It was a 10-day trip to Istambul, one of the most picturesque and multifaceted cities. I didn't have a sightseeing plan and was wandering around the streets of the old town to find some hidden gems or in contrast - iconic places.
On my way to the city center, I was capturing some patterns, textures, and details to get some inspiration and depict them later on paper.
In one of the most crowded districts, I found a quiet and peaceful peristyle inside Istambul Sanatlar Carsisi with a bookstore and a cafe that served Arabian sweets and tea. A courtyard with blooming trees was surrounded by an archway that housed refined round tables and was a perfect spot to draw.
My next stop was Galata Tower and the neighborhood which reminded me a lot of European streets. It's located at the top of a steep hill, which initially was home to rich fig gardens and vineyards.
Today the street leading to the tower is flanked by densely located residential buildings which make the view too crowded. I found an antique ink etching to use as a reference and depict the historic look of the Galata Tower.
One of the neighborhoods that impressed me the most was Kuzguncuk, my attention caught Icadiye Caddesi street. With its' traditional wooden painted houses it reminded me of San Francisco.
*Although Istambul is undoubtedly unique in its way, I tend to have associations with the things I see.
There were plenty of coffee shops, book stores, that offered cozy atmosphere, where I spent hours drawing. One cat decided to join me for a cup of tea in one of the cafes, I didn't mind it's company:)
