The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, more commonly known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii, is situated in one of the largest cities in Turkey. Istanbul is known among tourists for its grand architecture and intricate details. The Mosque consists of grand domes, columns and stained glass windows. The interior is adorned in blue and white tiles (hence where it gets its name) which are decorated with different flower designs. Even though this is still a commonly used mosque, people visiting are allowed to visit and see the magnificent power this place has over anyone who enters.

If you do not have the chance to visit a Mosque internationally, there are tens of thousands located all throughout the US. The particular one I recommend visiting is Mosque Maryam in Chicago, Illinois.

Photo Credit:

“The Blue Mosque at night” by David Spender

Related: Bodrum, Turkey, Beaches.

Say you’re a well-botoxed shopaholic type stuck in Istanbul, Turkey and feeling downright homesick. Where would you go? Head straight for Nisantasi – a snooty La-La land in Istanbul, a little bit along the Bosphorus from the Blue Mosque.

Nisantasi, Istanbul

A day-out in Nisantasi is not for those who’re worried about the mortgage, but if you’re the type who drinks afternoon tea at the Plaza in New York after a hard day of shopping, then you’re definitely in the right place.

The streets of Nisantasi are lined with world famous designer brands and boutiques, and filled with women sporting various shades of blonde and the latest fashion craze put out by French designer brands.

In addition to being the shopping and fashion capital of Istanbul, Nisantasi also happens to be the place where Nobel prize winning author Orhan Pamuk was born, and this is where his latest novel – The Museum of Innocence – is set.

It is a story about Pamuk’s love set in the 1970s, and a testament to the power of his pen (and his love) that he’s actually got himself a real museum to exhibit objects mentioned in the novel. The people of Nisantasi aren’t exactly happy about Pamuk airing all their dirty laundry, but it all adds to the perception of glitz, glamor and streets paved with gold and gucci.

The best way to max out your card is to walk into City’s Nisantasi. If you’re more interested in seeing and being seen than in the food, then hangout at Brasserie Nisantasi. Looking for a posh place to stay in Nisantasi? Check out The Sofa and the Park Hyatt Istanbul.

Photo – public domain (source)