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Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste

Istanbul’s Bazaar Quarter is one of the world’s biggest open-air commercial centers, crowned by the planet’s largest covered market, the Grand Bazaar. It is not only a sprawling marketplace specializing in everything from knitting yarn to knockoff purses, but a historic center of small craftsmen who still carry on their tradition in the atmospheric caravanserais — Ottoman-era trading posts — that dot this area.

Istanbul

Summer Breakfasts in Istanbul

Fall may be on its way, but some vendors in the Bazaar quarter are stretching out the last days of summer with their breakfast of watermelon. Of course their kahvaltı spread features many of the usual suspects – tomatoes, cucumbers, white cheese, olives, tea – but the watermelon is the true star of this morning meal.

Istanbul

A Meeting of Religions in Karaköy

At this simit bakery in the Istanbul neighborhood of Karaköy, mastic-flavored Greek Orthodox Easter bread is sold alongside sesame-covered kandil simidi, which will be eaten as part of the Miraç Kandili on Friday, April 13, a holy night that celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey to Jerusalem.

Istanbul

Fruit off the Back of a Truck in Kuzguncuk

It’s the first time we’ve seen this small truck while on our Born on the Bosphorus walk in Kuzguncuk. It was selling apples and persimmons – the bounty of autumn – in front of one of our favorite grocers in the neighborhood.

Istanbul

Scenes from the Old City

We spotted this jubilant fellow on our Old City walk in Istanbul trying to sell his mobile shop/bicycle. Any buyers?

Istanbul

Famous Chicken and Rice in Istanbul: Accept No Imitations

This chicken and rice cart in Istanbul's Unkapanı quarter serves the city's best, and there are many imitators that try to capitalize off of its good name. Fortunately, our Old City walk stops by for a taste of this simple yet delicious snack.

Istanbul

Syrian Dessert on an Istanbul Kebab Excursion

Mamouniyeh is a lovely semolina pudding that is a speciality in Syrian kitchens, and it can be enjoyed right here in Istanbul on our Kebab Krawl walk.