The Java Studio- The freshest Cafe of Sultanahmet
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the newly opened Java Studio provides a relaxing atmosphere to unwind yourself. Located near the historic Blue Mosque, this coffee house is being run by Jennifer Gaudet, a Canadian who first came to Turkey in 2005 but returned to Thailand only to come back in 2007 with a firm resolute to start a business in Turkey. Hence, the doors of Java Studio were thrown open for those having a love not just for coffee but also for books. It’s not just a place for sipping your cup of coffee, but any tourist’s true haven.
The menu offered at the Java Studio is quite elaborate, at least much more than what the other big coffee houses found at every corner. You can have a taste of exclusively wide range of coffees apart from cold drinks, tea, milkshakes and what not. For those who have a tasty bite for cakes and cookies, there is pretty fresh and oven baked for you in the Java Studio. In fact, everything you will find at the Java Studio is baked with the labor of love and care of Jennifer Gaudet. Gaudet uses natural ingredients for preparing various eatables at her coffee bar.
As told earlier, the Java Studio not only provides you with wide variety of cakes and coffees, but also helps to quench your creative thirst by giving you a display of some exclusive art pieces. “I am not an art dealer but I love art and I wanted to have a place people could come to relax and be surrounded by beautiful works of art,” admits Gaudet. The money from sale of all artistic pieces goes to help and support various programs of sports, music and art for the children so that the Gaudet is able to help towards a noble cause of the community.
You have a choice to either relax in the outdoor seating arrangement or sit in a cozy and comfortable ambience indoors. No matter wherever you choose to sit, the atmosphere is perfect to strike a rapport with people and have a good time. The staff at the Java Studio is very caring and thoroughly professional. Even if you don’t know the local language, the multilingual staff is there to assist you and take orders. Moreover, you can ask questions about the neighboring areas of Istanbul as well.
The fact that despite being a relatively new place in the Sultanahmet area, Java Studio enjoys a large local clientele. The prices are low and the menu is full of freshly baked pastries and coffees. So, if you are in Sultanahmet, you cannot afford to miss a visit to the most happening and inviting coffee bar called the Java Studio. Do visit the website of the Java Studio by logging in to www.javastudioistanbul.com
Sultanahmet – A Shopper’s Paradise
Shopping is, no doubt, one of the most enjoyable hobbies of the women, the world over. If you are visiting Istanbul and want to go on a shopping spree, then you are not alone. This is because Istanbul is a shopping paradise because you can choose from international brands to the local made products, depending upon your personal choice and your pocket.If you have a discerning eye for beautiful artifacts and want to grab some along with you, then Sultanahmet certainly is the best place for you to shop till you drop. The only thing is that you should know what you want to buy and get prepare to do negotiations with the shopkeepers. In fact, negotiations and bargaining are an inseparable part of shopping in Istanbul, whether it’s simple street vendor or the big shopping malls.
While Istanbul is famous as a shopper’s city for almost centuries now, the inviting Grand Bazaar can be given the name of the oldest shopping mall of the world. With nearly 4,000 shops having exquisite stocks of jewelry in gold and in silver to the most fashionable and trendsetting leather jackets, you can get whatever you want. In fact, sky is actually the limit for any shopper.
Apart from the ancient and sprawling Grand Bazaar, you will come across a large number of colorful markets, big shopping centers and, not to miss, the beautiful range of products displayed tastefully in the small boutiques. Whether you are looking to buy some souvenirs, some clothes, leather products, books or the most coveted piece of adornment, the jewelry, you can find almost everything under the sun in the bazaars of Istanbul.
Next in the list comes the Arasta Bazaar that sits quietly on the left of the Blue Mosque. You can go shopping in this Bazaar of Sultanahmet even on Sunday. If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar, then you must shop in the calmer atmosphere of the Arasta Bazaar. Want to take a small break from your shopping? Visit the nearby eateries for relaxing and sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Many of you might feel a bit confused about which shops to go in or how to strike the right deal with the shopkeepers. There is no need to worry because you can get a personal shopper by browsing the related sites through the internet. With the help of a personal shopper, you can get rid of all worries regarding where to go and how much to pay.
