Along with the remote control and gun district we encountered under the Galata Bridge, we gradually discovered other niche shopping areas: the eerily outdated mannequin district, the kitchen section, the magic genie lamp shops, and the pump and valve district.

Our progress was momentarily blocked down one back alley while men moved a massive pile of chopped firewood out of the street.

I did not overhear a single word of English, not even from the few people who looked like Westerners.

Elderly men and women on the street peddled pigeon seed, bread and lottery tickets of some kind.

I greatly enjoyed the food from the streetside shops: roasted lamb on a spit, salty white cheese, shish kebab and levash flatbread.

Turns out I did not care for ayran, a cold, salty yogurt drink. Ecch.

<< Back8 >>