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Turkey, and more notably Istanbul, has become an increasingly more popular destination for those looking to dip their tip into the Muslim world. It’s easier for Westerners to tackle the Turkish streets than catch a direct to Baghdad and wing it. The reason being, Istanbul lives up to its most clichéd description – where East meets West. And though there are a lot more mosques than churches, a lot more kebab than paninis and baguettes, the city is as forward thinking and cosmopolitan as a London or Rome.
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Food and Drink:
The Turks eat lamb and drink tea like there’s a halt on all other domestic products. Their intake of the two is quite impressive, and as a visitor, you’ll quickly realize your coffee expectations aren’t going to be met. But other than your traditional kofte and doner kebabs, Istanbul cuisine crushes it in the small plates dept. – mezes. Whether veggie based (i.e. Garbazo beans in olive oil, garlic, onion, parsley) or fresh grilled calamari, the array of plates shames the blue collar grub we consider “appetizers” in the states.
Since food can only make you full, it’s best to spend a little time talking about our more enjoyable source of sustenance – booze. The beer scene is lacking, but like their Greek neighbors, they’ve got an ouzo like bevvy that can give you a decent buzz. Yeni Raki, a clear liquorish flavored drink that’s served with a little water and ice. You can sip it, like most, or down it in one gulp and let things get weird on the streets of Taksim – the greatest area in Istanbul.
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Areas:
Taksim: There’s more energy in Taksim than any part of Manhattan I’ve seen. The streets are young, bar/club scene is somewhat welcoming (tips accepted), and if all else fails, you can just chill on some hookah and tea until 5am.
Old City: It’s where the sites are, the history is, and the know-nothing tourists spend breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll be there to cross off some items on the Istanbul bucket list, but don’t stay forever.
Asian Side: Those who can’t appreciate an urban area, just for being, well, an urban area, will tell you there’s nothing but neighborhoods on the Asian side. Sorta true, but they’re awesome neighborhoods. Kadikoy is the most lively of all.
Along the Bosphorous – A Saturday night along the river. Go there. Try and get invited to a boat party. Tell us about it.
List of Dos:
– Visit a mosque other than the Blue Mosque (though that’s a “must” too)
– Take a Turkish bath. Go mainstream on this one. Some of the sketchy establishments are like shower time at Sing Sing.
– Haggle at the Grand Bazzarr, spend an hour in the Spice Market
– Check out the Asian side across the Bosphorous
– Walk Istikal Street
– Don’t buy a rug.
