Istanbul 2014 - New Mosque (Yeni Cami) & Spice Bazaar

Date of visit: 5th April 2014

As promised, I'm writing here places that we visited in accordance to our daily activities, 4 days in Instanbul following the itinerary. Yeni Cami and Spice Bazaar were the 2 places, 5 minutes walking distance from Yazar Hotel that we visited on our day 2.

Yeni Cami @ New Mosque - the courtyard

The Spice Bazaar @ famously called as Egyptian Market by the locals

The New Mosque is an English translation of the mosque name, Yeni Cami in turkish local language. It is one of the famous mosque in Istanbul seated in the Eminonu quarter of Istanbul, just opposite of the Spice Bazaar near the Galata Bridge. Yeni Cami is a symbol of local culture and religious beliefs, stand tall and proud next to Bosphorus straits.

Yeni Camni is seen as Istanbul skyline is as popular among foreign tourist as it is with the locals. The Arrchitect, Daud Aga assigned by Sultan Mehmet III mother's has designed the mosque way before its construction in 1597. The mosque idea and construction was commissioned by the mother queen, Valide Safiye. It was stopped for several years due to several obstacles but it was finally completed by another queen mother in a later stage, 1663.

The 351 years old mosque has its beautiful exterior architecture defined by its 66 domes and semi domes cascading like a pyramid which dropping down from the central dome. The mosque grand courtyard has an ornamental fountain in the centre, 2 minarets and the main dome at the centre measures 18 metres in diameter. In overall, the mosque architecture majestic and its boldness design as seen as a rare and unique as it comes.

Hundreds of pigeons perched on the domes adds natural beauty to its architecture. Inside, the mosque was finished with a square decorated Iznik tiles of gold, blue and marble. Akin to other Ottomon imperial mosques, Yeni Cami has 4 beautiful pillars on the corners and is held to the ceiling where the main dome stays. Calligraphic plates are fixed there with the names of the first 4 caliph @ Muslim rulers, Abu Bakar, Umar, Uthman and Ali.

Photo shared from istanbulpress.wordpress.com (kindly visit for more beautiful photos by the blogger)

Photo shared from www.8thingstodo.com

The mosque has it's own complex consists of a hospital, primary school, ham am, library and a market, the concept similar to the Prophet Muhammad's teaching, example of the prophet 1st mosque in Madina. The large market exists till today as an Egyptian market, famously known as "Spice Bazaar". Like any other royal mosques in Istanbul, there is a mausoleum which holds the tombs of the sultanates and many members of the courts.

After we have done taking photos with a beautiful garden between the Yeni Cami and the Spize Bazaar, we went inside to have a little shopping. Spice Bazaar is the second largest bazaar in Istanbul after the Grand Bazaar. Avoid going there during the weekend as there's crowds heading towards the market.

As of today, Spice Bazaar has a total of 85 shops selling spices, jewellery, souvenir, dried fruits nuts and sweets. The market is open from 9am till 7pm during weekdays, 10am till 6pm on weekends but closed during any religious ceremony/celebration and on public holidays.

There are several documents suggesting the name of the bazaar was first "New Bazaar". The building was endowed to the foundation of the adjacent New Mosque. Its name "Egyptian Bazaar" was because it was built with revenues from the Egypt Ottomon in 1660. The bazaar was (and still is) the center for spice trade in Istanbul, but in the last years more and more shops of other type are replacing the spice shops.

The building itself is part of the kulliyah's complex of the New Mosque. The revenues obtained from the rented shops inside the bazaar building were used for the upkeeping of the mosque. The structure was designed by the court architect Koca Kasim Aga, but the construction works began under the supervision of another court architect, Mustafa Aga, in the last months of 1660; following the Great Fire of Istanbul (1660) that began on 24 July 1660. The great fire lasted about 49 hours destroyed many parts of it's neighborhoods in the city. 

