Bisected by the Bosphorus Sea, Istanbul sits with one half in Asia and one half in Europe. To a non-European, it has the feel of many large European cities: beautiful old palaces sit alongside swank new shops; narrow cobblestone streets veer off wide avenues lined with trees and cafes. And to someone from a (relatively) new country that proudly celebrates historic buildings only hundreds of years old, every street corner holds the promise of a glimpse of the distant past - an exquisitely tiled fountain or a crumbling fragment of ancient wall.
What makes Istanbul so alluring is the distinctive Eastern influence that permeates an otherwise "Western" city. The minarets and domes of countless mosques dominate the skyline, their competing calls to prayer echoing from all sides. Graceful Arabic calligraphy and intricately painted tiles in vibrant shades of blue and green decorate the walls of buildings. Instead of crepes and waffles, street vendors sell simit (a circular pretzel/bagel-type bread), roasted chestnuts and corn on the cob. And, of course, there's the ever-present turkish delight and baklava shops, interspersed with nargile (water pipe) cafes.
Istanbul is a city of minarets; here´s the view of the Blue Mosque from the top of the Ayasofya 
The view crossing the Bosphorus from Asia to Europe. In the background is Sultanahmet, with the Ayasofya in front and the Blue Mosque behind.
The busy Eminonu ferry landing, near Sultanahmet
Fishermen line the upper deck of the Galata Bridge at dusk
The Beyoglu district of Istanbul
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