Alternative Walking Tour; Daily Life, Customs, Stories

We will begin our tour with an old madrasah, a religious school from the time of the Ottoman Empire. It reflects the period before the separation of education and religion, which took place with the founding of the Republic.

We will explore the backstreets of the Grand Bazaar first, and then take a brief look inside to get a glimpse of items related to daily local life. Please note that our visit to the Grand Bazaar will be very short, and keep in mind that the bazaar is closed on Sundays.

We will visit the historic Old Book Bazaar, where we’ll talk about Turkish literature and I’ll share some recommendations of notable Turkish authors.

We will visit the interior of Beyazıt Mosque and learn about how Muslims pray, while exploring the different sections of the mosque

We will visit Beyazıt Square, which was once a significant gathering place where many protests began and spread throughout Turkey. There, we’ll also discuss the current situation in the country.

We will see Istanbul University and learn about the education system in Turkey

We will walk past several university faculties and stop in front of the Faculty of Economics and the hospital to talk about Turkey’s economy and healthcare system.

We will see some old houses, many of which have been turned into non-profit organizations. Here, we’ll talk about daily life in the past, traditional weddings, and much more.

We will visit one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey, and from its garden, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. This spot will also help you better understand the city's unique geography.

We will see this Turkish Bath from outside and talk about the Hamam Culture. At this point, you may choose to leave or continue with your guide for a short 2-minute walk to enjoy a complimentary sampling of Turkish Delight with fruit tea. This is not a shopping stop—no one will try to sell you anything. Instead, you'll experience a peaceful atmosphere with access to a free rooftop view.