A major rebuilding and redevelopment effort started immediately in the city following the fire, which included the resumption of the New Mosque's construction works in 1660 as mentioned above. The construction of the mosque was ultimately completed between 1660 and 1665 and the beginning of the Spice Bazaar's construction in the same year (all buildings in the New Mosque Kulliyah complex, including the Spice Bazaar. It were all  commissioned by Sultana Hatice, the queen mother of Sultan Mehmed IV. 

Our group of 4 had spent quite some times looking for souvenirs, spices and tea for our loves one. We were invited to 1 of the shop for taste numerous kinds of tea in his shops. We ended having to carry those luggage through out the day exploration, which are quite heavy after a long walk and places to visit. Using public transportation card "Istanbul Card" that we purchased from the airport a day before, we managed to explore the whole city quite easily.

Special notes to all: kindly purchase an Istanbul Card from the machine which you can top-up depending on your usage. The card can be shared with so many people, hence, it is not necessary to buy each card for each person. 

Remarks: Due to misinformation about Yeni Camii, our group did not entered the mosque complex, hence, I have downloaded 2 photos from  istanbulpress.wordpress.com & www.8thingstodo.com, to share some inside views of the beautiful mosque. I hope both website bloggers would gave away their permission if they saw I'm sharing this for the knowledge of all.

Istanbul 2014 - Transit & Arrival, Day 1

Date: 4th April 2014

After 8 hours flying, we arrived in Doha Airport  at an early hours, saddened to see the new airport is still not open resulting a long queue at the transit hall. Upon clearance, we went straight to freshened up and hang out at the airport as our flight was supposed to leave soon. I captured the Doha airport illegally in below photo for my insta-weather. The Doha airport is no way near Emirates airport in Dubai but mostly Qatar Airline has purchased both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, which is good to balance the needs. Honestly, I felt much safer when I saw Airbus flight that we took to Istanbul. MH370 mystery has left doubts on Boeing safety to me personally. Less than an hour later we were boarded for the next plane to Istanbul. The journey was nearly 4 hours. We were served snacks and lunch on board.

We arrived in Istanbul feeling accomplished though it was a long queues in front of immigration lines to receives us. The long queue shows how popular Istanbul is among the tourist. It was nearly an hour before our turned were cleared. 

Selfie at the long queue of immigration lines

As soon as you stepped out from the immigration, you may see a beautiful cactus garden which are my sister's Rosnani favorite plant at her home. Seeing my 2 sisters look fabulously happy being in Istanbul, I recorded their happiness in below photo, near the Cactus Garden.

Cactus garden after the immigration check point

However, a surprised waited us at the baggage lines when we could not found any of our luggage. The airport "Lost & Found" officer was there waiting with a list in her hand. When we approached her for assistance, she asked if we could look again at the baggage belt if our luggage happened to be there. In the piece of paper that she was holding was list of luggage which were not could transferred into the Qatar Airways flight to Istanbul due to a mishandling of luggage in Doha Airport. All passengers luggage (Malaysian mostly) were nowhere to be seen. Hence, we had to fill-up the lost & found form and was promised that we shall get our baggage the next day when the next flight from Doha arrived.

With nothing to carry, we straightaway headed to look for Istanbul Metro line, which was easy to locate using the airport's directional sign. It was located on the left side, lower level of the arrival hall. A local Turks had assisted us how to purchase an Istanbul Card which we need to purchase 1 for all 4 of us. Kindly take note that you do not to purchase for all as it can be shared within the group. The card has it's credit that you can top-up at any available machine, placed in Istanbul city. It was the most convenience and cheaper way to travel in the city. 

The card and the top-up machine are different, the above was to buy an Istanbul card

After we have successfully purchased the card, we went to look for directional line map which were made available at most if not all the tram and metro lines. The 3 sisters were locating ways how to go to Yazar Hotel from the airport in below photo. We had to stop at Aksaray station and took another line until we reach, Sirkeci. The hotel was booked via our favorite hotel website, Booking.com. We made a right choice in terms of location, budget and convenience as Yazar Hotel had offered everything that we look for. Their hotel rates included breakfast. 

