The street where I live...... and what can be seen within walking distance.

• Situated in the Firuzağa district of Istanbul, this street (Yeni Çarşı - new bazaar) has something for everyone. Although I had lived here some time before, I had never explored it properly. It is a village in itself, comprising all the retail outlets that you could ask for, plenty of friendly street cafes, and not too much through traffic. I consider myself incredibly lucky to live here.

The apartment has superb views of the city skyline, with particularly attractive vistas of the Bosphorous and the Sea of Marmara from its roof terrace, seen here at dawn.

A short walk in one direction takes you to the main shopping street of the city, Istiklal, with its heritage tramway. 

Descending the hill in the other direction, you come to the main artery of Kemeraltı Caddesi, which runs parallel to the Bosporous. A modern tram, or a short walk takes you along it to Kadıköy and the Galata bridge, with its ferry terminals. This tram route also links the main historic mosques and main Bazaar.

Galata Bridge, across the Golden Horn, with its host of fishermen. Reasonably priced fish restaurants can be found on its lower deck, affording intimate views of the river traffic.

The Galata Bridge in 1964.

The Golden Horn and adjoining Sea of Marmara are regularly traversed by a fleet of ferries. Although many vessels today are modern, there are still plenty of traditional craft, based on the many Clyde-built examples that plied these waters in former times. 

 

The final Clyde-built ferry to operate has been preserved in the excellent Rami Coche museum, further up the Golden Horn at Aksoy. Seen here next to a submarine, also an exhibit at the museum.