About this experience
In just 6 hours, I will introduce you to the center of Istanbul. You will learn how it survived four Crusades and then became Turkish. We will see the Column of Constantine, the Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Galata Tower. We will have tea in a secret café at the Egyptian Bazaar, visit a mosque built by Cervantes, and find the oldest building in Istanbul. Along the way, we will uncover the history of Russian emigration and guess what Voroshilov is doing on the central monument of Taksim Square.
What to expect
From Byzantium to the Turkish Republic
To understand the essence of Istanbul, it's not enough to just wander through its beautiful streets. Let's rewind time back a few centuries: I will show you how the city began and how it changed era after era. You will learn about the foundation of Byzantium and the four Crusades. We will explore how and when the city became Turkish, how the creation of the Turkish Republic influenced it, and what Istanbul is like today. No dry facts, only tasty and seasoned ones!
- Why are Turks such desperate tea lovers?
- How do locals predict the weather for the day by the color of one of the towers?
- Where to try the famous hair soup and buy the most delicious baklava in the country?
- In the 18th century, how did Peter the Great's friend Menshikov accidentally enter the Sultan's throne room, and what came of it?
- And why is the Bosphorus called the Cow Strait?
City Center Walk
Starting from the Column of Emperor Constantine. You will see the first Ottoman bath, and I will tell you how it is connected to Mozart's name. At the Osman Mosque, you will learn why he wore boots with iron nails, and at the Suleymaniye Mosque—why Turkish women despise Roxolana (I will also show you the owl hidden here by an architect 6 centuries ago). Then we will stroll through the hidden streets of the Egyptian Bazaar and have tea at one of its most beautiful hidden cafes.
In the Karakoy area, we will visit a mosque built by Cervantes while in captivity and see the oldest building in Istanbul. I will show you secret photo locations near the Galata Tower, and I will take you to a historical shop that has been successfully trading exclusively in pickle since 1938. The tour will end at the Republic Monument in Taksim Square—by the way, how did Voroshilov end up on it?
Immigration of 1920
Istanbul is closely intertwined with the history of Russian emigration. I will tell you why Turkish restaurateurs lovingly recall those times, and show you where a Russian restaurant has been operating since 1924 (we will walk right up to the door). You will see the balcony where Leon Trotsky declared the beginning of the struggle against Stalin. And finally, you will peek inside the Passage, where Russian noblewomen traded flowers and fell in love with passionate Turks.
Organizational Details
This is a walking tour, and the city has many slopes: be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your convenience. We can stop at any time to rest and have a snack.
