Daily Life in Istanbul

Today's plan of action was a low-key exploration of the streets to observe local life here. Walking is the best way to do it. We went nine miles in total, but the fact that Istanbul was built on seven hills made it feel like a bit more.

You can't talk about daily life without mentioning the call to prayer reverberating through the entire city five times a day. 

Due to its location on top of the hill, Suleymaniye Mosque is the tallest and most prominent landmark in the city. It was commissioned by Suleyman the Great and built during the 16th century, when the Ottoman Empire was the world's greatest power. Designed by Mimar Sinan, the most famous and talented of all imperial architects, it is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.

We intentionally got to the Suleymaniye Mosque early to capture this peaceful shot at the entrance

The Suleymaniye Mosque was built before the Blue Mosque

"It looks like we were already in here," Greg said when we entered the empty Suleymaniye Mosque. Except this one we have entirely to ourselves.

In the garden behind the mosque, don't miss the terrace's view over the Golden Horn and out towards the Bosphorus Straight.

On top of a hill around the mosque, there are many cafes where you can eat with a view over the entire area

We ate breakfast at nearby Mimar Sinan Terrace Cafe

We were headed to the colorful, cobbled streets of Balat. There's no one main attraction to this neighborhood, but as one of the most Instagramable spots in Istanbul, it gets busy.

If you go to Balat, don't miss the colorful houses and the rainbow stairs - though it is likely the only reason you are going.

Balat is the perfect place to see local Istanbulites simply getting on with their daily lives

Freshly squeezed, delicious orange juice from Vodina Caddesi (street) in the heart of the Balat district. The street is filled with tiny art shops, local storekeepers and boutique cafes.

One of the most unusual daily traditions we observed several times today was a man walking though the streets with a cart hollering "eskici, eskici".  He was calling out for donations of old items like appliances and knick knacks (ie junk) that he can turn around and sell.  

On our way back, we walked through the highly religious Fatih neighborhood, stopped for a lamb lunch along Kadinlar Pazari, and sought out Valens Aqueduct.

Eventually reaching 160 miles in total length to supply Constantinople with fresh water, Valens Aqueduct was the longest aqueduct of the ancient world.

Retired and kicked out of the house during the day, men congregate at the stools and tables around the aqueduct.

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