Istanbul, Turkey - Cihangir Culture, Shops and Food tour
Tour Places: 20Distance: 1.97 miTour Time: 2h:19m
Tour #1613
About this English self-guided 2h:19m walking tour in Istanbul
https://youtu.be/eA7SpoSA8yc
Hello! I'm Sue from Virginia, and my husband and I lived in Cihangir (pronounced chee HAN geer) for three months and learned all about the shops and little restaurants in the arts and antique district of the city. We absolutely loved our neighborhood and learned it inside and out while we were here. This tour starts a quick walk or tram ride from the tourist area and right arcross the street from where the cruise ships dock, but you'll quickly be in a fun and thriving area with very few tourists and the best antiquing in the city. Also an amazing bakery. And Sesame Street. The real one.
If you're riding the tram to the beginning of the tour, get on the tram that says to Kabatas, and get off the second stop after you cross the Galata bridge. It's just to the south of where the cruise ships dock. Tophane (pronounced toe-FAN-ee) means "cannon" in Turkish, and it was here that they once built all the armaments to defend Istanbul. That big, beautiful domed building on the water side of the road is a haman, or Turkish bath, and it still is in operation. It's just been renovated and is beautiful inside so if you want to skip the tour and spend your time relaxing there instead, I'll understand. But if not, cross the street and head up the hill on Boğazkesen Street to start our adventure.
A little bit about Turkish pottery and tiles. You've seen them for sale all over, and a lot of it is produced for the tourists. But the real stuff is made in the city of Iznik, or if you prefer the ancient Greek name, Nicea. The tile factories were built in the time of Suleyman the Magnificient and those tiles were used for the inside of his tomb, for the Blue Mosque, and lots of other beautiful places. They are hand painted and the tableware that is made there is fired so it's food and even dishwasher safe. The other stuff often is decals and isn't food safe. But I've brought you to the good stuff. Tarkan only sells work from Iznik and her prices are very good. Everything is hand-painted and signed by the artist. No bartering, but you know you're getting a good deal. You're welcome.