Things to do in Istanbul Don't Leave Istanbul without doing these

Istanbul... Istanbul.. Beautiful city amazes you with so many historical sites, museums, restaurants, night-life, wonderful hotels and shopping activities. But if you have only few days to do all, these would be my things to do list which I wouldn't go back home without doing.

Follow James Bond through the Yerebatan Underground Cistern: Yerebatan Sarayi (‘sunken palace’) appears in the 1963 James Bond film called “From Russia with Love”. Do you remember the scene where 007 rowed a small boat through the marble columns? That was filmed at this sixth-century underground Byzantine cistern. The upside-down head of Medusa supports one of columns.

Underground Cistern

Watch the Ceremony of Whirling Dervishes: In Hodja Pasha Culture Center, watch the mystical whirling dance of the dervishes as they perform their religious ceremony, known as the sema. Whirling dervishes are followers of the famous poet and philosopher Rumi.

Eat Istanbul Cuisine in Ortakoy. With its thriving cafe culture and position at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge, which links Europe and Asia, Ortaköy has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. The district boasts a fantastic choice of fish restaurants positioned directly on the waterfront, as well as a bustling Sunday market.

Ortakoy

Haggle for Bargains in the Grand Bazaar: Whether it is the highlight of your stay or an endurance test, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar will provide a memorable experience. Created during the 14th century, it is located in the heart of the old city and one of the world’s largest covered markets, with thousands of shops lining 65 streets and alleys.

Tour the Idyllic Princes Islands: A 90-minute ferry ride from Istanbul brings you to Buyukada, largest of small islands collectively known as the Princes’ Islands. For centuries, these were places of exile but now, tourists visit to enjoy the serenity of the leafy, traffic-free lanes.

Historical Tram in Istiklal Street,Beyoglu

Feel Real Istanbul Life in Beyoglu: Istanbul’s modern centre is bustling with coffee shops, quirky boutiques, and galleries. Spend the afternoon exploring the area by foot,talking in the unobstructed views by strolling down Istiklal Caddesi.

Wanna see Dervish but Whirling one?

Its a common question by travelers to Turkey " Where can I see whirling dervishes?". or  " I want to watch a ceremony but non touristic one." Umm..I am sorry but you cant! 

Its simply because this is a not touristic show or entertainment. It has a spiritual meaning same as a Buddhist monk's meditation. These guys try to feel closer to God by this way so they meditate by whirling.Dont worry! They are trained for it so they do not feel sick.

I feel like whirling

It is considered a mystical transformation and in Turkey; it is a great introduction to Anatolian mysticism.

Dervishes are follower of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, a Turkish Philosopher. Who was Rumi? Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi was the great Anatolian mystic, poet and the father of the Sufism philosophy. He was born in 1207 in the city of Balkh, Horasan.

After his education, he settled in Konya upon the invitation of Alaeddin Keykubad, the Seljuk Emperor. He is one of the best-selling poets of our times. To quote UNESCO

 

The Tomb of Mevlana in Konya, Turkey

“Rumi is one of the great humanists, philosophers, and poets who belong to humanity in its entirety”

After the death of Rumi, followers in Turkey formed the Mevlani branch of Sufism otherwise known as the whirling dervishes of Konya. Each whirling dervish practices Sufism and is also called a Sufi.

What is Sufism?

Sufism is existent in several continents. It is the belief that a person does not have to wait for the afterlife to be closer to God. They have the power to achieve a state of inner peace, show kindness and generosity and this brings them closer to God in this life.

Still wanna watch them? You can see the Whirling Dervishes in many locations including Istanbul, Konya and Cappadocia.  Here are some venues where you can watch symbolic ceremony

Hodja Pasha Cultural Center : Its located in historical peninsula (Sultanahmet) of Istanbul. They serve in a 550 year old Turkish bath converted to a Cultural center.

E-Mail : info@hodjapasha.com

Adress: Ankara Cad. Hocapasa Hamam Sokak No: 3.B Sirkeci/Istanbul

Phone: +90 212 511 46 26 - +90 212 511 46 36

Dede Efendi House : Its also located in Sultamahmet area and has performences on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It starts around 7pm and lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.

E-Mail : info@dancesofcolours.com

Addess : Cankurtaran, Ahırkapı Sk., No:17, Sultanahmet / İstanbul (Next to Armada Hotel)

Phone : +90 554 797 26 46 

Saruhan Caravanserai : If you want to enjoy the ceremony in a very authentic place then you must do it in Cappadocia. This one thousand year-old caravanserai host ceremonies everyday. 

E-Mail : info@sarihan1249.com

Address: Saruhan Culture Center Yeni Kayseri Yolu 6.km Avanos Nevsehir, Cappadocia

Phone: +90 384511 37 95