It was about an hour past noon when we were done with the card and the direction. There's 5 Metro lines in operation at the point of visit and we took Metro Line 1, M1 to Aksaray. From Aksaray, we use tram (fare paid using the same Istanbul Card) to Sirkeci line. Below photo was how the M1 line from and to airport looks like.

Happy faces in a good condition train

It was amazing to view the city from the metro, a view differs from our Kuala Lumpur city. The weather was reasonably cold but the walks made us forget about the cold weather. We walk in the Aksaray area  feeling excited when we saw tulips being planted in most of the area. It was tulips festival in Istanbul. I snapped below photo of my sister and local paintings at the passageway from Aksaray Tunnel point.

Istanbul is a city where the history building are visible at every corner you turn, all preserved and mostly in use till present date. In my opinion, the design looks quite similar. It's old architectural building is a resemblance to a proud of Ottomon Empire. A monument that can be seen in below photo is in Aksaray.

Beautiful weather in Aksaray

In front of the tram station, we found a small cozy restaurant that we decided to stop for lunch. While waiting for lunch, we went to change more Euros to local currencies, Lira as Euro 20 changed at the airport not suffice for all of us. The money changer is called as "Change Office" in Istanbul and available in most of the areas. It is so convenient for the tourist to get their money changed. 

Local cuisine as our first lunch in Istanbul City

The tram we took stopped right in front of "Marmaray Sirkeci Istasyonu". I was glad as I wanted to purchase our ticket to Bucharest as soon as we arrived in Istanbul. Thereafter, we were looking for direction to Yazar Hotel. After getting lost here and then, we finally found and glad that we chose a place which is nearby to attraction places. After a quick rest and prayer, we went out to look for clothes and other basic necessities as our belonging were all inside the luggage that was stuck in Doha Airport.

Purchased expressed train ticket to Bucharest at the Sirkeci Train Station

We stayed for 4 nights in Yazar Hotel and it was really great. The hotel is situated near the main city attractions, merely 5 minutes walking distance to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque and 5 minutes to Yeni Cami/Spice Bazaar and another 10 minutes to Galata Tower. It's address is in Sultanahmet/Fatih area. The hotel staff are all very friendly and helpful. We basically were directed by them to a shopping area not far from the hotel and Eminonu, within a walking distance. We found what we need in the clothing shop and groceries shop, hoping that the Airport Lost & Found will send our luggage the following day.  

After we have done with shopping, we went to take our diner adjacent to Hafiz Mustafa baklava shop. My sisters brought back some Turkish Halva and pudding from Hafiz Mustafa shop, I had rice pilaf and beef for my diner as the whole day I was not taking any rice.

Cold night, late dinner and tiring day

Later that night, we had small discussion since we have skipped 2 place of interest (POI) scheduled on the first day, i.e. to Grand Bazaar and to Taksim Square. Our day 2 itinerary has been shifted to day 3 and we had to squeeze in whatever times left to include the 2 places that we supposed to visit. My next entry would be by details of places that we visited.

Stay with me for some tips and information of our choice for POI.

Things that i do on my last trip to Karachi

My Pakistan visa is expiring on 12th May 2014. After reviewing the matter which requires my inputs in Karachi with my former boss, I surprised myself by saying "YES" that I shall be attending to the discussions in Karachi. I estimated it would take only 2 days, hence the flight was confirmed as soon as green light was given by my present boss. We usually takes Emirates flight to Karachi which it's flight schedule greatly impacted my mood. It was due to a long transit while waiting for flights to the next sector. I chose 1930hours flight on Sunday afternoon to Dubai. After 7 hours and 10 minutes with traveling distance of 5618km, the Boeing B777-300 landed in Dubai at 2220 local times. The flight to Karachi took off at 0130 on the next Monday morning, 28th of May 2014 for a traveling distance of 1188km and a duration of 2 hours via Boeing 777-300ER.

