Wine has been produced in Anatolia since ancient times. While struggling with restrictions, bans and very high tax rates, the industry has made great progress in recent years. Turkish wines have lately been winning prizes at international competitions. While these can be tasted at numerous restaurants in the city, here is a special place where you can taste special wines made of indigenous grapes of Anatolia.
As an ancient city, Istanbul is naturally full of deep-rooted holy sites that are flocked with believers who want to make a wish or seek a remedy for their maladies. All cities as old as Istanbul are bound to have at least a few such points of attraction. What makes those of Istanbul exceptional is that, they are not confined to the followers of any specific religion. The sight of mostly female Muslim believers, with or without headscarves, in Orthodox holy sites is quite common in Istanbul. So is the benediction they might receive from Christian priests to make their wishes or pleas come true.