ISTANBUL | One of the Greatest Cities in the World

[@VKS4life]

Preach Gabriel. History is history, and cannot be denied. Enjoy Cappadocia, the land of my Hellenic ancestors.

[@levinawalsh2015]

Fantastic Video Gabriel 👌. I was in Istanbul (European side) back in January for a month. The first 2 weeks they had the most snow they had seen for 50 years. It was indeed So Beautiful & Magical. After the month I went to Bodrum & stayed there a month also. Really lovely there, as you know !! I then returned to Istanbul & stayed on the Asian side & as a Solo female traveler I never had one moments trouble. Turkey was Always on my bucket list & I am So glad I went & will Never forget the kindness & hospitality of the people there. Greetings from Ireland ☘✌.

[@Not-Impressed..1821]

Btw, Istanbul is still a Greek name. It comes from "eis tin poli" which in Greek it means "to the city". And the name of the beer is also Greek. It's from Ephesus.

[@danteangelo7851]

Ephesus, both as a city and name, predates the Achaean invasion of Asia Minor though so originally not a greek name but only an adaptation. The etymon of the name Ephesus is Apaša which is the name given to the city by Hittites prior to the Achaean invasion of Asia Minor. About the name of Istanbul, what you are suggesting is but a theory ,and one among many at that, and not a fact.

[@SpartanLeonidas1821]

@@danteangelo7851 When did the Hittites invade Anatolia? You didn’t mention that. Mind you, the Greeks have been there for 3,200 Years! And there are many theories on the name….Ephesus may come from Greek Ephoros or from Hittite Appa which is a COGNATE with the Greek Epi, which means: UPON. So it’s either fully Greek or from a language that is related to Greek in the same Family of languages. The Odd man out here is the turks in whose language EFES 🤡 means absolutely NOTHING. Also, the main attraction of Ephesus is the Libeary of Kelsos built by the GREEK Gaius Julius Aquila, as a funerary monument for his father Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus - BOTH NATIVE GREEKS from the Region 😃 Polemianos = Warlike…from the Greek Word: Polemos = War. Related to the word Ptolemos which also means War in the Poetic & even more Ancient Greek dialects (note Ptolemy aka Ptolemaios aka the Dynasty that gave us Kleopatra). Speaking of Kleopatra, turks also name a lot of places Kleopatra Plaj or Kleopatra Plagia. Seems like usurping or neglecting world renowned Hellenic History is a favorite turkic past-time. The world is laughing at you! 😂 You are a Goofy ASF & also very "EMPTY"…always remember that! 🤡

[@nerdcalisthenics4812]

Thanks for the video Professor Morris! I like when you throw in one of these long narrated videos every now and then. Thanks again for video! Hope you make it to hawaii soon!

[@rerunplaya532]

36:20 "I don't know you but I know what you're doing". I just learned so much about turkey . Thanks Gab!

[@Ben-fz2ys]

My fondest memory from Istanbul was leaning over a railing, high up somewhere on the edge of Taksim, overlooking the Bosphorus whilst the call of prayer was going on. Istanbul has over 3000 mosques. All going off at the same time: I will never forget that sound. Truly an amazing city!

[@marygeorge2281]

You can feel the history in the streets, exciting city, friendly people, wonderful food and the call to prayer, great video, thanks.

[@Tony-gv6ty]

Great show., Appreciated the history narration of ancient Constantinople.

[@DracRummins]

I'm really digging this guys attraction to the central part of the Euro-Asian continent

[@AL-grhvc]

I'm from İstanbul..the city was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for 550 years and the Byzantine capital for 1000 years before that..and there are Byzantine remnants in the city to this day..of course you are going to talk about the Greek history..anyone who is not ok with it is ignorant with history..as they don't seem to know even the Ottomans called the city "Konstantiniyye" most of the time. Great historical info there, thank you Gabe 💯

[@SpartanLeonidas1821]

Hello friend! Have you ever seen the Serpent Column? It was a Monument with all the Ancient Greek Cities names inscribed into it that fought against the Persians at the Battle of Plataea & was originally placed at Delos…later to be transferred by the Byzantines to Constantinople where it’s remnants STILL stand till this very day, and you can see the Greek Inscriptions! Magical!!!

