Istanbul, Turkey: the amazing downtown in the European part

Hello people!

We return to the city of dreams, of wonderful views and unique sensations. We return once again to Istanbul, this time we cross from the oldest and most historic part to the busiest and most modern part, to the European part of the Turkish capital, and there we will see more interesting things. Although we will still return to visit the most impressive places that we have left behind.

İstiklal Caddesi (main street)

But now we decided to change the scene, from the Galata Bridge that takes us directly to this other vibrant and bustling area, full of people, shops and a lot of life, especially in that well-known artery of the city, İstiklal Caddesi street, in the famous and entertaining district of Beyoğlu.

Where, despite everything there is, that old tram that runs along the street from a small tunnel near the Galata area stands out proudly, this tunnel turning out to be almost a small museum where we learn that said tram is the second oldest in the world. There it continues to run along that street, full of shops, restaurants, embassies and many people. And also something else that surprises us.

St. Antuan Kilisesi

Who would have thought that on one of the most important streets, the main street par excellence, we could find a Catholic church? Yes, and it is also a replica of one that I know very well, the church of San Antonio di Padova, in the city of Padua in Italy. It is the same but smaller, but equally charming and beautiful.

A majestic building, of a totally unexpected style in this city, but it works, it is a church as such for the entire Christian community that also lives in this amalgam of cultures that makes up the great metropolis of Istanbul.

Taksim Cumhuriyet Anıtı

And after walking down the long street, we finally arrive at the great Taksim Square, marked by a large monument in honor of the Republic, which, if I remember correctly, means "cumhuriyet". Here they are very proud of their past, their history and the heroes of their nation. As well as their flag.

University of Istanbul

And as we explored other areas, we discovered something that didn't seem to be what it was. It's the university, well, one of them, but in an emblematic place, and using a building that surely would have known other ancient times, but it's still imposing. Standing out a lot around other narrow and old streets that surround that area, and some great mosque that always appears, it's clearly an area of ​​great antiquity but that follows the same frenetic pace of day to day, as if time didn't pass there...

Dölmabahçe Sarayı (Palace)

And again, very close to the shore of the Bosphorus, we see something we saw on the boat, but closer up, in front of us the impressive gate of the most wonderful palace, the Dolmabahçe Palace. With a spectacular decorative profusion and incredible details that only invite us to be amazed.

Bridges of Istanbul by night

The evening is falling again, life is still active but with a touch of serenity at the same time, but only for a moment, until it is completely dark. Then, from Ortaköy we perceive that the rhythm is intense again, the lights of the main bridges are turned on, while the moored boats rest until a new day.

The 15th of July Bridge attracts attention both from Europe and over there in Asia, a bridge that unites two continents, many people and traffic that seems tireless. At night it lights up causing a sensation, knowing that it is special and unique, in a unique magical city, intense and that unites two continents in an amazing way.

Bonus: More views from the Bosphorus!
I have more photos of the Bosphorus views, and they are always inspiring, until we move on to the next point to visit, in the next post. Do you know what important places are still to be seen?

Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷❤️Europe/Asia

If you liked Istanbul, again, I will soon share more amazing places in another upcoming post!

And more about Istanbul, in Turkey, here:

• Istanbul, Turkey: the wonderful Topkapı Palace

• Istanbul, Turkey: magical views on the Bosphorus

Thanks for reading! Have an amazing and nice day.

The text is totally mine and the photos too, by ©Duvinca - No AI