A day in Kadikoy- the Asian side of Istanbul
Istanbul – a sprawling city which spans two continents is divided by the Bosphorus- a strait which links the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
I was staying in Sultanahmet – an area within the European side, filled with historical attractions, and consequently tourists. After spending a few days exploring The Blue Mosque and The Grand Bazaar I decided to escape the tourists and spend a day over at the Asian side, and although I hate to succumb to gender stereotypes: I’d heard it was a great place to buy Turkish sweets. Shopping and sweets- that was me sold!
Taking the ferry across the Bosphorus was a relaxing experience, despite the intial rush to get on board. Around half an hour later we pulled into the dock over at Kadikoy.
Stepping off the ferry I looked around rather underwhelmed. There wasn’t much in sight at the dock itself other than a few stalls selling sweetcorn and water. I followed the crowds and crossed the main road towards the built up area where I began to walk uphill, veering off into narrow streets lined with coffee shops and bars.
I was surprised by how much more European the Asian side felt than the European side did with its bars, quirky cafes and alternative scene.
I wandered along the streets calling in to buy a box of mixed honey laden pistachio baklava at the well known Gulluolgu shop.
My next stop was for a selection of Turkish delight at the oldest Turkish delight store in Istanbul- Haci Bekir. The shops original founder famously produced Turkish Delight known locally as lokum for the Ottoman Sultans and became chief confectioner for the Turkish Palaces.
The story goes that an English tourist took some lokum back to England where he offered them as “Turkish Delights” and the name stuck.
I then continued on my quest for sweet stuff and wandered along stopping by shops to buy apple tea, soap and a few more boxes of Turkish delight in various flavours.
I walked stopping for coffee until I reached Dondurmaci Ali Usta- a famous ice cream shop- so famous that the queue was snaking out the door. For 12 lira I got a tub with two big scoops of my flavour of choice- one cherry and one hazelnut, topped with melted chocolate and nuts.
Walking along with my tub I reached the calm Bosphorus waters where I sat enjoying the views, and the cats which happily stretched and walked around.
I returned to the pier, bags in hand, taking a ferry during sunset back to the European side wishing I had more time to spend exploring the Asian side of Istanbul.
Is Kadikoy worth visiting? Yes definitely. Particularly if like me you enjoy wandering and indulging in sweet treats!
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