[@paulszydlowski4390]

Hi Gabriel. Just got back like two months ago from a whirlwind 12 day self-guided tour of Turkey from Istanbul to Antakya. Spent 4 nights in Istanbul not far from your hotel. The walk you took to the main square was so familiar. The carpet salesmans would hit us up around 7:33. The Arasta Bazaar at 9:57 we enjoyed more than the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Markets. That whole area around Arasta I liked a lot.

[@donstravelsandrants.]

Brilliant historical narration. Great walk around Istanbul. Loved it.👍😊🇮🇪🇹🇷

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Cool, glad to hear it.

[@bsr6823]

One of if not the the most beautiful city I have ever visited in my life. I cannot wait to visit again.

[@athenarockabilly6245]

You haven't seen many cities then

[@bsr6823]

@@athenarockabilly6245 you are a fool

[@Eissara]

Alexander the Great died in Babylon which was before that under the Persian rule whereby the city was invaded by Persians . Thank you Gabriel, you tell history in a smooth manner. The Cistern Basilica was closed for two years due to restoration work and was reopened to the public on July 23, 2022. As for Agia Sophia, it will remain a Cathedral no matter what they do. The circular bread is called Simit. Usually it is a breakfast on the go with some cheese and a glass of tea for many Turks and it was very affordable before the economic crisis and the fall of the Turkish Lira.

[@rimzalia1362]

My No.1 favorite city because of its history, location, 4 seasons, buildings and its transports (land+sea+air)

[@FSVR54]

I need to travel more for sure, but Istanbul has been my favorite so far as well. Unfortunately, the one time I was there, it was cold and rainy the whole time. I prefer this vibe!

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Istanbul is surely one of the most historic cities.

[@bigwideworld387]

I will watch this back at my Airbnb later, my partner and I are also in Istanbul and have been here just over a week - it has such a huge personality! We've been exploring some of the Prince's Islands which I definitely recommend to travellers wanting a peaceful island day trip away from the city. Our trips have overlapped with yours a few times this year as we were in Tirana and Prizren at a similar time to you 🙂🇹🇷

[@cbm2156]

I was stationed in Ankara, Turkey with the US Army for 18 months in 1962-64 and made two trips of one week each to Istanbul during that time. Those were memorable trips that I still remember today.

[@rumik-stahnke6512]

Great historical destination 👍The local food is very delicious and mixed with many different cultures 👌😁The old church Sofia looks really beautiful 👍I like this place 😁Thanks for sharing and take care 😁

[@themissionproductions2336]

Now this time you nailed it Gabe with the brief History of Turkey you explained. From the Persian Empire to the Greeks and Romans and then Ottomans.

[@UVF79]

Absolutely Fantastic videos from the wonderful Gabe. Amazing too see you Gabe, on Your Epic Adventures! 😀✌️

[@thewanderingweave6286]

Just booked flights to Istanbul for January 2025..... So of course I search for Gabriel's videos to get a feeling for the place. Thanks Gabe, you're a trustworthy source!

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Right on, have a great trip, it's an amazing city. Also go to Cappadocia if you have time, one of my favorite places on Earth.

[@larasinem2011]

Welcome ! Great to see that you aRe in our country! Lot to discover ! Look fwd to hearing about your experiences here. Many places to visit…

[@RoseN-CJ]

Beautiful city, great video :) Thanks Gabriel!!!

[@annelammel1027]

You are AMAZING...the way you pour out ALL that info......while walking...AND interacting with others!!! Thank you Gab🥳

[@TheSwede70]

Istanbul is really amazing. I stayed in that part too. Very practical.

[@allagovorukhina5074]

Dear Gabriel, we all enjoy every video!! Thank you for your hard work, however if you could fly to the island of Bali and show it from your point of view it would be amazing!!!

[@gloriabass9945]

Best Travel Channel

[@pedrozatravel]

This video reminds me I need to get back to Turkey. It is such a beautiful country and very affordable. When I was there it was 7 to 1, now it is 18 to 1, so that means it is twice as affordable than when I was last there.

[@ordinarygymratabroad8953]

Loving the frequency of these uploads!

[@effie-Toronto]

Gabe thank you for the history narration of ancient Constantinople. Great video

[@terrenceshannon6229]

Gabriel, thank you thank you thank you for all the history, the streets, the down to earth travel and the beautiful cultural visuals!!! Gretchen

[@eugeniastravels8954]

Did you ever visit Troy? If you go, comprise it along with Sparta, Pylos, Mycenae & Tyrintha in Greece. All those kingdoms fought in the Trojan war.

