Sensual Istanbul
World Travel|December-January 2020
Istanbul is the ultimate city filled with adventure, sensuality and history
Sheetal Rastogi
Sensual Istanbul

Istanbul has long been the conduit between Europe and Asia, a gateway for ideas, people and goods. With the western banks of the Bosphorus marking the geographic start of the European continent and the eastern banks at the edge of Asia some might consider this straddling of history and heritage as an identity crisis but the confluence of cultures in Istanbul is what makes this city glow. Here, identity is experienced as action; it is in the traditions of family, art, music, mythology and food where the true Istanbul resides.

In my first trip to this city, I am overwhelmed by its beauty, which has been described by poets and travellers for millennia and is still the backdrop to works of literature and cinema. It was probably Sean Connery’s signature smirk and dark grey Duponi suit in Bond’s From Russia with Love that first alerted me to the chic mysteries of Istanbul. My love for this city grew deeper and more nuanced through the novels and memoirs of Turkey’s most beloved literary son Orhan Pamuk. Any trip to Istanbul will be greatly augmented by reading his work in advance. Especially his memoir Istanbul and his novel The Museum of Innocence for which the writer has opened a brick and mortar museum in the Çukurcuma neighbourhood. Even if you haven’t read his books the museum is a wonderful introduction to the lives of everyday Istanbulites.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WORLD TRAVELView all
Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics
World Travel

Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics

Cairns and its environs offer a wealth of experiences on Australia’s east coast.

time-read
7 mins  |
February - March 2020
What's New Santorini?
World Travel

What's New Santorini?

As one of the world’s top destinations and a never resting one, Santorini is getting ready for the season 2020! Want all the updates?

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2020
Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle
World Travel

Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle

A dreamy active holiday awaits you in Kappalady, a kitesurfing village in Sri Lanka with newfound eco-luxury; Explore the many national parks and rice marine life of the Philippines.

time-read
5 mins  |
February - March 2020
Road Trip Through Cyprus
World Travel

Road Trip Through Cyprus

A road trip through Cyprus is like a journey through time – old monasteries and hipster cafes. The island’s short distances are jam packed with history and endless views of the Mediterranean.

time-read
8 mins  |
February - March 2020
Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands
World Travel

Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands

From Grenada to St. Lucia: The most undiscovered Caribbean islands to visit this year.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February - March 2020
Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans
World Travel

Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans

Turtle, marine mammal and coral preservation; celebrity-led developments and the rehabilitation of ecosystems: some of the world’s most exclusive island resorts excel most for the commitment they show to protecting the oceans. Venture to these isolated locations across the planet to see the difference resorts like this can make to life beneath the waves.

time-read
6 mins  |
February - March 2020
Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor
World Travel

Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor

Ibiza has a reputation as a glitzy location for the influencer jet set but digs a little deeper and you’ll find an island of gourmand wellness gurus and bohemian creatives.

time-read
9 mins  |
February - March 2020
Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka
World Travel

Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka

Experience the tropical bliss in sweeping flat waters and eco-resorts putting a small coastal village on the tourist map

time-read
5 mins  |
February - March 2020
Waves & Wellness
World Travel

Waves & Wellness

Guide to Luxurious Surf Resorts for Grown-ups.

time-read
4 mins  |
February - March 2020
An Icelandic Road Trip
World Travel

An Icelandic Road Trip

The beauty of the glacier-swept region has topped bucket lists for decades, spurring a love for a winter-kissed Nordic escape blessed with icy volcanoes and boiling geysers. As the night sky parts with a curtain of lights, explore the dazzling city of Reykjavik and discover what more Iceland has to offer.

time-read
5 mins  |
December-January 2020