These iconic images will make you fall in love with this multicultural wonder city.

After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and while we bloggers want to give you every bit of information we can, it is sometimes nice to let the lens do the talking!

I encountered so much beauty in Istanbul, that even though I was cold for the entire trip I wanted to be outdoors all the time!

One trip, a thousand pictures, and a million memories made

Why is Istanbul so photogenic?

There is beautiful architecture everywhere, clear signs of the Greeks and Ottomans. There is a certain flair in the air, an eclecticism. 

You will see colors; so many colors! Food markets bursting at the seams with colorful produce and spice racks overflowing with Istanbul’s finest herbs and spices.

Strolling through the city you will witness street art, majestic churches like Haya Sofia and mosques, and urban shopping streets.

Istanbul manages to marry the old and the new in a fascinating, vibrant package, one you can’t help but fall in love with.

My Istanbul photography post might just be enough to make you book a ticket!

But if you want to find out what to also do in Istanbul check out my Istanbul off-the-beaten path guide!

Istanbul Photography – The Majestic Hagia Sophia

What is there to say about the INCREDIBLE Hagia Sophia?

Also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom or Church of the Divine Wisdom, we are talking about an important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments.

It was built as a Christian church in the 6th century CE (532–537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I.

After the fall of Costantinople ( the real name of Istanbul) to the Turks in 1453, it was turned into a mosque and in 1935 into a museum.

Then in 1985 the Hagia Sophia was designated a component of a UNESCO World Heritage site called the Historic Areas of Istanbul

In 2020 though, President Erdogan made the controversial decision to convert the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque. It makes me wonder, where was UNESCO then?

Who could have the audacity to convert one of the most celebrated and influential monuments of Christianity into a mosque? And actually get away with it?

As you can probably tell, it is a bitter subject for us Greeks and Cypriots.

Bear in mind that the Blue Mosque is built directly opposite Hagia Sophia. Until the completion of Blue Mosque in 1616 the Hagia Sophia was the main mosque in the city. Its architecture directly inspired builders of the Blue Mosque and several others around the world.

The Beautiful Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque.

It is very much a functioning mosque, whilst also attracting a lot of tourists.

It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, and it is built opposite the majestic ( and VERY Greek) Hagia Sofia.

Istanbul Photography of Turkish textiles and patterns

Istanbul is known for its traditional rugs and textiles. Turkish rugs are made from only the most high-quality materials. Hand-spun wool and silk are the most valuable but you can also find cotton or wool-cotton combinations.

Bosphorus Cruises.

Choose from cruises along the river, or day trips to the Princes Islands,

The ferry also transports you from the European side, to the Asian side, so you can combine a beautiful cruise, with the crossing between 2 continents!

Istanbul Photography of Basilicas, palaces, and majestic architecture

Forever the melting pot of ethnicities, the architecture here is worthy of a spot in my Istanbul Photography.

The architecture is a fascinating mix  from Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman, and modern Turkish sources

From mosques, to churches, tombs, and palaces, it is a dream discovering this city step by step.

Food Markets

The food is delicious, so it comes as no surprise that the food markets, like the Kadikoy Food Market, are bursting with smells, colors, and culture

The Grand Bazaar – Instanbul Photography

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world! There are 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops that attract between close to half a million visitors per day!

Istanbul Photography by Night..! What a sight!

Incredible sunsets, especially by the Bosphorus!

The crossing from Asia to Europe – Istanbul Photography

The only city in the world that belongs to two continents – Asia and Europe.

Sunsets in Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorous – Istanbul Photography

Costantinople, you are simply majestic!

I hope you have enjoyed this display of Istanbul Photography and mini guide!

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Love Tia x

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