About this experience
Eminönü and Karaköy are the birthplaces of Istanbul's history. Walking through them will feel like flying on a magic carpet into the past. Loud street vendors, some of the city's most beautiful mosques, a bakery from the 17th century, and the ruins of a slave market await you on this tour. As your old friend, I will guide you through these beloved neighborhoods and share non-trivial stories associated with them.
What to Expect
Splendid Mosques
In the New Mosque, I will tell you the story of how a simple girl from the Vinnytsia region became the ruler of a mighty country. And in the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, you will hear about the sultan Suleiman's son-in-law, admire the blue tiles, and decipher the concept of paradise in the Islamic world. We will also visit the Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque, built in the 16th century by Cervantes. I will reveal the circumstances under which the future author of 'Don Quixote' ended up in Istanbul.
Secret Places: Historical and Gastronomical
You will explore the ruins of the male slave bazaar, see the building where Russian merchants traded, and visit one of the three Orthodox churches in the city. You'll also uncover some gastronomical secrets of Istanbul. Learn where to taste the delicious balik-ekmek, 'wet hamburger,' and baklava. Optionally, you can visit a bakery that opened its doors in 1603 and still serves excellent pide – a Turkish version of pizza.
Fascinating Stories
What do Turkish porters have in common with the most famous type of beer in the British Empire that conquered the world? How did the term 'bridge' originate for a card game, and who persuaded the German author Raspe to write a tale about Baron Munchausen? How was Constantinople conquered by the Crusaders in 1204, and where did the Orient Express depart from a century ago? You'll uncover all of this on the tour!
Organizational Details
Food and beverages are not included in the tour price.
