Hooded crows within the Suleymaniye Mosque compound

Strangely enough, I feel that there is a lot of English influence in the conceptualisation of this World Heritage site. Felt that there was a decidedly cathedral feel to the building , even the green grounds itself.

Didn't go into the mosque itself because I was distracted by this curious collection of birds on the grounds outside.

Almost like what one can find in the grounds outside the Tower of London. 

Except that these are hooded crows and not ravens with superstition attached.

Lamb everywhere you look - Kadinlar Pazari

Never seen so much lamb sold in so many lamb shops in such a small area before.

You get all kinds of shoppers here, families, ladies...

Little Kurdistan - Kadinlar Pazari

In my confusion, I thought I had failed at locating little Kurdistan . Had mistakenly thought it was inside Fatih.

Hence few hours later, as I made my way out, I started looking for Siirt Seref to grab a buryan bite it was famed for.

Ngeh ngeh ngeh. 

Of course that called for another pose , just for the " I was here " record.

The Bicycle brigade stops traffic on one lane

Welcome to Fatih. 

Whenever there's a jam or bottle neck, omg, the horns start blaring non stop...

....but this was something else.

Cars were either honking in support or pissed off with this bicycle brigade blocking one lane of the traffic

The daily market outside the Fatih mosque

You really don't have to wait for the famous Wednesday Pazari,

as there's a cute daily market to be found here, just waiting for you to explore.

There are a few entry points to the mosque behind but this in my opinion is the most picturesque of all.

Lunch at Tatseven

If you're a single female foreign traveller, you will be treated very kindly and respectfully by the good men in Tatseven. 

The outlet is just opposite the Aksaray tram station. Walk away from the station with the mosque behind you and you will be welcomed most graciously by the gentlemen here.

Picking a spot out in the open this time, as it's a sunny lovely day , not too cold.

Fevi Pasa Caddesi - the big fat wedding gown street

And so I ventured into the conservative district of Fatih.

When the streets start to clog up, the incessant honking on a scale of madness begins. Put that minor annoyance aside and instead focus on the most unique part about this caddesi ....the endless bridal shops filled with garish to elegant get ups. Like a wedding street or something.

Namli Gurme - Karakoy

Hung around the New Mosque waiting for the sunset before sauntering along the Galata Bridge into Karakoy. 

By the time I reached the other side, it was this dark. Yet compared to Aksaray metro last night ,only one chap tried to stop me in my tracks and get me to drink tea a couple of stories upstairs ( they'll make sure no single woman ever stays lonely in Istanbul ). When I walked back the same way after my meal , there he was, still trying to get me up to the roof to take pics from the balcony this time.

But he was ok, not so menacing, I can handle him. He won't stress me out enough into having to plan an escape route as he jabbers away.

Gala Kokorec

This is kokorec, stuffed sheep's intestines and I am determined to try it today since it's reputed to be good.

Valens Aqueduct - currently my fav Istanbul attraction

The Valens Aqueduct was built during the Roman times.

Can't believe that I passed by this the last time and didn't even take a second look. 

Today, I'm snapping a pic together with my haul of LC Waikiki clothes ( a Turkish brand with clothes made from China lol ) nvr mind.

Guess where seagulls take their bath

Walking out from the Sulaimaniye Mosque towards the Ataturk Boulevard, you will come across this building on your left. 

But something caught my eye and I'm walking in for a better look

Back to Aksaray Tram Station. Forget Aksaray Metro surrounds.

Got scared half out of my wits tonight as I braved myself up and walked towards Historia Mall.

One older guy accosted me as I was approaching the Metro and he just wouldn't go until I stopped and walked the other way just to shake him off.

Then later at the pedestrian crossing as I was walking back, I noticed a taller fellow around my age group stuck to me again ( yes, so stupid, while I was at the lights for gawds sakes ) until I moved away from him, only to get winked and leered at by another younger guy flanking him. 

Aaarrrgghhh !!!!

Getting the hell out of here. 

Siirt Seref - Kurdish lamb

Siirt Seref is a local institution in this nice little area known as little Kurdistan.

It's very easy to find once you locate the Valens Aqueduct.

Notice that the roman structure is just next to the building

Welcome to the world of lamb.

This counter lies next to the door.

Vaha Aile Caybehsi - Turkish tea under the trees

And so I wandered right into the heart of Fatih today. 

Was a bit of a shock compared to Sultanahmet where everything is near perfect.

Roads were dug up, witnessed a bicycle protest, walked along the wedding street where drivers went half mad trying to ease the jam by honking. 

Beautiful things happen at Gulhane Park

My first visit was during autumn last year and while Topkapi grounds were awesome what with clusters of fallen leaves I thought Gulhane looked rather sad back then.

Until that is my revisit here earlier today

The blooms were so magnificent, cheerful and breathtaking everyone turned photographer. There were beautiful scenes everywhere. 

Like this little girl posing for dad.

The most beautiful thing about the tulips here is that they're so, so fragrant !

Closest I've ever gotten to a wild seagull

Out of the whole pack circling the boats, this fella pulls away and to my surprise lands right in front of me.

First I think he's hungry, damn, I have no bread.

Never mind, let's take pics.

Istanbul Tulip Festival 2014

Ever seen bright as flourescent tulips ?

It's a first for me. They were off the main path cos if they had been they'd be trampled by enthusiastic people/ tourists/ locals posing for pictures or sprayed at by vengeful cats.

See for yourself.

Compare with the colour of the foliage and other blooms.

Tatseven - Aksaray

As it goes, I am new to Aksaray. Haven't explored this side before. So what to do, I ask the nice uncle behind the reception desk what's nice.

He looks a little worried but after I tell him I love Turkish food, he says " Tatseven " with that Italian gesture that means " mamamia it's sooooo delicious " ( if you know what I mean )

Then I ask him, is the area safe ? He looks me up and down and says with a shrug " Ok, no problem " 

Here I am

Osman Balikcisi - Deep fried anchovies

No I didn't stumble upon this. I was introduced by a local. He said with all earnestness in his eyes that 

" this is good, believe me " 

Well ok, I WAS hungry and how did he know.

So here goes

20 million tulips

2014 marks yet another Tulip Festival in Istanbul . A remarkable 20 million bulbs have been planted all over the city. 

Why aren't you here yet ?