Spring 2014: Istanbul Gezisi.

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

All praise to Him, the Ruler of the world, and salawah upon the Last Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

Last spring break, I had a small matter (read: hal sikit). I decided to go to Istanbul, in Turkey for a week as vacation alone. I rode turkish airlines which was very good airlines for about 3 hours and half to Attartuk Airport, Istanbul. I was reluctant to go at first as this is my first time going for eurotrip alone. Yes, I took the risk, but alhamdulillah, I survived for a week there. Since spring break last year, I've been longing to go to Istanbul, the place where Islamic empire, the Ottoman was once feared by the western. And so many things just didn't go to my way since then, I decided to take the leap of faith, of going alone, though my mom really against me.

"Sometimes we need to take a leap of faith. Just jump of the cliff, and pray that God will help you for sure, if your intentions are pure."

I stayed at Beyoglu area, about 2 minutes to Istiklal Cadesi and Hard Rock Cafe Istanbul. The hostel was named Seyyah Apartment and Hostel. The owner was very friendly and helpful. Even though I didn't get the room I asked for online, he transferred me to somewhere really comfortable, and I liked it. I met few awesome people in it. Johanna and Tristan were a couple from Hamburg, Germany, very friendly and kind. Mo Zheng from China, though studying in Portsmouth, very cute and friendly, Mathias from south Germany was kind and friendly and another one Australian girl working in London (I forgot her name), who was good and awesome. I wish to meet people like them more. May Allah bless these people with knowledge and wisdom of Islam.

Marmara Sea at the back.

I went to various places as below:

1. Aya Sophia

2. Blue Mosque

3. Topkapi Palace

4. Suleymaniye Mosque

5. Beyazid Mosque

6. Grand Bazaar

7. Spice Market

8. Eminonu

9. Eyub Sultan Mosque

10. Istanbul University

11. Dolmabahce Palace

12. Istiklal Cadesi

13. Turk Telekom Arena

14. Galata Tower

15. Kadikoy

16. Prince's Island

17. Anadolu Kavalagi

Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet, Istanbul.

Hagia Sophiea, Sultanahmet.

 Suleymaniye Mosque.

 New Mosque.

 Spice/Egyptian Bazaar.

 Eminonu

View from Galata Tower

I guess that were most of it. I met an old couple from Canada in front of Blue Mosque that were very friendly and even suggested me to go Cappadocia and Pamukkale. I really wish to go there, maybe somewhere in future, insya-Allah. I also met a Malay father and his small daughter in a mosque at A. Kavalagi. He was a doctor in HUKM and was on vacation since his wife is having a conference nearby. I wish these people will be blessed as well. Allah, how good these people.

I went to Eyub Sultan Mosque, the place where one of companions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH is buried in constantinople. It was very good opportunity that I got to go there and give my al-fatihah to the martyrs. Alhamdulillah and all praise to Allah for giving me this priceless chance. On the way back, I enjoyed the view which I can't get anywhere else, on top of the hill at the area. Alhamdulillah.

 Eyub.

Eyub Sultan Mosque

One good thing here is almost all the food are halal, which was heaven for me. I don't have to think much of what I want to eat because I can simply have anything, that included the fast food restaurant. I enjoy my time here, tasting free sample of turkish delight and baklava, walking without any rushing whatsoever, seeing the view of once a great place envisioned by the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

Egg and minced meat pide.

Balik ekmek. 

Kumpir.

Burger King! Jyeah!

Tulips at Topkapi Palace.

On the last day, I went to blue mosque with Matthias to have the last glimpse of blue mosque and hagia sophie during twilight. It was really dramatic moment when I last sujud during my maghrib jamaah prayer there. It was great experience and I wish to come again to Istanbul. Maybe next time I'll go to Pamukkale and Cappadocia as well. It was unimaginable to think how sad it is to leave this country at the end of my solo journey.

Buyukada, Uskudar (Prince's Island)

And so, I made another video. Here it goes. :D

"O Lord, for You I give my thanks, for You I get my strength. Just this once, I want to express my gratitude to You, for this chance and safety upon this great land. Prosperous it and let the ray of Islam shine for eternity."

Alhamdulillah. Illaliqa'. Wassalam.

p/s: I'm having presentation and final exam in a week. Please spare me your prayer. Tesekkurler. :D