Istanbul is a very interesting city, with 24m residents every millimetre is utilised and there is always someone waiting to sell you something should you stop in the street to take breath for too long.

We have also arrived during the Muslim religious period of Ramadan which is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and involves fasting during daylight hours. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed by Muslims world wide to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran.

The result of the fasting during daylight means that the place bursts into life at night. Families are out having picnics on any spare flat land and cars, scooters and trolleys fill the streets

Another facinating aspect to this city is the “Call to Prayer” that occurs 5 times a day and is broadcast “loudly” from every mosque across the county , starting at around day break and the final call occurring around 10:30pm each night. The Arabic chants are extremely captivating as you hear the sound originating from such a holly place as the Blue Mosque.

Today was primarily take up by walking the streets and exploring the Grand Bazaar which I must say appears to be totally geared for tourists now which is a bit disappointing but to be expected.