On our 5th day in Istanbul, we woke up , had breakfast and left our hotel early as our destinations today were the furthest - Dolmabalche Palace & Taksim.
To go to Dolmabalche Palace we had to take the tram to Kabatas, and to Taksim, a funicular is available only from Kabatas. Thanx to Dyna who did her homework very well, hence she planned both of these places in one day.
Kabatas was the last tram stop so we didn't bother to care of all the announcements at each stops. Even when we reached Kabatas tram stop, all the three of us were still indulged into chit-chatting. To make it worse, we met a few Malaysians in the tram who came all the way from Egypt. They too, later joined our conversation.
Arriving at Dolmabalche, you will be able to see its enormous entrance gate from afar. However, before you reach, you will meet Dolmabalche Mosque first on your right. Since we had ample of time for the day, we decided to go inside and pray for just a while.
Dolmabalche Mosque at the background
Its neo-classic & Ottoman details are well defined
The mosque was small, but just like any other Turkish mosques, the design & interior is extremely unique & stunning, MasyaAllah. There was nobody else inside at that moment, so we, the jakuns took a few pics coz this sacred place is just oh so beautiful.
Rich in decorations and paintings
After that, we bought our tickets to visit the palace. Thanks to our ICIS student cards we got more than 50% off to enter the palace, its gardens & Harem. (Normal priced tickets to enter Dolambalche is rather pricey but I think its worth it anyway).
The entrance gate, better known as The Gate of Sultan
The view facing Bosphorus
Dolmablache Palace or its Turkish name - Dolmabalche Sarayi is a one of the most glamorous palace I've ever seen in pictures and real. No wonder it was the longest serving administrative center and residential area to a number of Sultans of the Ottoman empire, from 1856 to 1924, before Topkapi Palace was completed.
Upon entering the main hall (Medhal Hall)
The palace consists of the three huge parts. First part is the main hall where you can see lavish furniture, exquisite Iznik tiles and Ottoman carvings, in both gold and silver. Second part is the ceremonial hall where you will be amazed by its luxurious Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers you just can't take your eyes off it. The third part (which you have to buy a separate ticket to enter) is known as the Harem - the private place strictly only for the females of the royal family, female workers, and of course the Sultan himself. In this place you can get a closer look at how their lifestyle really were like those days. From the living room, to the bedrooms and even the bathrooms were extravagantly luxurious & glam! Here is also a room where the late president (1st president) of Turkey spent his last few days of life, still preserved as it is. Even the clocked was stopped at his time of death, 9:05 a.m.
Exit from the secretarial hall welcomes you to Bosphorus
Close up view of the Harem
We had another 20minutes before the English guided tour of Harem starts, so we decided to not wait in the cold and have some snacks. Yes, we're taking every single opportunity to taste as much Turkish delicacies as we can have.
At the snack bar
We were completely sold, seeing this.
Of course, she bought the coffee just for its cup.
After touring the palace, Harem, having snacks, we went to the clock museum where they placed all the clocks that were brought into Turkey dated as early as the 15th century. Unfortunately no cameras were allowed inside. Some were gifts, some were a trade. I realized that most of the clocks dated from 15-17th century mostly had Arabic numerals on it, even if it didn't come from a Muslim/Arab countries (ie : Western Europe). It got me engrossed till I had to check out each date & where did each clock came from in particular. I didn't realize I spent such a long time in there till I realized I lost both of my friends. Came out and found them already finished making a snow-man - sorry for keeping you peeps waiting in the cold! Glad they were being creative instead of grumpy.
The only picture of the museum taken
With their piece of artwork
Which even became another tourist attraction at Dolmabalche
At the backyard fountain. The swans WERE supposed to be in this pic, I don't know where they suddenly went
There, the cute thing at the back, is what you call a swan-house
By lunch time, we decided to head to Taksim Square as they offer numerous choices for dining along Istiklaal street. Yes, numerous till we became undecided.
Monument of the Republic
Pride of Turkiye Cumhuriyeti
Heading towards Istiklaal, starving, of course.
Istiklaal street - where you would be spoiled with choices to shop & dine.
What Taksim is also famous for - its tram that ages from 1920 and still resumes operation till today.
We actually walked back and forth the long pedestrian walk twice just because we couldn't make up our minds. Well, when it comes to food, we Malaysians always like this one-lah you know, all also want to eat like that. Glad we made the best decision to walk into this restaurant in the end.
The happy faces for a full-course meal
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A picture of food is a must, coz we're Malaysians liddat!
