Gulhane Park

Gulhane Park Surprise

Gulhane Park is not a must-see but it is a great place to photograph local people and see birds. 

  

Day 3 PM: After seeing the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, you walk down a cobblestone street (see right) lined with ancient columns to get to the tramway (Gulhane Park Station) or our beautiful hotel, Sirkeci Mansion, another five minutes further.  You will be walking along the wall of the Topkapi Palace.  You will soon see views of the park on the right.  When you enter the park you will see tree-lined streets and pools decorated with fountains. 

 

There are tons of people near the Sultan Ahmet Parki (between Aya Sofya and Blue Mosque) but many are tourists. Gulhane Park was a great place to people watch.  Some people are dressed traditionally; others could be from any city in the western world.  

 

It was very peaceful - like an oasis from the frenetic, bustling city outside the high walls.  There are lots of birds in the trees.  Suddenly, the air was filled with incredible singing by a young man standing ear a fountain.  It was so atmospheric. 

 

Istikal

 

In the evening we took the tram and funicular to Taksim Square to go out to eat.  We walked along the pedestrian street, Istikal.  It was wall to wall people.  We thought we were back in China.   It felt like a different city with a lot younger people dressed just like they would in New York.   

Last  Post: Istanbul Archaeology Museums (Day 3 PM)
Next Post: Chora Church Mosaics (Day 4 AM)