View from Süleymaniye Camii

view of Beyoğlu from Süleymaniye camii (14) 1000x750Here is a view from the grounds of the Süleymaniye Mosque, which sits atop one of Istanbul’s seven hills. The view across the Halıç (or the Golden Horn) to Beyoğlu includes Galata Tower (upper right). This mosque, completed in 1557, is another work of master Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. To read more about Sultan Süleyman (the Magnificent), look here and here.

Ayva tatlısı

ayva tatlısı (1) 500x415

Here is another delicious Turkish sweet. It is made from ripe quince, which is only available for two or three months in autumn. This ayva tatlısı came from Sakarya Tatlıcısı (here) in Beyoğlu, and it is the real deal. Other places will add colorants, making it look like this. The white topping is kaymak, which is kind of like clotted cream, but better. Real kaymak is made from water buffalo milk.