Turkey · Istanbul · Karakoy

After Bodrum, we traveled to Istanbul. I first visited in 1999 while working for Carrefour, and later in 2004 to celebrate my 35th birthday with Unkle Sean. I spent a lot of time here in 2017, and Chris P and I were here for meetings with Global Port Holdings. The photos below are from their offices and a new large port development. I need to revisit to see the finished project.

Turkey · Istanbul

After our meetings, we walked the city. We started in Sultanahmet, the ancient part of town, home to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Turkey · Istanbul · Spice Bazaar

Turkey · Istanbul

Turkey · Istanbul · Grand Bazaar

Walking through the Grand Bazaar feels like stepping back in time.

Turkey · Istanbul

Turkey · Istanbul · Basilica Cistern

The House of Medusa is a restaurant I always visit. It’s right above the famous Basilica Cistern, and its sign mimics the Medusa Head anchoring a column in the cistern.

Turkey · Istanbul

Sunset Restaurant

I have been to the Sunset Restaurant several times. It’s a beautiful open-air place with Bosphorus views.

Turkey · Istanbul Dish Shopping

I like to purchase items to curate my home. I am especially fond of dishware as it’s decorative and can be used daily to evoke memories of my travels.

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet

Turkey · Istanbul

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet

Turkey · Istanbul

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet

I like rug shopping too. I have purchased many Turkish rugs over the years.

Hagia Sophia & Rug Museum

Storytelling in rug designs.

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet

Turkey · Istanbul

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet

Turkey · Istanbul · Basilica Cistern

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

Turkey · Istanbul

Turkey · Istanbul · Spice Bazaar

I love the vibrant colors of spice markets.

The Bospherous

Basílica Cistern

Another location of a James Bond film.

Hagia Sophia

Turkey · Istanbul · Sultanahmet

Turkey · Istanbul

Thursday, August 3

Turkey · Istanbul

Enjoying dinner on the rooftop of The St. Regis on our last night.

Friday, August 4

Turkey · Istanbul

Photo Montage

Thanks for traveling with TheHad🩵