The plane safely landed at 0430 in Jinnah International Airport. I was having an anxious feeling of returning home soon. For some reason coming to the city is no longer excites me. I guessed the time has come for me to detach myself from Karachi city that was once a home. It's nearly 7 years since the day I first landed, the day I mobilized, my countless yearly return trying to resolve the disputes. So, I told myself and everyone clearly that this would be my last trip to Karachi.

Wahid, the office boy waited at the arrival hall. Daim, our former drive who use to wait has gone at the end of 2013. I was not sad when he was removed as I have given my final blessing too. The new driver is quite a nice person, very composed to himself, therefore, I decided to put a distance. We went straight to the office. After a shower and Fajr prayer, I went to bed till 9.30am, Karachi time.

Wahid in Rabi Centre

From 9.30am till 5.30pm, we were working non-stop. We stopped only for my favorite "Beef Pulao" lunch takes away from United Restaurant in Bahadurabad. Lucky that Wahid knows where to get it from. I was so happy with the lunch. Sajid gave me PKR5 thousand in case I need to spend anything that night. But I did not started my shopping list, rather I took below photos so that my girlfriends (7 of them) from the head quarters would be able to chose which color of the chiffon embroider material that they may want me to buy. The pictures was immediately on the "IJM Shopaholics" whatsapp group. Wahid went with me. The driver waited at the parking lot of Rabi Centre, located adjacent to the Dolmen Mall of Tariq Road.

Nurul, Eila and Ili's choice

Later in the evening I informed the driver that he has to take me to the Malaysian house. Sajid showed him the direction via google map. I was lucky that the Consulate General has invited me to stay at their official residence, a Malaysian House located in Khayaban-e-Shamseer (Phase 8, Defense Housing). After Jama' the 2 maghrib and Isya' prayer, I headed to their house. Humyra, their lovely daughter was with her lovely mother, Hidia receiving me.

Beautiful Humyra

The next morning, after having coffee with Hidia and her husband, I went to work quite early, 8am since I wanted to get around the city, taking photo using my Iphone to record physical changes in Karachi, especially places that we used to visit. After few snapped at the Clifton Beach and Dolmen City Tower, I was surprised to see that the "Aik Talwar" has gone from it's trade mark, in front of Abdullah Shah Gazi. The area has been excavated for the proposed flyover in front of the ongoing Bahria Tower construction adjacent to Park Tower. Passing by the "Do Talwar", I snapped the Ocean Mall (used to be Soffitel Tower) from where I stand at Emerald Mall. These 2 (Dolmen City, Emerald and Ocean) malls were not existed those days.

We continued some shots during the journey to the office, till we reached Gloria Jeans coffee cafe. I stopped to take away some heavy brunch to keep my energy running strong for 2nd day of work assignment.

Good breakfast is available in Gloria Jeans Cafe

After lunch, I went out quickly to grab the first 6 pieces embroidery materials for the ladies. The ladies and I went bonkers as it was a life online shopping when the shop that I went had offered their wifi services. All of us went "OMG, OMG, OMG… it's crazy stuff down there at the market bla bla bla...

My girlfriends would be surprised that this is the shop that I went to get their materials from

I cannot blame them as those embroidery chiffon are all very beautiful in colors and the designs as shown in below photo. A lot of them unable to decide, so, for those who cannot I took that right from them. Back in the office, the working team agreed that I have to extend my stay as there's yet so much works to be reconciled. I made necessary arrangement to get my flight ticket change from Thursday to Saturday. The ladies are overjoyed with the news. It means more time for shopping.