Now let us come to some of the famous and best shopping centers of Sultanahmet. The city of Istanbul is known for having some of the best carpets, kilims and sumacs that any home decorator cannot afford to miss. You can find a good variety of bed sheets, tablecloths and pillow covers in the E & S Textile Arts and Rugs store.
Fatih Gallery is the best place for buying souvenirs at almost half the price at any other shop in Istanbul. If you are ready to walk a little out of the way, then do visit the Corlulu Alipasa Medresesi for buying some best carpets at best prices.
For those having a craze for jewelry in gold or diamonds, a visit to Vieri shop is a must. It is located down the Blue Mosque across the street. And for those who want to buy some exquisite silver jewelry, go straight to Silverado, a small shop having huge variety at affordable prices.
And if you want to take home some of the handcrafted textiles of Turkey, its advisable to go to the Lodos Fashion Line, a shop that stocks designer purses, hats and shoes in silk and kilim.
So, go shopping in the shopper’s paradise called Istanbul and make the best of your visit.
Arasta Bazaar in Sultanahmet Istanbul
Sultanahmet (Hippodrome) Where History Speaks
The exotic beauty of the place called Sultanahmet is simply unmatched for. The district of Sultanahmet was built by Sultan Ahmet – I who also built the Blue Mosque. The mosque having six minars has world’s oldest monuments, obelisk of the Pharoah Thutmoses III, on its one side and the world’s eighth wonder, Haghia Sophia on its other side.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)--
Also known as Aya Sofya, Haghia Sophia owes its origin to Justinian the Great in 537 AD and was a famous Church. However, later in 1400, it was declared a mosque by Mehmet II. With most intricate engravings, pictures and miniatures inscribed into it and built in just a short span of five years, this 55.6m tall monument truly deserves to be called the eighth wonder of the world.
Sultanahmet Square --
Having all such beautiful world famous monuments and historical places, Sultanahmet, no wonder, is a favorite destination of tourists the world over. The square named Sultanahmet Meydani or the Sultan Ahmet Square, where the beautiful and ancient history makes its beginning, is still having many traces of the Hippodrome that reminiscences the old traditional ceremonies of the period. The Hippodrome symbolizes chariot races and horse races that were the favorite pastimes in the Greek cities under the Byzantine rule.
Obelisk of Theodosius--
The ancient Obelisk of Theodosius in Istanbul was initially built by Pharoah Thutmoses III. However, later on in the fourth century AD, it was re-built by the Theodosius (the Roman emperor) and given a name as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The antique Obelisk is made of red granite. Although, originally it was nearly 30m tall, however, due to damages suffered in transportation and re-erection, it is just 25.6m today. This oldest monument of Istanbul was built for the deity Amon by Thutmoses III in 390 AD. The beautiful and intricate carvings on the monument are expressions of love and gratitude towards the god Amon as it was believed that Amon provided a shield to Thutmoses III against all diseases and disasters.
Serpentine Column-
Serpentine Column happens to be yet another antique monument in the heart of Istanbul which was among several artistic pieces brought by Theodosius the Great from his empire. Also known by the name of Tripod of Plataea, the monument celebrates the glorious win of the Greek emperors over the Persians in the 5th century BC in the Plain of Platea. The partially surviving monument is displayed at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum and also in the British Museum.
Braided Column
Braided Column is the third monument in Sultanahmet that stands tall at 21 meter height. However, the statue with four bronze horses named the quadriga, is now adding beauty to the St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice.
Blue Mosque-
Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii is a huge sized ancient masterpiece built in 1606. Surrounded by a long row of water fountains that lead to the entrance, the building has four grand pillars providing support from inside. The six minarets surrounding the mosque echo the chants of prayers by the worshippers inside.
Some other historic marbles—
You can catch a glimpse of the Yerebatan Cistern, the German Fountain and the Haseki Sultan Hamam which are the jewels of Sultanahmet. And how can one forget to mention the world famous Mosaic Museum that has mosaic floors preserved from the Byzantine palace. You cannot afford to miss the Cistern of ‘A Thousand and One Columns’ or the Binbirdirek and of course, the many other ancient mansions and buildings that make Sultanahmet world famous place.
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque