Wednesday 17 July 2013

Beautiful and busy districts of Beyoglu and Taksim, Istanbul

When we were in Istanbul the protests, against the government of Prime Minister Erdogan, to stop the development of a shopping center in the Gezi Park had already started. Everything was peaceful on Taksim Square and hundreds of protesters marched down into the Istikal Caddesi, a car free shopping street. Let’s hope everything calms down and that the Turks find a solution. We don’t want to focus on this political debate and all its consequences but the beauty and activities in the districts of Beyoglu and Taksim.

In the small streets built on hills you find mosques, shops, small restaurants, monuments and many above all many people. It is crowded; hundred thousands are spending their day in this fabulous area. For shopping or a drink on one of the terraces, it is just ideal. The statue you see on Taksim Square is from Ataturk, the founder of Turkey. All pictures are from Beyoglu, Taksim and the area just around them.

Toen we in Istanboel waren, was het protest tegen de regering van Eerste Minister Erdogan en de plannen voor de bouw van een winkelcentrum in het Gezi Park reeds vol op aan de gang. Alles was nog vreedzaam op het Taksimplein en honderden betogers marcheerden zuidelijk in de Istikal Caddesi, een autovrije winkelstraat. Laat ons hopen dat de rust vlug terug keert en dat de Turken een oplossing vinden voor hun problemen. We willen niet focussen op dit politiek debat en zijn gevolgen maar op de schoonheid en activiteiten in de wijken van Beyoglu en Taksim. 

In deze smalle straten gebouwd op heuvels vind je moskeeën, winkels, kleine restaurantjes, monumenten en boven alles, heel veel mensen. Het is er altijd druk, honderdduizenden komen hun dag in deze levendige wijken door brengen. Voor het winkelen en een drankje op een terras is het gewoon ideaal. Het standbeeld dat je op het Taksimplein ziet is van Ataturk de oprichter van Turkije. Alle foto’s zijn van de wijken Beyoglu, Taksim en de gebieden er juist aanpalend.. 
 
Bereketzade Mosque
Bereketzade Mosque

Shopping in Tunel, Istanbul
Shopping in Tunel

Stair climbing Karakoy
Stair climbing Karakoy

Galata Tower Istanbul
Galata Tower

Flashy coffee shop, Istanbul

Shopping Istanbul

Horse and farmer in Istanbul

Tram Istiklal Caddesi
Tram Istiklal Caddesi

Taksim Square, Istanbul
Taksim Square

Ataturk on Taksim Square
Ataturk on Taksim Square

Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul
Istiklal Caddesi

Fransiz Sokak Istanbul
Fransiz Sokak - French Street

Fransiz Sokak Istanbul
Franzis Sokak - French Street

Palace at Istanbul Modern
Palace at Istanbul Modern

Previous Istanbul article: Legends and luxury in the Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul

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11 comments:

  1. Nice series of photos. Looks like a neat place.

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  2. The huge tower is rather frightening. Also the thin dark alley with the merchandise. But I love the horse and cart shot, the colorful bus, and the pale green palace. And of COURSE, you resting at the table.

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  3. Mooi en bijzonder deze stad.
    De sfeer is goed weergegeven.
    :)

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  4. This looks like an amazing place to hang out! Bet you could just about get lost with all that there is to see here! By the way, you asked what I am going to do in my new job.... I am a nurse practitioner, which has a similar role to a dr here. I will be working only 3 days a week and doing house calls which I enjoy.. Thank you for asking, and i am excited to actually get started with this. Best to you

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  5. Oh I like that Palace! So many of the photos make me wonder, what are they discussing. I can't believe they have a Pizza Hut!

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  6. A lovely variety of photos.
    The stairs you captured well and it makes me wonder what is up there.

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  7. Very beautiful photos of busy places in Istanbul!

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  8. Beautiful pictures, fantastic photographic reportage:) Regards

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  9. It all looks so exotic ... a great shot of you, and a great shot of Ataturk!

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  10. Beautiful places, and pictures.

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