We were nervous, our FIRST TIME in Türkiye but then this happened! | Travel Life Istanbul, Turkey

It's about 2 weeks in Istanbul, Türkiye! And our experiences with the Muslim culture.

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Welcome to Istanbul, Türkiye—our first stop in Asia and one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world! As full-time budget travelers, we’ve been exploring the world for eight months, but this is our first time in Turkey and Asia. Istanbul is a stunning blend of East and West, old and new. From its breathtaking mosques to vibrant street markets, it’s a place we’ve always wanted to visit but were a bit nervous about. Spoiler: It wasn’t as scary as we thought!

As Americans traveling full-time, stepping into a new culture like Turkey’s felt both thrilling and intimidating. Stories from our past shaped our nervousness about the Middle East, but exploring Türkiye firsthand shattered stereotypes and replaced them with unforgettable experiences.

We started by settling into a house sit in Beşiktaş, a more local part of Istanbul away from the touristy areas. Staying here gave us a chance to live like locals, complete with caring for Fig, the cat. House sitting is one of our top tips for budget travelers because it lets us save money and experience authentic day-to-day life in different countries.

From there, we explored Istanbul’s highlights. Kanyon Mall blew us away with its luxurious design and tight security—bag checks at the entrance reminded us how unique Türkiye can feel. We were also drawn to the nearby mosques. While we were initially hesitant to approach, the mosques became one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

The highlight of our visit was exploring the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. We learned more about Islam and experienced the beauty and peace of this iconic site. Noelle put on a head scarf (hijab) for the first time and it looked normal. Going to the mosque in person was a reminder of why we travel—to connect with new cultures and challenge our perceptions.

Our two weeks in Istanbul, Turkey, were packed with adventure, new foods, and unforgettable moments. Istanbul proved to be much less intimidating than we imagined, and it left us inspired to explore more of Türkiye and Asia.

If you’re dreaming of visiting Türkiye, Istanbul is the perfect place to start.

We were nervous, our FIRST TIME in Türkiye but then this happened! | Travel Life Istanbul, Turkey

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LINKS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Istanbul Airport (IST): Official Website
• Istanbul Airport is renowned for its grand design and efficiency.
🔗 https://www.istairport.com/

Beşiktaş District: Information
• Located on the European side of Istanbul, Beşiktaş is known for its vibrant atmosphere, and proximity to the Bosphorus.
🔗 https://www.goturkiye.com/destination...

Kanyon Mall: Official Website
• An architectural marvel, Kanyon Mall offers a blend of luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment.
🔗 https://www.kanyon.com.tr/

Bosphorus Ferry to Kadıköy: Ferry Information
• Experience crossing from Europe to Asia. You can use the transit card.
🔗 https://www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Official Information
• A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the Blue Mosque is famed for its stunning blue tiles and impressive domes.
🔗 https://www.sultanahmetcami.org/

Testi Kebab: Recipe
• A traditional Turkish dish.
🔗 https://turkishfoodie.com/testi-kebab/

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We are two Americans who spent two weeks of our full time travels in Istanbul Turkey, now called Türkiye. We were initially worried and hesitant about going to the Middle East but we discovered that Turkey is not a scary place after all!

#Travelcouple #Traveliving #Türkiye #Istanbul #mosque