10 reasons I'd live in Istanbul
From ancient history, to hospitality, to incredible food, there
are more than enough reasons to want to live in Istanbul.
1. Turkish Coffee
Years ago I barely drank the stuff until I discovered my weakness for the smell of freshly roasted and ground beans in a delicate teacup. I like it served best with ground cardamon in a pretty cup.
2. Cafe Culture
Turkish people have made a national sport out of sipping on a hot beverage. Any time is a good time to stop for a tea or a sweet. Streets are packed with people having serious conversations about politics, culture, and current affairs. I could literally spend days hopping from one cafe to another.
3. Fish Sandwich in Eminonu
An absolute must! Its cheap, fresh and very local. Grab a beer with your sandwich and watch the world go by along the Golden Horn.
4. Baklava
Until I tasted baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu I had no idea what this delicacy was all about. Mouth-watering, buttery, rich goodness from a cafe serving this stuff up since 1820!
5. The Beard is ‘In’
Anyone who knows me will agree that I am a lover of beards. Contrary to the negative regard facial hair gets in some countries, here it appears to be rather trendy.
6. Nargile
What better way to end your day than to sit on the banks of the Bosphorus smoking a water pipe and playing backgammon?
7. Turkish Hospitality
Not a single day has gone by that I wasn’t invited for tea or a meal simply based on the joy that someone had for being in their restaurant.
8. Hamman
The Turkish bath is a well known, must-have experience. Imagine an hour of being scrubbed, lathered, and washed before stumbling out into historical streets with a feeling of inner peace.
9. Where modernity and history meet
Fashion and pop culture blend effortlessly with ancient architectural wonders. Turn a corner and suddenly you depart from bohemian, design-conscious boutiques into a labyrinth of old-fashioned, religious neighborhoods.