Some of the purchase on 29th May 2014

For dinner on the 2nd night, the Consulate General and the wife planned for dinner at the Ocean Mall since I was planning to visit some of the local designers shop, i.e. Gul Ahmed and Khaadi. When I was about to check the things at Gul Ahmed, they arrived and decided to have dinner in Baan Thai located on the 3rd floor of the mall. It was a great dinner with a great companion. I started to enjoy my stay in Karachi. I found chemistry with Hidia. I decided to keep her in my good book. We should be friends for life.

My working lunch in the office, Beef Pulao, Nihari & Naan, Chicken Tikka & Chicken rolls

On day 3, I was happy to see that my flight ticket has been officially changed to Saturday. We continued to work in a more relaxed situation. It was great to have Naan and Nihari for lunch that day. After working so hard, I took off to get the balance material from the Rabbi Centre at 5pm. After returning to office and performed prayers, I went to Wednesday Bazaar and dropped at Kazmi's residence for dinner. It was nice to have a home cooked capati resulting me I arrived very late in CG's residence that night. We went to the back courtyard of their house having a coffee midnight party. As tomorrow is a Labor Day, we went to bed late and I had asked Wahid to fetched me at 11.30 am.

Late Jinnah's residence in Sharah-e-Faisal

On labor day, we went for brunch at Xander's as I was craving for salmons sandwich that was posted sometimes ago in CG's Instagram. I really had a great time at the restaurant, and told myself that I must revisit before my return. After breakfast, the driver dropped Hidia and myself at the Dolmen Tower to do some shopping. I went to work thereafter until the strikes was declared by the ruling party, MQM arising from the death of 4 of his members and 2 people were missing in action. They left at 5pm whilst I took my leave half an hour later. On the way back, I took few photos along the shara-e-faisal road to Defense. It was a memorable day as I managed to take below photo of the Frere Hall with me in the photo. The place becoming a public accessible area after US Embassy had shifted out from the area. I waited 7 years to have my picture with the Frere Hall, a real blessed day for me, in a new long Kurti and new scarf from Gul Ahmed.

With the Frere Hall

The next day, I was working only with my office colleague as the rest informed that the city was not safe to travel. Schools, offices, petrol station were all closed with no public transportation was operating. Most of them were supporting MQM for the strikes. I was lucky that my lunch at Kazmi was on, else, I didn't know here to get food that day. The lunch was heaven but I made both Kazmi and myself saddened when I informed him that I have no desire to coming back. It's time to say my farewell to the city. My last prayer in the office was quite miserable too as I seek forgiveness from Allah for hurting so many peoples with my "temper management issue" those days. I was very bossy and demanding but only I know that I have change in recent months. Especially when my beloved best friend died from the leukemia.

Lunch at Kazmi's office

As I was early when I reached Hidia's house, we decided to go for a last minute shopping as all shops will still not open the next day. We went to Dolmen Tower and managed to shop all my irresistible items including the beautiful purple dress in below photo. I was very lucky for the opportunity. We bought a simple dinner home while celebrating Harith 2 year old birthday. 

This lady is God-sent, thank you Hidia

What a lucky time to be with Harith on his birthday. After the cut cutting ceremony and simple diner, Hidia quickly cooked a Crab Soup for me. We both had enjoyed our last night together with the foods and the her clothing line.

How time flies, he was about 2 weeks old when I first met him

Crab's soup specially made by Hidia for me

The next morning, Aliaa has made me a cup of Espresso which I chose to enjoy in my room while trying to update my blog. Blog can wait, I ended up wasting time viewing stuff which have no dates line. Sigh, must have more discipline as I have so much outstanding things to do back home, the ex-UITM reunion, the Law classes and revisions etc etc.

3 of us headed to Xander's to satisfy my crave for Egg Benedict. Breakfast was wonderful as we ordered iced coffee that morning.  Back to the house, I said my farewell knowing very well that we shall see each other again in the near future. I left to Airport around 11.10 in the morning. With 45 minutes we reached the airport and the heavy luggage for 35.5kg was well received by Emirates.

