Uphill Bazaar: From Eminönü to Vefa

1. 01
   Local

   See That the Bazaar Belongs to the Mosque Complex

   Start at the Eminönü entrance of the Spice Bazaar and notice that this market was founded as the arasta of the New Mosque complex. Its foundation was laid in 1597, it was completed in 1663, and its rental income helped cover the mosque's expenses. In the 17th century it was known as Yeni Çarşı or Valide Çarşısı; the name Mısır later stuck because of the spices arriving from Egypt.

   Mısır Çarşısı Eminönü Gate, Istanbul, Turkey
2. 02
   Food

   Follow the Scent on Tahmis Street

   Just behind the bazaar on Tahmis Street, the smell of freshly roasted coffee can be noticed from the far end of the street. The line belongs to one of Istanbul's oldest coffee brands, and a package bought here is one of the city's most common take-home gifts.

   Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, Tahmis Sokak, Istanbul, Turkey
3. 03
   Art

   Find the Mosque Above the Shops

   Visit Rüstem Paşa Mosque, built by Sinan for Rüstem Pasha between 1555 and 1561. The mosque stands above shops and storage spaces, with rental income from the lower level supporting worship above. Inside, it is covered with some of the most refined İznik tiles of the classical period, and its dome resting on eight supports creates a surprisingly spacious feeling for such a compact building.

   Rüstem Paşa Camii, Istanbul, Turkey
4. 04
   History

   Look at the Master's Own Tomb

   At the northern corner of the Süleymaniye complex, where three roads meet, stands the small tomb of Mimar Sinan. He kept his own grave outside the vast complex he built and made it strikingly modest. This is the scale the architect who left hundreds of structures to the city chose for himself.

   Mimar Sinan Türbesi, Istanbul, Turkey
5. 05
   History

   Measure the Golden Horn from the Courtyard Terrace

   Head to Süleymaniye Mosque and its courtyard terrace. The complex built for Suleiman the Magnificent was not only a mosque: madrasas, a hospital, an imaret, and a hammam once shared the same hill. From the north terrace of the courtyard, the Golden Horn, Galata, and the opposite shore appear in a single frame, making the logic behind the city's skyline especially clear.

   Süleymaniye Camii north courtyard gate, Istanbul, Turkey
6. 06
   Local

   Finish with a Glass of Boza

   End at Vefa Bozacısı, opened in 1876 by Hacı Sadık Bey from Prizren after he spent six years carrying boza on his back through winter nights. The thick, slightly tart recipe remains the same into the fourth generation, and adding cinnamon and roasted chickpeas on top is part of the house tradition.

   Vefa Bozacısı, Istanbul, Turkey

Check opening hours before you go. Hours, access conditions and weather can change.