Spend Some Time Getting to Know Anatolian Istanbul

Landing at the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport means you have arrived on the Asian side of Istanbul. Alternatively travel across the Bosphorus on one of the numerous ferries that carry commuters every day not only to reach the Anatolian side of Istanbul but to experience a trip on the historic Bosphorus. Not as dramatically historic as the European side there is still history here but visiting this area is more about today’s Turkish culture; you are more likely to meet residents than tourists or commuters and the pace is far more relaxed, a chance to get an interesting perspective on Turkish life.

• Beylerbeyi Palace This ornate palace along the banks of the Bosphorus is one of the Ottoman summer palaces, with a relatively modern design, neo-baroque, but retaining the division of quarters between men( the selamlık) and women & family, (the harem). This palace was often used by visiting Royalty and the last sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulhamid II spent the last years of his life under house arrest here.
• The Anatolian side is more family orientated, more relaxed than its European counterpart. There are a number of lovely areas alongside the Bosphorus where you can watch the sunset over the wonderful silhouette of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), just sitting along the shore line or in one of the many fabulous cafes, restaurants or tea gardens.
• Kadiköy Market is well worth a visit, more relaxed and less touristy than the frenetic markets on the European side it is a delight for anyone but especially if you have a interest in food. The atmosphere in a Turkish Bazaar has to be experienced and this historic market is an excellent example.
• Moda For those of you who like to mingle and meander through the streets looking in the shops as opposed to a mall then here is a treat for you. Antique shops, bookshops, ateliers and record shops imbue this bohemian area, another plus is the excellent sea views can be enjoyed here from one of the many çay bachesi.
• Bostancı, where you will find the ever popular and busy Bağdat Caddesi, the place to see and be seen, modern, fashionable and cosmopolitan.
• Kandilli, here you will find the only observatory in Istanbul. The hill on which it stands has a fabulous panorama of the Bosphorus and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges
• Çengelköy a tossup between eating some of the börek this area is famous for and wandering some of the lovely historical homes of the wealthy on this lovely part of the Bosphorus or better yet do both!

A trip to Istanbul should include at least one day on the Anatolian side, the less frenetic pace and less tourists all provide an opportunity to soak up other aspects of this intriguing and surprising city.