At Xander's with Hidia

Jinnah International Airport, on the walk to the boarding hall

As the flight took off at 2.30pm. I had mama' the 2 prayers Zohor and Asar at the boarding hall. Performing an obligatory prayer is very much convenience as I learned to carry only socks and short prayer cloth to properly cover my head and ensure that I wore a long sleeve shirts/blouse during travels. It became the new traveling attire.

My short prayer cloth purchased from Bandung

Photo at Boarding Hall book shop is a must

Emirates has granted me a room in Arabian Park Hotel which I get printed during check in at Jinnah Airport. A stay and the rest after was worth rewarding as I was fresh with 2 hours sleep and a shower for the next morning flight to Kuala Lumpur. Dinner was provided in the hotel from 6pm till midnight. I arrived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday afternoon being stopped by the Immigration Office who was polite enough asking me to pay taxes for the 2nd cartoon of Blue Dunhill that I purchased for hubby. Alhamdulillah, I should learned a lesson for the next trip. 

View from Arabian Park Hotel provided by Emirates

Farewell lunch with my brother

Date: 2nd May 2014

2 days ago I went to see my brother in his new residence, officially shifted 6 months ago. It was a PKR30 lakhs newly built penthouse on top of his existing owned 5 story shop lots seated along University Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal. 1 of my must visit place whenever I arrived in Karachi was visiting him in his office. This trip was even remarkable as his home is just 10 ft away from his office. 

Happy 70 year old brother of mine

We had dinner at his large dining hall. The dinner was after he showed off every corner of his penthouse. It was too bad that I left my phone at the office that night as the city night view with a night breeze was priceless. Being an MEP Engineer, this guy knows better how to position the doors and windows at an appropriate places. 

Large dining room attached to the cosy kitchen

What surprised me most was his choice of interior house design. Everything came in light lavenders color or rather mild purple. The purple inspired color was up till to the bathroom accessories. He brought along all his furnitures and old photos from his former residence for the new penthouse. Though he has sold his old bungalow plot on top of the hill but the house memory were all shifted in. It was a bless as everything kept him at peace, made him a very happy man.

The lounge next to the dining hall

The family photos part 1

I had my opportunity to record my visit again today when we agreed to meet for lunch as yesterday's dinner had to be cancelled due to strike declared by MQM's party arising from 4 killings of their people with 2 still missing late yesterday afternoon. The road was very empty today as majority of schools, offices, banks and shops including petrol station were closed. We were worried if things are not back to normal as the petrol will run out and how can I go to the airport tomorrow if the petrol station decided to prolong their strikes.

All the photos was taken today right before lunch. A special fish was cooked to celebrate a special day. 2 of his staff and 1 government officer joined us for lunch. It was so much jokes and laughter, happiness spreading on the table when the lunch ended with rice pudding and hot masalla tea.

His TV corner

His study cum working place in the same TV area

Back to his office floor, I told him nicely that this would be my last visit to Karachi. Though I have made efforts dropping by to see him whenever I was in town, I will no longer be coming back to check him out. We both started to get emotional but I told him that he will be always in my prayer and good thoughts as we are brother and sister. We recalled those happy moments from the first time he visited me in my office in 2007 till present day.

Last reception area

View from the top garden

I left him my number so that he can contact me anytime he wants or in any case of emergency. This man, my brother has left a special spot in my heart for whatever reasons that was existed arising from business dealing. We used to fought a lot when I cut his fees but he never kept too long in his heart. He is a good man, a man that I most respected.

He can see his new apartment from the balcony

Another side of the city view

We shed tears when we bid our farewell. I hugged him tightly and whispered to his secretary to take care of Mr Kazmi in a moist and sad voices. Only Allah knows whether we shall be seeing each other again. But, in case we are not, I am saying my peace by saying my farewell to him in person. Till then brother, adios to you.

My favorite home made capati with fish cooked in yoghurt

View from dining balcony