Imagine a mosque that is not visited that much in a city where all corners are crowded with mosques. Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Mosque is one of a kind with its fabulous entrance as seen in the photograph. This is a very classical shot that is basically used by all agencies as a marketing tool. To see this shot please enter the courtyard from the front gate, where the domes of mosque and ablution fountain are beautifully framed by the arched gateway in unity and in symmetry.
This is another brilliant structure built by the imperial architect Sinan. This masterpiece is below the far end of the Hippodrome and like Rüstempaşa Mosque is famed for its superb Iznik tiles. Of course the tiles are not that popular. The only handicap here is that it's not allowed for people to take photos inside. The perfect harmony of the architecture especially flourishes when it is a rainy day. This is one of my most favourite mosques in the city where I find peace and harmony.
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
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"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
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The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
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"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
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"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
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The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
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"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
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"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
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"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
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The Istanbul "Naval Museum" is one of the best museums in Turkey - no, I think it's one of the world's most exceptional, and we're lucky to have it.
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The Istanbul "Archaeology Museum" is just huge. As someone who always visits these museums, these ones (there's actually three!) are a must.
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237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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