The Sabiha Gokcen airport

My journey ends here: at the Sabiha Gokcen airport named after the first female combat pilot in the world. It is located on the Asian side, whereas The Ataturk airport is situated on the European side. Turkish flags proudly wave in the air and a cloudy sky says farewell.

Evil eye

You will see evil eye everywhere in Turkey, there are in the cars, homes, shops. People sell in the street little safety pins with evil eye on it. Still have mine in the pocket of the coat...

Time for Turkish coffee

Everyone knows that good coffee comes from the former Ottoman Empire.It is a big fuss about making it in a proper way, but it is not very complicated, although proportions are important.It is easy to make coffee too strong and too bitter. Usually, you don't drink coffee with your breakfast or lunch, but separately or with a piece of baklava. These beautiful porcelain is a popular gift for newly married couples. Believe me, coffee in this lovely cups just tastes better!

The fun fair

There are big shopping centres in the middle of housing estates. Lots of shops, outlets, bars and restaurants.Kifa-Tesco is popular with huge variety of vegs, fruits, cheeses, fish. You can find small cinema around and - like in this picture- a big fun fair full of lights. In some places, going to the shopping centre or the fun fair, is one of the most available entertaining option.

Colours of living

The land on the Asian part of Istanbul is mostly covered by houses, blocks of flats and villas where people live but commute to work on the European side. There are little tea houses,cafes,local shops and big shopping centres. The new mosques are still built and their shapes diverse the architecture of countless houses.

Young population?

The population of Turkey is young, it is said that the people in their late twenties is the biggest demographic group in Istanbul. The centre of the city gets very busy in the evenings with vibrant clubs, restaurants, bars and lots of young people around.

Shopping, Istiklal Avenue

A bit of world in one city? They say that West meets East in Istanbul, not only because of geographical location. There are lots of popular, European brands on high street in Istanbul as well as many outlets, so you can get a really good bargain.

Music from İstiklal Avenue

There are many places and scenes,which make you to stop while you are walking along Istiklal Avenue. The local artists performing their music and using original instruments are not a rare view in Istanbul. One of the famous Turkish bands,Baba Zula skilfully combines traditional and modern elements in their music.

A historic tram

This tram runs along The Independence Avenue in the centre of Istanbul.The tram network in the city was closed in mid 60s ,and then restored and re-introduced again in 90s.The Independence Avenue is a pedestrian and a car-free zone because of many historic buildings.And the tram as a part of the heritage still runs along the most prestige street in Istanbul.

Galata Tower

Built in the 14th century, Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city that time. Nowadays, is one of the most famous landmarks and a perfect place to go out for a dinner or drink. There is a restaurant and caffe on the top floor offering you an amazing panoramic view of Istanbul. Streets surrounding the tower, are full of nice, small gift shops and music shops with original instruments. A good place for hanging around.