Step back in time to Istanbul, 1750, where palaces, mosques, and bustling markets await. This engaging guide immerses you in the era of the Grand Tour, revealing secrets of the heavily guarded Topkapi Sarayi and the art of bargaining in lively bazaars. Experience Turkish baths, witness the mesmerizing rituals of whirling dervishes, or watch the sultan's grand procession on the Bosphorus. For the adventurous, join crowds at public executions or sample exotic delights in hidden coffee houses and opium dens.
Worth the read - you really do get a taste for Istanbul in 1700s. Interesting images throughout. The reason I gave it a 3/5 was because there were a few times where I felt an overly Western view was adopted and it felt like the book was trying to appeal to men in its tone and approach especially when talking about women (as you take on the role of a traveller in the 1700s). I still enjoyed the read.