Nomad Journal 2

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Once we had taken a few days to settle into our immediate surroundings in Istanbul, we set our sights on visiting one of the oldest and most iconic mosques in Turkey: Hagia Sophia. Our goal was to pray Fajr at the mosque, and fortunately, our accommodation was only about a ten-minute walk from Sultan Ahmed Square. One of the main reasons we chose this place to stay was its proximity to many of the historical sites we wanted to explore initially.

However, one thing I quickly learned that day was that Istanbul is a city of hills! The short five-minute climb from our place to the main street leading to the square was quite steep, and it took a few days for my legs to get used to the workout.

We arrived at Hagia Sophia with plenty of time before Fajr, and just the walk there was an unforgettable experience. As the Adhan echoed through the quiet streets, we felt an overwhelming sense of peace. With hardly any tourists around, the early morning atmosphere was serene and deeply spiritual.

Stepping into the mosque felt like stepping back in time. Originally built in 537, Hagia Sophia served as a Byzantine church for nearly 916 years before being converted into an Ottoman mosque in 1453. It remained a mosque for 482 years until 1935 when, during Turkey’s secular era, it was transformed into a museum for 85 years. In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque, and we felt blessed to be able to pray there.

Just thinking about the age of this mosque is awe-inspiring—it was built close to the time our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born. This means that as a ‘church’ at that time, it was actually a place of worship for the Ummah before the message of Islam was revealed. You could feel the weight of history the moment you stepped inside. We stood in awe, taking in the grandeur of the interior—its intricate construction, the towering domes, ornate balconies, and the covered depictions of its past.

After Fajr, we walked around the mosque’s compound, much of which was still under restoration. The historical markers and signs provided insightful information about the site’s rich and layered history. As we exited, we noticed a line of people gathered outside and were invited by some locals to join them. They were serving tea, soup, and bread, and we gladly accepted. Sitting on a bench, enjoying the warm food, we took in the stunning view of the square, with Hagia Sophia on one side and another equally iconic landmark on the other—the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Also known as the Blue Mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. Unlike Hagia Sophia, it was never a church and has served as a mosque since its completion. Its breathtaking blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets make it one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Unlike Hagia Sophia, which underwent transformations over the centuries, the Blue Mosque has remained a place of continuous worship, maintaining its sacred status.

After spending time at these two incredible mosques, we continued exploring the square and then took a leisurely walk down the main street. By now, the city was coming to life—the trams had started running, businesses were opening, and tourists were beginning to fill the streets. The energy of Istanbul was palpable, and we could feel the big-city vibes all around us.

Being from the West, I’m almost embarrassed to admit that when we spotted a McDonald’s, we decided to give it a try, as our kids had never tasted it before. After researching the local halal authority and confirming that the meat brand used was certified halal, we felt comfortable eating there. To be honest, it was overrated—I’m not sure why it’s so hyped—but at least it was an interesting experience for the kids.

One of the best things about staying in a place for an extended period is that you don’t feel rushed to see everything at once, especially when traveling with young children. We enjoyed a relaxed stroll through the streets, browsing shops and soaking in the atmosphere, before heading back to rest.

Later that night, we ventured out again, this time exploring a busy local street. Istanbul’s nightlife is lively, with many people walking around, enjoying drinks, desserts, and ice cream, and simply people-watching late into the night. The city truly never sleeps, and it was a joy to experience its bustling evening charm.

Two must-try treats while strolling through Istanbul are traditional Turkish tea (çay) and Turkish ice cream (dondurma). Turkish tea is a staple of local culture, served in small tulip-shaped glasses with a rich, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the city's vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, Turkish ice cream is a unique experience—its thick, chewy texture comes from salep, a special ingredient derived from orchid roots. This ice cream from vendors like 'Galata' became a staple of our nightlife life, which the kids especially were happy about - our favorite flavors: pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, and classic mastic.

Next on our list: Topkapi Palace! Stay tuned for more of our journey through this incredible city.

Nomad Journal 3 - Exploring Istanbul - Coming Soon

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