My time in Istanbul began in Sultanahmet, the noticeably older and less progressive side of the city that is home to centuries old mosques Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed (The Blue Mosque), and others.
The area vibrates with rich history and a scent of charcoal and chai mix in the air as you traverse the cobblestone streets. Calls to prayer ring out from minarets five times a day, bouncing across the region’s seven hills.
It was here that I realized that my initial plan to only spend a handful of days in the city would turn into a full, month-long stay.
