It is also winter in European Turkey and Istanbul, just like in Bulgaria. We therefore see the landscapes of the region northeast of Istanbul from our warm space in Milady.
Istanbul is a huge city with about 16 million inhabitants, many high-rise buildings and apartment buildings. We were here before in October 2012. Yet the city manages to surprise us again with diversity and atmosphere.
In this blog we also discuss the consequences of the earthquake in southeastern Turkey.
This is the route we followed through European Turkey and Istanbul.
The earthquake in southeastern Turkey
Despite the earthquake of February 6, 2023 in southeastern Turkey and Syria, we decided to continue our trip to Turkey.
The earthquake was (and there are still aftershocks) in southeastern Turkey. There was no physical sign of this in Istanbul. We did talk to people and noticed how they care about the fate of their compatriots. Some have been to the disaster area to help with the rescue, others are mainly concerned and still others are taking in family who have lost their homes. We also heard that there is a lot of donations, but also that people are worried and dissatisfied about the late start of the government’s aid. There are also concerns about the build quality and the way in which it is monitored and maintained.
The conversations with people we meet are usually not about this disaster, but the subject is often broached.
European Turkey
We cross the border from Bulgaria to Turkey at Malko Tarnovo. The border post is located at an altitude of almost 700 meters and the snow that has fallen here in recent cold days is still clearly present.
We have to get out to get our passports stamped, we get permission for 90 days stay in Turkey. The car must be registered at the second counter, it will also be stamped in my passport.
We are surprised by the amount of snow that is still on the fields here in European Turkey, the roads are now passable. We really did not imagine this from our entrance in this Mediterranean country.
The first night we spend the night in a picnic area near Vize, a quiet place on the edge of a forest. Our wool duvet keeps us warm in the cold night.
Istanbul
The route to Istanbul
From afar we can see the skyline of the metropolis of Istanbul.
We need more than 1.5 hours to drive through the suburbs of Istanbul and reach the old city in European Turkey. Traffic is busy and a bit chaotic here and there. Still, it’s not too bad for me to go with the flow into the city. The closer we get to the center, the busier it gets. In particular, the roads that branch from the main road, the Kennedy Cadesi, are completely full.
We found a camper place on the edge of the old town, opposite the IDO ferry port, near the soccer field of Yenikapi Spor. To get there you have to maneuver a bit and have the right map on your GPS. Our OSMand directed us wrong at first, but luckily the manager of the motorhome parking was willing to guide me to the right entrance. Here I still have to navigate through the city traffic, between taxis and minibuses. This resembles our previous experiences in Africa. (On the map below you can find the correct route to the motorhome, the orange motorhome symbol).
The old city of Istanbul
We take 4 whole days to explore Istanbul city. We do that mainly on foot. From the motorhome you can reach the old center in less than half an hour.
We were here before in October 2012, with Petra and Willem. Then we fully enjoyed this special city and visited many highlights. Everything was new, the city, the bustle, the people, the food, the mosques and the shops.
Mosques, markets and parks
Now we explore the city with our experience of the past years of travel. And, it’s winter, the tourist season hasn’t started yet. Many memories have faded and now we are again surprised by the diversity of the city. The large mosques, the old markets and parks, the narrow streets and the many different people immerse us in today’s Turkey.
The great mosques
In the Suleymani mosque we are extensively updated about Islam and the Koran by a young guide. The old bazaar and the spice bazaar surprise us again with the multitude of scents and colors. There is a lot of splendor and we also realize that a lot is being maintained for tourists from Turkey and abroad.
The two large mosques in the old city, the Sultan Ahmed (Blue Mosque) and the Aya Sofia are both worth a visit. Unfortunately, during our visit, the Sultan Ahmed mosque is closed for maintenance.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace surprises us again with the multitude of architectural styles and lavish decorations. Especially in the harem there is an exuberant exhibition of utensils of the successive sultans and their entourage.
Galata and Taksim
Our last day we mainly stroll through the city, we walk on Taksim Square and through the Galata district. This way we also taste the atmosphere of the new fashionable city with its rich historical influences.
