ÜSKÜDAR -- CAFE-LINED STREET

ASIAN SIDE OF BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Yes, the most famous mosques, Topkapi, Ayasofya, Sultanahmet Square, Grand Bazaar and other tourist-friendly places all are on the European side of the Bosphorus.

But if you are in Istanbul for more than three days -- and no one should visit for less than a week to 10 days -- go to the Asian side.

The cost for the ferry is barely more than $1 USD.

The ride is amazing, with views of some of the most important buildings in the world.

Then you arrive in Asia.  It feels the same, looks the same -- though a lot more secular than, say, Fatih on the Eastern side.

Üsküdar is very much worth visiting.

TRADITIONS AND INTRUSIONS -- ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Fatih is one of the most observant areas of old Istanbul.

Women in full Muslim garb is a very common sight.

Fatih also overlaps some of the most popular tourist areas around Sultanahmet Square.

So buildings the surely once housed blacksmiths, tinsmiths, household goods shops and other neighborhood retail have long been converted to host global consumerism.

The juxtaposition of dignified Islamic women.

And the dreaded Golden Arches.

Was too interesting to pass up.

AYASOFYA

TURKEY'S MOST-VISITED ATTRACTION

In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who ordered this main church of Orthodox Christianity converted into a mosque. 

By that point, the church had fallen into a state of disrepair. Nevertheless, the Christian cathedral made a strong impression on the new Ottoman rulers and they decided to convert it into a mosque.

The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels and other relics were removed and the mosaics depicting Jesus, his Mother Mary, Christian saints and angels were also removed or plastered over.

Islanic features—such as the mihrab, minbar, and four minarets—were added.

It remained a mosque until 1931, when it was closed to the public for four years. 

It was re-opened in 1935 as a museum by the Republic of Turkey. 

--Courtesy, Wikipedia

FOUNTAIN OF AHMED III

OTTOMAN ARCHITECTURE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

In Sultanahmet Square, Old Town, Istanbul, Turkey.

By the way, entire Istanbul and Turkey trip was safest I've felt in years.

Go visit, the people are warm and everything is safe as hometown USA.