Trip to Türkiye 17【Istanbul Trip】Why a Bosphorus Cruise on a Public Ferry Was Better Than Expected

 If you visit Istanbul, one experience I highly recommend is a Bosphorus cruise on a public ferry (Şehir Hatları).

Tourist-oriented luxury cruises have their appeal, but taking a ferry used by locals lets you experience both the everyday life of Istanbul and its breathtaking scenery at the same time.

In this article, I’ll share what it was like to cruise the Bosphorus on a public ferry and why it left such a strong impression.

■ Affordable, Easy, and Absolutely Scenic

One of the biggest advantages of the public ferry is how affordable and convenient it is.
You can board it just like a metro or tram, yet the views are nothing short of world-class.

As the ferry departs, the cityscapes on the European and Asian sides slowly drift away.

Mosque minarets, hillside neighborhoods, waterfront restaurants, and historic palaces appear one after another—every angle feels like a postcard.

I honestly found myself thinking, “People commute on this? That’s unbelievably luxurious.”

■ Discovering Istanbul’s History from the Water

Istanbul is impressive from land, but seeing it from the sea offers a completely different perspective.

Palaces and fortresses from the Ottoman era, along with centuries-old mosques, line the shores of the Bosphorus.

One particularly memorable moment was passing beneath the Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia.

It truly hits you that you’re traveling between two continents.

It felt less like sightseeing and more like physically experiencing geography and history at the same time

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■ The Relaxed Atmosphere Onboard

The ferry isn’t just for tourists—it’s a part of everyday life for locals.

Some sip tea while gazing at the view, others scroll through their phones, and there are families and elderly passengers as well.

There’s no special entertainment, yet that ordinariness is what makes it so pleasant.

Step out onto the deck and you’ll feel the sea breeze, with seagulls flying alongside the ferry—an unmistakably Istanbul scene.

A small warning: if you’re holding bread, the seagulls will absolutely target you.

■ Why This Cruise Is Perfect for Travelers

A Bosphorus cruise on a public ferry offers:

• Great value for money

• Sightseeing while in transit

• A mix of Istanbul’s everyday life and extraordinary scenery

If you have time, I highly recommend taking a late afternoon or sunset ferry.

Watching the city change colors as the sky and sea shift hues is simply breathtaking.

■ Final Thoughts: For Those Who Prefer the “Local” Experience

It may not be flashy or luxurious, but it’s one of the most honest ways to experience Istanbul

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That’s what makes the Bosphorus cruise on a public ferry so special.

For travelers who enjoy stepping into local life rather than just checking off landmarks, this experience is a perfect fit.

Trip to Türkiye 16 (Introducing unusual Turkish cuisine!)

 This time, I’d like to introduce Turkish cuisine, focusing on two memorable and slightly lesser-known dishes:

Perde Pilavı and Bulgur Balls.
Both dishes are rich with traditional Turkish ingredients and cooking methods, leaving a lasting impression.

What Is Perde Pilavı?

Perde Pilavı is a traditional dish commonly found in southeastern Turkey.
Its name literally means “curtain pilaf.”

What makes this dish truly special is its appearance.
Fragrant pilaf is generously packed inside a buttery dough—similar to a thin pastry—then baked in the oven to create a luxurious, dome-shaped dish.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Spiced rice

• Chicken

• Pine nuts

• Raisins

The balance of sweetness, saltiness, and aromatic spices is exquisite.

When you cut into it with a knife, steam rises and the pilaf spills out—a presentation that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious.
It’s often served on celebratory occasions, and one bite makes it easy to understand why. This dish truly feels like a feast, both visually and in flavor.

Bulgur Balls

Next up are Bulgur Balls, a classic Turkish home-style dish and popular appetizer.

These are made by mixing finely ground bulgur wheat with:

• Tomato paste

• Spices

• Herbs

• Onions

The mixture is shaped into bite-sized balls.
Though simple in appearance, each bite is packed with deep, savory flavor.

Most versions are not fried, making them surprisingly light and healthy.
They’re especially delicious with a squeeze of lemon or served alongside a yogurt-based sauce—refreshing and incredibly addictive.

