Following my cycling trips in Panama and Czechia during the summer of 2021, I still had two more travel vouchers that I had to use before the end of the year. Both of my flights to Panama City and to Prague were the same case, using vouchers I got instead of ticket refunds on cancelled flights I had booked in 2020 and first part of 2021. When I realized Turkey was a possibility of where to go next, I did not delay and booked myself to fly from Prague to Istanbul. Late September, October was just right for a trip to Turkey. Spending a few days in Istanbul was a must, although I planned no cycling around the city. The old city sports wonderful lanes for walking, alas, not cycling. The streets are too narrow and chocked with traffic, not to mention rather steep to navigate by bicycle. Besides, I was due for a sojourner in Istanbul. Actually, it was my third time in Istanbul. First time was on the way from Europe to India in 1973. Second time on the way back in 1974; I froze crossing Afghanistan and Iran midwinter and once again in eastern Turkey. But here I was again, 50 years later, set for a cycling mini tour of Turkey, warming up with long walks in Istanbul first. Frankly, cycling trip in Turkey would not be complete without a walk in Istanbul.
I booked a room in Beyoğlu and spent a few days walking in all directions. One can’t miss heading toward the water with the iconic landmarks guiding one’s progress. From Taksim Square past Galata Tower to Galata Bridge and beyond – to Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and back, always taking yet a different route. See my Flickr album, Walks in Istanbul.
