A Ramadan Stopover in Istanbul (2015)

Every journey home has its own decision. For us, traveling from the Netherlands back to Indonesia for our thesis data collection, there’s one route we almost always choose, a layover in Istanbul. 

Istanbul offers something special, as an Indonesian we have visa on arrival, which makes it incredibly easy for us to step out of the airport and explore the city, even on a short transit. 

This year, our journey coincided with Ramadan, adding a beautiful layer of atmosphere to the city. The air felt festive yet serene, with lanterns, banners, and the gentle hum of spiritual life woven through the streets. 

Long layovers don’t have to be boring. With just a few hours in this historic city that bridges Europe and Asia, we embarked on a sudden tour, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable stopovers we’ve ever had as a group.

As soon as we stepped out of the airport, the warm air and the sound of the bustling city welcomed us. Istanbul instantly felt alive, full of history, colors, and energy. With a pre-arranged city tour (a great option for short layovers), we were whisked away to see the highlights.

Our first stop was the legendary Aya Sofiya (Hagia Sophia). Walking up to the building, its majestic domes and minarets towered against the sky. Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, Aya Sofiya carries layers of history within its walls.

Stepping inside felt almost surreal. The vast interior, filled with a soft golden light, intricate mosaics, massive columns, and Islamic calligraphy, creates an atmosphere that is both grand and peaceful. We stood silently for a few moments, just taking it all in. It’s not just a monument, it’s a living story spanning centuries of empires and faiths.

One thing that always makes Istanbul feel warm and welcoming is its cats. They are everywhere lounging on ancient steps, sunbathing near fountains, weaving between café tables, or napping inside doorways of historic buildings.

Next, we headed to the Bosphorus Strait, the famous waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Boarding a short cruise was the perfect way to experience Istanbul from a different angle. As the boat sailed through the strait, we admired grand palaces, mosques, and modern bridges lining the shores.

Knowing that we were literally between two continents felt extraordinary; there aren’t many places in the world where you can experience that.

Before heading back to the airport, we did a quick city tour by tram, passing through lively neighborhoods, historic buildings, and bustling streets filled with vendors selling simit (Turkish bagels), teas, and souvenirs. We even tried the infamous Turkish Delight.

We caught glimpses of daily life, it’s a city where the past and present blend seamlessly, on the border of Asia and Europe.

All too soon, it was time to return to the airport for our connecting flight. Istanbul gave us a taste of its history, beauty, and spirit in just a few hours, enough to leave us curious for more. What started as a transit became a mini-adventure, and we promised ourselves: next time, we’ll come back for longer.

This was not my first time in Istanbul, I visited this city during my pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina back in 2011. Then I visited again during my trip from The Netherlands to Indonesia as I finished my master's degree.