

7. Balık ekmek

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/11150189_997514393601290_6486668300399341698_n.jpg?
x15382)Credit: Turkish Tukka
(https://www.facebook.com/turkishtukka/photos/basw.AboCZyvPYNX6BWUfyCWjGCbJE1UOLvsk7N6lZyvrBc
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ul8t5XrZvnrm4NLYtoEHAhjD8bX2SWSPVQpuATIADUbcJO8w94ljiBRuz0mGsyjNMorHx18kFvQ6_kSzkf_a6p
kIl145NSms46ytQaDF-xNpow-wmrmB5eORpCfYpjdqu9xl9F-fn4N3af98kPIqfAxUwYtAKXNHoKzc2r97DwIXc-
GhyMIQHHo9vnOTIscRUG8FilhGs7pZpxLHjko_7g02Oym7EsHLvxhhaZBSyb0EJtWafK3QTKp30VRM9TB-
3DJKbKcTbROfBmD3DC3CdNgv1u8YearDU25RHGPbHBTA_NyC8UoA7oxL2p8yxx1C_fFSNR8DISTrmPVxwG
a0LGOoYMt2d5Rr-4IaNJrKMCUv2YMOp4Rk40XD-
PM7_3unEZU6KEUPANS0LvcIGqtPXXtectOr8OrDPqY3CZtHeUcBm-
31kFUlf26NQKaYwQiR9hrh4u8FfqiO5mX-7XUmSJgsBpYnQ&theater) on Facebook

Literally translated as fish bread, it is basically grilled or fried fish stuffed in a large piece of
bread. A popular spot to find this fast food is at Eminönü, on the shore next to Galata Bridge.
Suitable for its close proximity with the sea, where fresh fish is caught everyday.

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8. Mantı

(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/22-Mantı-with-tomato-sauce-and-yogurt.jpg?
x15382)

Credit: Nurettin Mert AYDIN (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nurettin/4553866221/in/photolist-bTHBo-


8Ap63b-6pAg7n-dFjNJP-qoumM-bKvD1V-8AkZF4-yFgcmx-7WpKLR-dR2v5c-9uLBVK-9uPC75-9uLC36-
N4ogG-aECddV-apJhNW-6cb9SM-5gqNZZ-zVZi6) on Flickr

Often called Turkish Ravioli, Mantı is a hot dumpling dish served with cold yogurt and garlic.
The dough is made of flour, water and salt, but sometimes eggs are added to increase the
flavour. The filling usually contains ground beef or lamb, onion, salt and pepper. It is served
with yogurt, garlic and tomato sauce cooked with butter, while topped with spices. Imagine
digging into one of these for lunch.

Famous places to enjoy Mantı are Casita Mantı Nişantaşı in Şişli, Fıccın in Beyoğlu, Emek
Mantı in Yeniköy, Bodrum Mantı in Arnavutköy, and Aşkana in Ulus.

9. Sütlaç

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/18447030_1654482897899995_3190855369571332678_n.jpg?
x15382)

Credit: Lavanta Cake Shop (https://www.facebook.com/lavantacakeshop/photos/basw.AbobTP7c-


evzFyk4cH0jQ-_Km190Jr3Rq7sJtt_4O_1JSI9-
nCgcHN3T3mUY3gm6eN37aYgxJIv_40AVq9hKf4oBpR9bX2f5wAHppiKx3fEXKMBU4hp9Sa09K-
m9k5wqXxFy7nkHB6QIN0d6RLtElk3TnbEus5-KfDmg2Cg5Re3-
9w.467085533673383.676964719109673.1401206886624779.1662616810439605.1243483059075823.143
2246703456970.1654482897899995.804908949670990.455184281515185/1654482897899995/?
type=1&theater) on Facebook

Also described as the Turkish baked rice pudding, Sütlaç has become my number 1 dessert
since I set foot in Turkey. The main ingredients are rice, milk, vanilla and egg. Although
baked, the dessert itself is served cold, suitable for a hot summer afternoon. Sütlaç is easily
available in most restaurants in their list of desserts.

10. Ayran

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(https://d2iq9gqtfwsete.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/23-Fresh-Ayran-in-copper-cups.jpg?x15382)

Credit: bnhsu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bnhsu/15504881843) on Flickr

Ayran is a yogurt drink made by mixing yogurt, water and salt together. The drink is served
cold and fresh in restaurants or you can also get it in supermarkets. But for those
unacquainted with Turkish cuisine, Ayran is an acquired taste and you might or might not like
it at the first taste.

Note: I think it’s important to know that while meat sold and used in restaurants are halal
and most of the restaurants do not serve alcohol, specialty restaurants particularly the
meyhane restaurants serve alcohol along with Mezze and traditional dishes. Meyhane
restaurants are places where the youth hang out and catch up with friends. Kind of like the
Mamak restaurants in Malaysia. So, use your own discretion when visiting these restaurants
or avoid them if you are unsure. Once you have that sorted out, you are free to sink your
teeth in!
A Last Word

Istanbul and Turkey as a whole holds a wealth of Islamic history through the Ottoman
Empire. A visit here will make one proud of the what Muslims had achieved in the past.
Istanbul surely is an adventure well worth the journey!
Want to know more about Turkey?

I'd rather go elsewhere. OR Yes! Itineraries and places to visit please!

310 1400

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