[@no_soy_rubio]

Great city, never been but would love to spend a week or so wandering the streets 😎

[@usercoimbar]

I bet Gabrielle is going to India next. Along with Greece it is one of his favorite countries and the flight is not that long from Istanbul, 1:15 hours. Can't think of any other country which is a bit over an hour of flight from Istanbul and might be his favorite country

[@Durga695]

I am tempted to thinks so too, but it is so hot in India. now.Perhaps Morocco which is quite hot too. Lets' see

[@toms6489]

I think India is much further that 1:15

[@kc4276]

Turkey to India is close to 6 hours by flight (Istanbul to New Delhi).

[@roulamylonas5413]

It was a great episode, Gabriel. It is very interesting when you talk about history and tell us stories as you roam the streets. It is a wonderful city that combines the charm of the East and the West. I am from the third generation of a Greek family that suffered from the scourge of war and we abandoned our homes and lands because of the war with the Turks. My grandfather told me how they escaped by boats across the sea when the Turks burned their houses and lands. Part of my family is in America , Canada and the rest are in Lebanon , Syria (Damascus) and (Lattakia) . I am now in Germany, but I visit Greece every year, as I cannot stay away from the smell of the sea and the Greek islands

[@danteangelo7851]

Your grandfather must have "forgotten" the part where, in that "war with the turcs" of yours, greeks were the invaders and turcs were defending their homeland and it was the retreating greek army that burnt down smyrna, not the turcs. just sayin.Also it is sad that your family suffered the same fate that befell on the turcs that used to live in western thrace, as they were also forced to leave their homes to save their lives. have a nice day.

[@josewagnerballseszedong4157]

@@danteangelo7851 Very well said!

[@SpartanLeonidas1821]

@@danteangelo7851 There was no invasion, there were Greeks living on those territories. Why would Greeks burn their own city? It was afterall called by the turks: INFIDEL CITY…filled with Christians. Goofy Taqiyya Liar 🤡

[@SpartanLeonidas1821]

@@josewagnerballseszedong4157 BWHAHAHAAA…yeah, the Greeks burnt down their city that they inhabited for over 3,000 Years 🤡

[@dansouth2088]

There are so many sites it's just wonderful. Going for the archeological museums alone is worth the trip.

[@mrmrsbinbulgaria1298]

Hi Gabriel, You are in Mr & Mrs B's favourite city. We spent our honeymoon there and have returned 5 times since ! The Basilica Cistern was full of water and fish last time we visited and we was also informed that "From Russian with Love" was filmed partly in there. I see you are next to Bulgaria again ... Don't forget give us a shout if you come back around Plovdiv . safe travels

[@FSVR54]

unfortunately the cistern was closed when I visited last year

[@frankfeatherstone8976]

We enjoy Gabriel's videos. For the housebound it is almost as good as the real thing. Great camera work & interesting commentary.

[@chandrasekarank.l9146]

Wow...beauty of Istalbul with more of History. Wonderful, enjoyed throughout.

[@Dubnside]

Visited Istanbul last year and have to agree that it's definitely one of the best cities to visit in the world and my favourite! Despite the gridlock and massive population I never felt any stress and always felt super safe as a solo traveller walking the streets at night. Turkish people are super chill and friendly. And Istanbul is a very walkable city, using the ferry boats to get across the water to the European/Asian sides couldn't be easier..Much cheaper for food and drink than most European cities.

[@marktrvls1218]

Such a nice buzz around those streets, nice vid👍

[@sandvenexplorer]

Relaxing in Antalya right now this video made me consider VERY much to go up there to "Miklagard" as the vikings called this awesome city..

[@wildwisdomjourneys7221]

Thanks for this return to Turkey video, Gabriel. Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world. And given that you appear to be a bit of a history buff, have you read “The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan? The author’s focus is Byzantine history. This book offers an expansive historical perspective that makes us question our historical assumptions about the world. If you haven’t read it, you might find it fascinating. Best, Sylvia

[@yodesuyo]

Thanks, I am planning to ge there soon, your perspective is always more genuine

[@karimawahab6021]

So exited for this vid since I’ll be going soon !!!!!!!!

[@chaisepomme4070]

Great hotel -- what's not to like when you have a good rate, fast wifi, great location? This is a great tour of this part of Istanbul. I've never been and would love to go one day to experience both the culture and its vast history of conquests and collapses. I also appreciate you showing us the foods -- looks fantastic. I believe the story behind Marathon was that the runner after announcing that the Greeks were victorious then collapsed and died of exhaustion. I always did find that part kinda ironic.

