Istanbul's history is nothing short of astounding, a remarkable saga that spans millennia, empires, and continents. The city's story begins around 660 BCE with its establishment as Byzantium, a Greek colony. It later grew in prominence under Roman rule when Emperor Constantine declared it "Nova Roma" or "New Rome" in 413 CE. However, it is perhaps best known as Constantinople, the shining capital of the Byzantine Empire and a beacon of the Orthodox Church. Constantinople endured as a thriving hub of commerce and culture for over 1,000 years. In 1453, the Ottoman Turks, led by Mehmet the Conqueror, seized the city, heralding a new era for the city. Renamed Istanbul, it became the heart of the Ottoman Empire, a nexus of Islamic culture and imperial power for 600 years until the Ottoman Empire fell in WWI. Today, Istanbul continues to thrive as a metropolis at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, its rich past alive in its Byzantine ruins, Ottoman architecture, and the vibrant tapestry of cultures that call the city home. With each layer of its history, Istanbul has only grown more complex and fascinating, truly earning its place as one of the world's greatest cities.
Getting Around Istanbul
With an extensive public transportation network consisting of trams, metros, buses, and ferries, navigating Istanbul is quite convenient. To use public transit, purchase an Istanbulkart, a rechargeable card available at kiosks and stations across the city. If you're planning to travel extensively within the city, consider getting the Tourist Pass Istanbul, which includes unlimited public transportation and access to many attractions.
Citymapper and Google Maps are excellent apps to help you navigate the city's transportation system. However, remember that traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so plan your travels accordingly.
Accommodation in Istanbul
Istanbul offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets. Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, the city's historic districts, are popular choices, with many hotels and rental apartments within walking distance of major attractions.
For digital nomads, districts like Cihangir, Kadıköy, and Moda are excellent choices. These neighborhoods offer numerous cafes and coworking spaces, ideal for remote work, while also being close to local markets and restaurants.
Working in Istanbul
From quaint cafes to modern co-working spaces, Istanbul provides plenty of options for digital nomads. Kolektif House, Workhaus, and Joint Idea are among the city's popular co-working spaces. Cafes like Kronotrop and Karabatak offer a relaxed environment with reliable Wi-Fi, perfect for working while sipping on Turkish coffee or tea. The plentiful hookah bars can provide a stimulating place for remote work with excellent service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Must-See Attractions in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia: An iconic landmark, Hagia Sophia is a must-see. This architectural marvel has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, displaying a fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic art. Built in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia has been the top icon of this world-renowned city throughout its history, making the impressive architecture even more breathtaking.
Blue Mosque: Known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles, the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this guide, the Blue Mosque is closed for extensive restoration work.
The Walls Of Constantinople: The famed walls of Constantinople presented one of the most formidable fortifications in history, remaining unbreached for 800 years before falling to the Ottomans in 1453 CE. The walls that remain are viewable in many places and a museum provides a dramatized recreation of the siege in 1453.
Grand Bazaar: This bustling, labyrinthian market is one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, offering everything from spices and rugs to jewelry and ceramics.
Topkapi Palace: Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is now a museum, displaying a vast collection of Ottoman treasures.
Bosphorus Cruise: Take a ferry cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, offering stunning views of Istanbul's skyline and the strait that separates Europe and Asia.
Cuisine in Istanbul
As the old saying goes, "the way to a city's heart is through its food," and nowhere does this ring truer than in Istanbul. The city's culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors influenced by its rich history and diverse cultures, offering everything from street food staples to upscale dining experiences. The city's food is livened by mouth-watering spices that enhance the flavor of every dish. Learn to make your own with our recipe.
Start your gastronomic journey with a traditional Turkish breakfast or 'kahvaltı.' This often consists of a sumptuous spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, and 'simit' – a sesame-encrusted bread ring akin to a bagel. Don't forget to try 'menemen', a comforting dish of scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices.
When it comes to lunch and dinner, Turkish 'kebabs' are a must-try. The term kebab covers a range of grilled and skewered meat dishes, the most famous of which is the 'döner kebab', thinly sliced meat served in bread with salad. 'Lahmacun', often dubbed Turkish pizza, is another delicious option, consisting of a thin dough topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs before being baked.
For vegetarians or those interested in lighter options, 'meze' is an excellent choice. Meze refers to a selection of small dishes, usually served at the start of a meal. They can include options like 'humus', 'babaganush' (smoked eggplant puree), 'çerkez tavuğu' (circassian chicken), and 'dolma' (stuffed vine leaves).
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without sampling the local street food. 'Balık ekmek' (fish sandwich), grilled corn, and 'kokoreç' (spicy lamb intestines sandwich) are common street food offerings. For a sweet treat, opt for 'dondurma' (Turkish ice cream) or the globally famous 'baklava', a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
And of course, throughout your day, keep yourself hydrated with traditional Turkish drinks such as 'çay' (Turkish tea), 'ayran' (a refreshing yoghurt-based drink), or 'Türk kahvesi' (Turkish coffee).
Lastly, Istanbul's food scene is not just about traditional cuisine. The city also offers a vibrant scene of modern, fusion, and international dining options. From rooftop restaurants with views over the Bosphorus to quaint eateries tucked away in the city's alleys, there's something to suit every palate in Istanbul.
In Conclusion
Istanbul, a city that bridges two continents, is a remarkable blend of ancient tradition and modern living, making it an exciting destination for digital nomads. From awe-inspiring sights to mouthwatering cuisine and a thriving digital community, Istanbul truly offers an experience like no other.
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