East Meets West: Istanbul’s Top

Attractions
November 16, 2019
6 Intermediate Middle East & Africa

Exercise 1

Vocabulary
mosque /mɒsk/ a place where Muslims go to pray
Noun
The largest mosque in the world is located in
Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

spice /spaɪs/ a seed or powder used to add flavor to food

Noun
My mother uses many spices when she cooks.
The spices are sold in small packets.

venue /ˈvɛnjuː/
Noun a place where a sports event, concert, etc. takes place

Last year's venue was too small, so we will need to

find another.
The venue needs to be large and close to the city
center.
I am in charge of finding a venue for next month's
company gathering.

antique /ænˈtiːk/ an old object that is often very valuable

Noun
My grandma has a large collection of antiques.
This store deals in antiques.

spirit /ˈspɪrɪt/ a strong alcoholic drink

Noun
I don't like spirits; I only drink wine.
Exercise 2

Article
East Meets West: Istanbul’s Top Attractions

With both a European and Asian side, Istanbul really is where East
and West meet. Here are some of the city’s top tourist attractions.

Sultanahmet

Many of Istanbul’s most famous buildings are in Sultanahmet on the

European side. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful Blue Mosque, built by
Sultan Ahmet I in the 17th century. Or they can take a trip to the city’s
past in the Hagia Sophia – which has been both a Christian church
and a mosque before being made into a museum.

Spice Bazaar

While the Grand Bazaar is the most famous Istanbul market, the Spice
Bazaar offers a more fun and colorful shopping experience. Almost
any spice can be found in the Spice Bazaar, as well as Turkish candies
– and the shops will let you try a little bit of everything!
Kadiköy

The Kadiköy neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side is popular with

young people for its pubs, cafes and music venues. Chat with artists
and writers in the tea garden of the Nâzım Hikmet Cultural Center,
which celebrates the life of one of Turkey’s most famous poets. After
that, shop for antiques on Tellalzade Street.

The Bosporus
The Bosporus is between Istanbul’s two sides. There are many
Bosporus boat tours to choose from, including ones with meals and
entertainment. For the best price, take one of the city’s public boats –
tickets cost less than $1, and they offer the same sights.

Food

Istanbul is famous for its food. Enjoy some meze – many small plates
of food – with fish and the local spirit, raki . Or buy a simit – a round
bread covered in seeds – from the street sellers. Don’t forget to try a
cup of Turkish coffee or a glass of black tea with lots of sugar.
Exercise 3

Questions
1. When was the Blue Mosque built?

2. Where can you find antiques in the Kadiköy neighborhood?

3. What is a simit ?

Exercise 4

Discussion
1. Have you ever had a chance to try Turkish food? If so, what did you
make of it? If not, would you like to?

2. What's the best meal you've ever had abroad? Please describe it.
 3. Do you enjoy visiting local markets when you travel? Why? Why not?

4. Have you been to Turkey? If so, did you visit Istanbul? If not, would
you like to?

5. What's the most interesting item you've purchased on your travels?

Exercise 5

Further Discussion
1. What places would you recommend to someone who wanted to "take
a trip to your country's past"?

2. If a group of young tourists asked you to show them around your

town or city, where would you take them?

3. What are the busiest shopping districts or areas in your town or city?
How often do you visit them?

4. What are the most famous buildings in your town or city? Please share
what you know about them.

5. The best way to travel abroad is to live with the locals. – Unknown. Do
you agree? Why? Why not?

Source
This lesson is based on an article by Jenny Whelan.

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