[@thamer646]

Gabriel really likes the Byzantine era I don’t blame him they got all the summer destination in Europe under one country

[@SpartanLeonidas1821]

Facts !!! 💯

[@JohnDoe-yv8yn]

The most historic and legendary city in the world. Always been a center of the world

[@ahkerdasarp9427]

Lovely and informative video. When was this travel done? Video was posted 8 mths ago but weather seems warm, thanks for the details. Feels like being there

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

This was in early September.

[@nirrigovender5154]

watching this paricular video brought back fond memories of my visit to that place .

[@jamescoventry6657]

Absolutely loved the history Gabe!

[@yevgeniabolotovski6379]

Fascinating!!!! Thank you.

[@TR-Youtube-Channel]

39:38 There is the subway station to Asia.🙂 3-4 Min to Kadiköy.

[@arisspyrou1163]

Gab, you are a legend!

[@iammaxhammer]

Fascinating!

[@manoharbajaj2125]

One of your most beautiful videos.History lesson was impressive. Thank you very much.

[@abdullahozek8016]

I greatly enjoyed your video , thank you , istanbul is my city

[@1fredricka]

Loved the history ,thank you!!

[@Ivyslife33]

Love Istanbul very much also Capadoccia ❤️ waiting for that 😁

[@mr.sts.p]

Wow The food look yummi 😀

[@beyondthestars4299]

Hey bro I hope you had a great time in tunisia How was your experience with carthage airport ?and which company you flew with to Istanbul? Turkish airlines? Tunis Air? Nouvel air?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Nouvelair from Tunis to Istanbul, expensive flight for $475 one way, not many flight options last minute.

[@SpartanLeonidas1821]

One needs to see the famous Serpent Column! It was a Monument with all the Ancient Greek Cities inscribed into it that fought against the Persians at the Battle of Plataea & was originally placed at Delos…later to be transferred by the Byzantines to Constantinople where it’s remnants STILL stand till this very day, and you can see the Greek Inscriptions! Magical!!! 😍

[@spitfirered]

Amazing Place Istanbul, Very Nice Tour And Thank You!

[@aniruz3456]

Love Istanbul my favorite city🇹🇷 thanks for that bit of history Gabe 😍

[@anacarrillo288]

Gabriel we love your videos we watch your videos every day since 2017 🥰

[@AStupidTourist]

Glad to see they finally reopened Basilica Cistern .. it's been closed for months

[@Realworldnews247]

Incredible city great video

[@dlteodorian]

Hi! amazing video as always, I was in Istanbul last Easter and I had prepared a tour map for myself following the medieval Greek sights of the city, starting from Hagia Sophia, moving to the historic center,Bukoleon palace, cistern, column of Constantin, Mosaic palace, and archaeological museum which was I have to admit was more impressive even from Athens Archaeological museum, then moved to the Fanar to the sit of the Ecumenical Patriarch and walked along the Theodosian Walls, amazing city! ( Btw if u are still there visit Hagia Sophia by night, the only good thing about turning the place into mosque is you can visit it as many times as you want and especially in night where the atmosphere is divine!) Sending love and wishes for good health and safe travels! (Your fan from Greece from when we met in Plovdiv!)

[@SpartanLeonidas1821]

That museum was first made by a Greek Person too, I remember my brother telling me about it! What do you think about the new work they are preparing to do on the new Athens Museum? I think it’s going to look great, it was much needed. Now they will be able to have more space & show even more of the artifacts & present them in even more attractive & updated spaces! 🙌🏻

[@jacksondrake-lost]

Excellent crawl Istanbul has the energy! Love that hotel room my style just needs a coffee kettle. Super impressive city.

[@Lakshmi__]

I just love the vibe! very nice walk!

[@teavoudouri2803]

Great video!!! 🎉

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Thanks. ✌

[@mustafakarasu9556]

Gabriel, it's very hard to catch your speed, I came across your new video while watching carthage, warm welcome to my city.

[@Blankname384]

I really enjoyed the history lesson.

[@FSVR54]

Istanbul is so far the greatest city I've ever visited (never been to Asia though)

[@houseofjamilashairamarie5911]

Was in Istanbul few weeks ago. Try to visit one of the princess islands

[@selimheisenberg8609]

Amazing İstanbul! By the way Turks were living in Anatolia before 1453 .

