Zekeriya S. Sen

Istanbul

Spotter since 2010

About me

About me
I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries.

Why Istanbul?
Because Istanbul is unique...
Athens, Alexandria, Antioch, Rome, or those that have come after, such as Baghdad and Damascus... These are cities with mono-culture, cities that do not host a historical continuity or multi-cultural component.

In the 17th century no city could compare to Istanbul. Istanbul is "The City” (sehr-i yegane), peerless and unprecedented. That is why Napoleon said, "If the world was only one country, Istanbul would be its capital".

Pierre Gilles, who came to Istanbul in the 16th century to research the topography of ancient objects and structures, and whose work is still a primary reference, has this to say at the beginning of his book: "All the other cities are mortal, but I think Istanbul will live as long as mankind exists.". A Chinese writer refers to Istanbul as 'the city of cities'.

Anna Comnena, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor, who meticulously described the Istanbul of her day in her renowned chronicle of her father's rule, called this city 'the queen of cities.'

We call it 'the legendary city'.

Where else can you find me online?
www.tikabasamuzik.com
Flickr

My spots (58)

Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque

Enlightenment

The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 4, 2025

Fenerbahçe Steamboat

Now in the past

The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant

The best haricot bean

"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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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Holy Fragrance sellers

Various perfumes

"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.

002-building
Art & culture
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Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

The Shoe-shine boys

A unique experience

"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!

002-building
Art & culture
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Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Grand Bazaar

Fat round evil eyes

"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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Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Simit

The Turkish Bagel

"Simit" is the delicious Turkish and Istanbul version of bagels. You can get them at the red stands all over the city. Try to get them hot!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

The Tortoise Trainer

Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey

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.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

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