Christmas at the St. Anthony Catholic Church (Sent Antuan Katolik Kilisesi)
In Istanbul, it is said that the St. Anthony Catholic Church is so significant and important that it is impossible to imagine the famous İstiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi) without this church. I can easily agree, as my steps often lead me to this uplifting place, besides my other favorite, Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), even though I do not represent any specific religion myself. In this post, we take a glimpse into the beautiful Christmas atmosphere of the St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Street animals in Istanbul – homes and food
I have already mentioned before that Istanbulites love and respect all animals – without limits. Even after years, I cannot help but be touched by the beautiful way Istanbulites take care of the animals living on their streets. In this post, you catch a glimpse of this compassion through photos of homes and food offered to street animals.
Freedom Park (Özgürlük Parkı) – a diverse and verdant oasis
The megacity of Istanbul is a green, active, sporting, artistic, and even child-friendly city, as long as you venture beyond the traditional historical tourist area. You can find all of this, for example, in Freedom Park (Özgürlük Parkı) located on the Asian side, where you can spend a fantastically diverse day, starting with a rich Turkish buffet breakfast on the terrace of the park’s restaurant.
Istanbul’s shopping malls – paradises for the modern shopper
While Istanbul is a unique city, particularly due to its location and history, it is by no means just about history. Istanbul is also a modern and international metropolis. One example of this is the city’s numerous splendid shopping malls, which are shopping paradises for trend-conscious shoppers. As we now go on to explore this luxury, you may be surprised to see how far we’ve come in nearly 600 years from Constantinople’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s first shopping centers – where you can still shop to this day.
Sirkeci – the terminus of the Orient Express
When you are on the European side of Istanbul, you can hardly miss the historic Sirkeci railway station (Sirkeci Garı), which is now known as an important station for the Marmaray commuter train. Marmaray takes you beneath the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia. However, Sirkeci Station has been significant throughout history because it was once the eastern terminus of the Orient Express (Sirkeci Terminal), a famous train that traveled from Paris to Istanbul.
Residential construction – part 2: yards of apartment buildings
In my previous post, you were introduced to the architecture of modern apartment buildings in Istanbul. Now, in this second post on residential construction, let’s admire the yards of apartment buildings, or more precisely, their charming gardens. In so-called desirable areas, each apartment building boasts at least a small, well-maintained, and beautiful garden, tended to by a professional gardener. Did that surprise you?
Residential construction – part 1: contemporary architecture in Istanbul
In my blog, I have promised to describe everyday life in Istanbul, so now in this two-part post we will return to the basics: housing. First, I will share photos of contemporary architecture, i.e. today’s residential apartment buildings. In the second part, I will focus on the yards of these buildings, or more correctly, the gardens. I find both the buildings and gardens visually very enjoyable whilst wandering the modern residential areas of Istanbul. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about my home country, Finland – I think we still have a lot to improve in these matters.
Warm thanks to the readers & supporters of my blog!
I just found out that my blog had 350 readers last month, so it’s time to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Additionally, many thanks go to my support team – good things are always done through collaboration.
Sakıp Sabancı Museum – an enchanting experience with its versatility
Calling the Sakıp Sabancı Museum just a museum gives a far too narrow picture of this unique place. First of all, in its artistry, versatility and beauty, this museum is a place that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. Secondly, the museum’s deep and open-minded vision is great – and the execution really exudes the winds of future development. Thirdly, here you will once again be enchanted by the nature of Istanbul.
Restaurant Pandeli – Istanbul’s culinary icon and historical ”pearl”
In my previous post, I introduced you to the bazaars of Istanbul. In this post, you will discover the “hidden pearl” of Spice Bazaar that is the historical Restaurant Pandeli, which you will probably pass by too easily, completely unaware of this beauty and unique attraction. And whose food is the best possible.