While Turkish cuisine is often associated with hearty meat dishes, Bulgur Balls highlight the cuisine’s rich tradition of grain-based dishes as well.

Final Thoughts

Perde Pilavı and Bulgur Balls perfectly showcase both the depth and the home-style warmth of Turkish cuisine.

• For a sense of tradition and celebration → Perde Pilavı

• For simple, wholesome comfort → Bulgur Balls

Though still relatively unknown in Japan, both are must-try dishes for anyone interested in Turkish food.

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[Turkey Travel１７] Exploring the Bazaars of Istanbul, the Galata Bridge, and the Famous Mackerel Sandwich

Hello, this is Baomu Project!

In this post, I’d like to share some highlights from my trip to Istanbul, Turkey—specifically the bustling bazaars, the iconic Galata Bridge, and the delicious local favorite, the mackerel sandwich (balık ekmek).

◆ Grand Bazaar

One of the must-visit attractions in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. This vast indoor market feels like a maze, with over 4,000 shops lining its colorful alleyways.

You'll find everything from spices, lamps, carpets, and ceramics to jewelry and leather goods. The vibrant colors and intricate designs are truly a feast for the senses—I found myself stopping every few steps, completely captivated.

It's also a great place to shop for souvenirs. Just remember: bargaining is part of the experience! Ask with a smile—“Discount?”—and many shopkeepers will respond warmly.

◆ Galata Bridge & the Mackerel Sandwich (Balık Ekmek)

One of Istanbul’s most iconic spots is Galata Bridge

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Locals fish from the top level while the lower level is lined with cafés and restaurants along the water. This is the place to try Istanbul’s famous mackerel sandwich (balık ekmek)!

It’s a simple dish—grilled mackerel stuffed into a loaf of bread—but with a squeeze of lemon and the perfect amount of salt, it becomes something truly special. Eating it while looking out over the water was a memorable moment of the trip.

◆ Summary

Istanbul is more than just a sightseeing destination. The friendly exchanges in the bazaars, the taste of mackerel sandwiches by the water, and the historic views from Galata Bridge—these are the real treasures of travel.

If you love food, shopping, and cultural connections, Istanbul should definitely be on your list. I hope you’ll consider visiting this enchanting city on your next adventure.

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Journey to Turkey 1５(【Turkey Travelogue】Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – A Majestic Encounter with the World of Blue in Istanbul）

 Hello, this is Baomu Project!

Today, I’d like to introduce one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks — the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Let me share my unforgettable experience inside this stunning and sacred place.

◆ What is the Blue Mosque?

Built in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque is a grand structure that combines religious significance with architectural beauty.

Though its official name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it’s famously known as the Blue Mosque due to the exquisite blue Iznik tiles that decorate its interior.

It’s still an active place of worship, but also a top tourist destination just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia.

◆ A Breathtaking Exterior

The first thing that strikes you is the elegant and majestic appearance of the mosque.

With six minarets and a cascading series of domes, the Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Its silhouette against the sky is particularly stunning at sunset — truly a sight to behold.

◆ The “Blue World” Inside

Step inside and you’ll find yourself immersed in a magical world of blue.

Over 20,000 Iznik tiles cover the walls and ceilings, displaying delicate floral and geometric designs in soft shades of blue. Sunlight filtering through the stained-glass windows adds a dreamlike atmosphere.

A large chandelier hangs low over the central prayer space, drawing your gaze upward and inviting quiet reflection. The entire interior offers a peaceful and almost otherworldly sense of calm.

◆ Tips for Visitors

• Free admission (as it is a functioning mosque)

• Check prayer times before visiting
  Tourists may be asked to wait during prayer sessions.

• Modest dress is required
  Women should wear a headscarf (loaners available at the entrance).

• Photography is allowed (but avoid flash)

◆ Final Thoughts

The Blue Mosque is more than just a religious site — it’s a work of art and a place of serenity.
Standing within its cool, quiet halls, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of peace and awe.

It’s a must-visit location in Istanbul, especially when paired with the Hagia Sophia nearby, where you can experience the rich cultural intersection of Christianity and Islam.

If you ever have the chance, let the “Blue Sanctuary” take you on a journey of the heart.

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