So, Şirinevler. You’re guessing what this is all about, huh? Well, I’d like to tell both of my readers that today is the happiest day of my life so far this week. I got 2 pieces of great news:
In the Fener neighborhood of Istanbul, up a steep hill from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, sits the Phanar Greek Orthodox College. Some call this regal red brick building the Red Castle. Others call it the Big Red School. To Greeks, it’s a symbol of a legacy they left on the city and the Ottoman Empire.
I wasn’t sure how to begin this entry or even title it. It’s about the neighborhood I’ve just moved into, Halkalı. I hate it. I don’t have much of a choice of where to live at the moment, so my good friend Tim from college offered me a room in his flat. I’m grateful for this, but our complaints are mutual because he also has no choice of location at the moment.
I decided to make my way up to the northernmost points of the Asian side of the Bosporus in Istanbul. Anadolu Kavağı and Anadolu Feneri are two fishing villages, one frequently on the tourist path, the other not. This entry is about Anadolu Kavağı.
I had tried several times before with Isaac, but we were always thwarted by some outside force – weather, missed ferries, late buses. Now that Isaac had moved back to the US, I had to go it alone.
Kokoreç is served in just about every neighborhood in Istanbul. For me, it’s become the perfect late-night treat.
The Rüstem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii) is often overlooked by more famous attractions in Istanbul. This hidden gem is located in Eminönü, just a short walk from the Spice Bazaar.
Museum Pass Istanbul is a card available to all foreign tourists visiting Istanbul. It gives access to several museums and historical sites in the city.
Every ferry route in Istanbul is fun to ride, but my favorite is the route between Kadıköy and Eminönü. It gives you some of the best vistas of the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city and its famous landmarks.