Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

What could be a better way to start the morning than with a run to one of the most picturesque settings in all of the Istanbul mosques? And how lucky am I to have a son with me who is willing to entertain my whims? This morning Chris and I left shortly after the call to morning prayer at 5:30am to run across town to catch the best sunrise in the city.

While sunrise is the most beautiful time of the day here, if you come to Ortaköy at noon, you can take pictures in the square, eat kumpir as a snack, shop for locally made souvenirs, and visit the picturesque Ortaköy Mosque.

Ortaköy Mosque is a classic Istanbul picture. (It would've been even more beautiful if the clouds cooperated.)

Running through the empty, sleepy, and dark streets of Istanbul was a unique experience. Ortaköy Mosque is five miles away, right next to the mighty Bosphorus Bridge.

After our run, we left for the airport to fly down to Antalya in Southwest Turkey, the most popular international sea resort in Turkey. It is known for its glorious beaches, dramatic cliffs and mountains, and laid-back ambiance.  We are staying a night in the historic center of Antalya, called Kaleiçi, that surrounds the Roman harbor. There are many entrances to Kaleiçi, but the most stunning is walking under the three large arches of Hadrian's Gate which was built for the Roman Emperor Hadrian for his visit in 130 AD.

You can walk through Hadrian's Gate to get Antalya's historic center

Pictures of the Kaleiçi:

We stopped to try the ice cream at Helvacı Ali Antalya – it comes with a warm cake-like semolina/hazelnut topping. Other topping flavors are pistachio and Lotus Biscoff.

Semolina Halva -İrmik Helvasi is a classic Ottoman dessert that Turkish people have been cooking this for centuries

Standing atop the cliff of the old town, you get panoramic views of Antalya Marina

Near sunset we spent some time relaxing on the sea wall.

My sunset picture

The Kaleiçi is quite enjoyable. Chris asked why we aren't staying here longer. So I asked him what he would do here? "I would just sit and have beer and pizza and whatever as long as it isn't doner kebab. I'd go get some fish and then sit here <on the sea wall> with a drink until 8pm. Then I'd go have a hamburger. I'd wake up and have breakfast from 8-10am. Then I'd sit around until lunch." Hearing that plan, Greg responded, "Chris maybe you and I should go on vacations together."

And with that, we went and ate hamburgers. Not doner kebab.

There is quite a lot to do within driving distance of Antalya. Fortunately the cable cars weren't on our list. On the day we flew to Turkey, one of the cars struck the support column and fell to the ground below, killing one person, while many others had to wait overnight to be rescued.

Activities and tours in the area

Fun Fact: Rents and home prices skyrocketed in the city after thousands of Russians and Ukrainians arrived in Antalya after the war broke out between the two countries. The number of foreign nationals living in the city increased from 94,000 in 2020 to nearly 137,000 in 2021 and reached some 173,000 in 2022. Home prices in Antalya, starting from $1 million, are falling now as many Russians are relocating to other countries like Dubai and Serbia now that foreign nationals are being banned from residing in many Antalya neighborhoods while others are not extending residency

permits.

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