The Most Beautiful Hidden Treasures in Istanbul

The financial and cultural hub of Turkey, Istanbul is both literally and figuratively the gateway and bridge between Europe and Asia. You’ve watched endless documentaries on this city but are a firm believer that to really experience a new culture, you must visit some of the city’s more hidden, out-of-the-way sights and attractions. Luckily, Istanbul is filled with several hidden gems that are free of the usual tourist traffic found in its more well-known mosques, markets and museums. When you’re ready to enjoy another side of Istanbul, here are a few of the most amazing and lesser-known sites.

Spice Market

Markets large and small are found on almost every street in Istanbul. If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon while supporting the local economy, head to the Spice Market. Otherwise known as the “Misir Carsisi,” the Spice Market allows you to sample spices and flavors from across Turkey and the Middle East. Once you’ve satisfied your curious palate, continue on and shop in the several other stalls selling souvenirs, candies, watches and even caviar; however, if you bring anything home from the Misir Carsisi, make sure it’s a bottle of authentic Turkish saffron. This aromatic spice is like no other and makes a great addition to any dish.

Rustem Pasha Mosque

One of the first things you’ll probably notice while walking up toward the Rustem Pasha Mosque is its size, which is much smaller than the grander places of worship found throughout Istanbul. Originally constructed in honour of Rustem Pasha, a Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, the building features many aspects that seem out of place for the period it was constructed. For instance, the majority of grand mosques in Istanbul feature ornate architecture, while in stark contrast the Rustem Pasha is very simple. The mosque is also known for its extensive use of Iznik tiles, a style featuring beautiful geometric patterns and elegant representations of flowers.

Chora Museum

The structure that is referred to as the Chora Museum began its life as the Church of the Saviour of Chora. It’s unknown when the original church — which was one building of a larger monastery — was constructed, although many scholars believe it was during the second century AD. Today, the museum houses a modest collection of some beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics and frescoes, most of which depict the life of Christ. What you’ll notice straight away is the level of care taken to preserve the frescoes, which were commissioned by the 13th-century theologian and philosopher Theodore Metochites.

Princes’ Islands

If you’re able to stay, or at least lunch, at one of the establishments that could be considered the best hotel in Istanbul, you might hear your fellow patrons rave about their last visit to Princes’ Islands. Located just off the coast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, The Princes’ is a chain of nine small islands known for their beautiful architecture and a handful of notorious residents, including famous Russian deportee Leon Trotsky. If you’re summering in Istanbul and looking for a little relief from the city’s hectic energy, Princes’ Islands’ laid-back atmosphere is the respite for you. Ferry service is available throughout the summer, but be prepared to leave your rental car behind because the only forms of transportation available are horse and cart, bicycles or your own two feet.

The Depot Museum

Only in Istanbul would there be a museum entirely devoted to items kept in another grander building’s storage. The Depot Museum opened in 2004 and boasts artwork, pottery and housewares from the nearby Dolmabahce Palace, one of the major centres of administration during the Ottoman Empire. You’ll notice several tourists flocking to the larger Dolmabahce Palace, but if you want to beat the crowds and still peruse an impressive collection of Ottoman-era artwork, head to the Depot Museum instead.

From out-of-the-way museums to an entire island chain that feels like an endless summer vacation, there is no end to the amazing ways to spend your time while visiting Istanbul. Just remember to keep your hands to yourself, respect local customs and bring home plenty of Turkish chocolate for your family and yourself! 🙂 – Travel Feeder, the ultimate travel photo blog.

*Image from Flickr’s Creative Commons

About the Author: John Atwood is a blogger and full-time student graduate student. He is completing a series of blog posts about his summers travelling the Middle East.

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.