Scenic and Historic Run in Istanbul

Happy to run in Istanbul! Top: Istanbul Old City seen from the Beyoglu. Middle: My pose at Taksim Square. Bottom: the Istanbul market alley in the morning, where most of the stores still closed.

As I’ve written in my previous posts about running, I love exploring the place I’m visiting through Strava suggested course. So, following the suggested 10K course from Strava, I ran around Istanbul this morning.

In the month of October, Istanbul has the best weather in my opinion. It’s rarely raining, and the temperature is between 15-20 degrees C. This morning when I started running, the temperature was around 18 degrees. So, it’s really nice. I have minimal perspiration as result.

And what’s even better was the course. It took me passing through the city’s alleys and visiting famous landmarks.

I started from my apartment in Old City Istanbul, near Sultan Ahmet area, where narrow alleys and cobbled stone pathways are the hallmark of the area. It was spooky and a bit shabby at first glance, but don’t let that impression avoid you of the area. It has its own charm and the people are actually very nice and friendly. I had very good run passing the area and observing the surrounding.

The alleys of my apartment’s neighborhood

One of many beautiful mosques I found in Istanbul. This one is located near Grand Bazaar

After passing the relatively unknown alleys near Grand Bazaar, then I came at the edge of Bosphorus Strait.

Here then I noticed the Satirday morning favorite activities of Istanbul inhabitants: fishing.

The Galata Bridge were full with fishermen. Who I believe didn’t do this for their living, but mostly for their hobbies. I had a nice run passing through them, waving and smiling, as they gave me friendly look and smile.

The run then continued to Galata Tower area. It was actually quite steep climb to arrive at Galata Tower. And given I just had good walk with my wife the previous day, I knew where the course took me next: Istiklal street and Taksim Square.

After a good climb, I arrived at Galata Tower

Istiklal Street, where global and local brands collide

The sun had already risen in full when I arrived at Taksim Square. People were already crowding the street. Istanbul quickly started to alive when I ran back to Sultan Ahmet area from Beyoglu.

I once again passed the Bosphorus Strait, and the fishermen were still there. Still waving and smiling at me. And to other runners, who at that time began to appear. Now with the sun slightly above the horizon, it gave me a great view of the strait and the bustling water ways.

Ran back at Galata Bridge, now towards the Old City of Istanbul from Beyoglu

Run at Eminonu Harbour, with bustling Bosphorus Strait at the background. You can see also Galata Tower in afar.

An old fisherman enjoyed his fishing session at Eminonu Harbour.

Run in the water fountain area near Hagia Sophia

After almost 2 hours of running, I arrived back safely to my apartment. What a running course it was. It allowed me to witness the charm of the old city and its inhabitants’ early morning activities from close quarters. Truly scenic and historic run. Alhamdulillah.