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

True, I mentioned that at one point, that Constantinople was basically an island surrounded by the Ottomans.

[@stellamarina4123]

So many memories in watching that video......I wanted to reach out for another taste of that bread that I bought every day for snacking.

[@marafarnham595]

Thanks for all the history Gabriel 😊❤️

[@ketoauntie7301]

Can’t wait to see where you are in Mexico now.

[@user-ed2go3zv8x]

Thank you!

[@Gemelli2906]

I’d love to see you do a vlog on Dracula, who kept the turks out if Romania. I read his castle is a tourist trap, and he never actually lived there.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Been there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHqklIeBfrSCmqs

[@wadawads]

I'm going here on the 25th for the first time. Nice video!

[@asianfacility5682]

The Da Vinci Code, 2006. This movie was filmed in this magnificent cistern.

[@terriealexander2344]

orient express is back running to istanbul ?

[@flight714]

awesome. Visit Suleymaniye mosque, on the top of a hill with views of the city. Together with Hagia Sophia, the most amazing that i have been in my life!

[@danielawillbold880]

Come back, across the sea, greetings from Rhodos😘🇬🇷❤️❤️❤️

[@susanmulholland5715]

Sounds like you might be going to Capadoccia Gabe have a nice trip

[@megatridwan]

I just leave Istanbul today.Now I'm at Sarajevo.Hope i can see u one day.

[@RichardParmelee]

6 fall seasons in a row in IST. As Napoleon said, "If the world were states Istanbul would be the capital. Nice hairdo. You look 10 years younger.

[@sandratessem9980]

Great history lesson. Love your videos. So interesting.

[@brianlevett5893]

Great video

[@aktayismet9469]

Brother Gabriel Try to visit anatolian side of Istanbul specially Kadıköy , Üsküdar and if you can also visit Kartal believe me you will like it I wish 4 u the best bro 👍🏻🙂

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I showed the other side in one of my videos from a few years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6fGlXiAfrl6mLc

[@chaimacoco6142]

Cezayir'den selamlar, Türkiye'yi ziyaret etmek istiyorum 🇹🇷🇩🇿🇹🇷🤍♥🥺

[@Θεοφάνης33]

Hey Gabriel ! I'm Greek and I have to tell you that Greeks lived in Anatolia well until 1922 and not 1453 . That is because even after the occupation of Constantinople , we continued living there together with the Turkish people . My great grandparents were from Smyrni (now Izmir) . In 1922 , after a lot of drama , the ending was that the Greek population of the city was forced to leave as the Turks made an attack and literally destroyed and burned much of the city , killed many people ( google Chrysostomos of Smyrna ) , the orthodox bishop of Izmir who suffered a martyrdom ) . My ancestors were lucky enough to escape by boat , leaving their life behind . The same story has happened for many many other Greek families . BUT , I would like to say some things more . At the time of lets say 1900's the Greeks and the Turks of Izmir were living together 100% peacefully and as brothers . I have heard that what happened was that the Turkish Goverment brought Turks from the eastern frontiers ,who were totally unaware of Greeks , so as to be able to destroy the Greek population there ( because the Turks who lived in Izmir would never do that ) .

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Yes, I've talked about this in previous videos, see this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKbCh5yjnbFmnbM

[@Θεοφάνης33]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos For more information you can search " Burning of Smyrna " . Thanks for your comment !

[@jonassamy8771]

Enjoy Istanbul

[@heidil4008]

Thanks for the historical information. Very interesting. I love history but need a refresher sometimes. Next month, I'll be in Buenos Aires for 2 weeks (business). Been there? If so, any recommendations? Nice video!

[@bigwideworld387]

Palermo is a really nice district of Buenos Aires, the park is huge and beautiful to walk around there too, also it's a nice area where the Anne Frank statue is. San Telmo is an intersection district to explore but be wary of the tango bars etc there as they can charge a pretty penny.

[@travelofficiall]

Happy travels brother

[@yordanpopov]

Small world. I had a layover at the airport in Istanbul on Saturday while going from Seattle to Sofia.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Cool.

[@Richardsononone]

the fall of the Roman empire was 1,546 years ago today the day of posting the video... 04/09/476 - 04/09/2022

[@conniedean3787]

Do you need a Visa to travel to Turkey

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Yes, you can get an evisa online or get one on arrival at the airport.