Hagia Sophia – Big Surf Daddy's Pix, Tix, and Licks

If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.—Alphonse de Lamartine

I don’t know if Istanbul is the most beautiful city I have ever seen, but on this day in Goztepe Park (above photo) with the tulips in bloom, it was surely one of the most memorable days I have spent abroad.

April in Istanbul is truly beautiful. Flowers are in bloom all over the city. I saw daisies, hyacinths, the most impressive wisteria blooms I have ever seen, and of course tulips.

We were in Istanbul in early April of this year. We spent a lot of time in parks since we were babysitting our granddaughter while her parents were in language classes. Leslie Knope’s head would be spinning with the landscaping budget that Istanbul procures for their parks. I have never seen such beautiful parks in a city, so colorful with all of the flowers in bloom.

Their were two places where tulips were the most impressive. The Sultanahmet Square outside of the Hagia Sophia which has the largest bed of tulips in the world and the previously mentioned Goztepe Park.

If you love spring blooms, especially tulips and wisteria, visit Istanbul in early April.

Blossoms outside the Blue Mosque.

Tulips and minaret outside Hagia Sophia.

Tulips in bloom outside the Blue Mosque.

Wisteria and redbud blooms in one of the parks in Kadidoy.

Landscaping in a Kadikoy park.

Flowers for sale from a street vendor.

The largest tulip bed in the world at Sultanahmet Square, outside the Hagia Sophia.

Tulips and daisies around a fountain near the spice market.

The following photos are of flowers in Goztepe Park in the Kadikoy section of Istanbul.

Mrs. Big Surf strolling and wishing for a bigger tulip budget.

Hoscacal, Istanbul.

Istanbul…the constant beating of the wave of the East against of the rock of the West.—Susan Moody

We had an afternoon to explore some of the sights of Istanbul. We were visiting my son’s family and baby sitting our granddaughter while in Istanbul. We spent a lot of time in a park and playground of Kadikoy. However we were able to take an afternoon and see some wonderful sights.

We ferried across the Bosphorus Strait to the European side of Istanbul, or what you really old folks may call Constantinople. We grabbed lunch off one of the boats selling fresh fish sandwiches and an order of pickles. This was a very unique dining experience and I loved the taste of both the fish and pickles. We ate on the landing.

After our lunch, we headed over to the spice market. What an incredible experience this was. Normally, I am not a shopper but I was enthralled at all of the stuff for sale here. We bought some Turkish Delight, of course. We also bought some decorative tiles and some scarves. There was great temptation to buy more, but we showed great restraint.

After the spice market, we boarded a train to take us to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

We were not allowed to enter the Blue Mosque but were allowed in the courtyard. It is an impressive mosque and the grounds were beautiful as the tulips were in bloom.

The Hagia Sophia was an incredible architectural marvel, considering when it was built. I loved looking at the ceilings. I also loved looking at the remnants of Christianity before it was converted to a mosque, a microcosm of Istanbul itself. Although I shouldn’t use the term “micro” in the same context as the Hagia Sophia. One minor disappointment was construction going on inside, so scaffolding blocked some of the views. I realize this is the chance you take going to see old historical buildings that need constant repair and restoration. I am glad it is being done.

I can’t wait for the next time to visit Istanbul and be able to see more of the historical sites. One afternoon was memorable.