10 hidden gems close to Istiklal Street, Istanbul's most famous street.

Turkey is a charming city for its visitors. If you visit Turkey once, you will definitely think about returning as soon as possible. Our article today is for all lovers of Turkey in general and Istanbul in particular. If you have been to Istanbul before, you must have seen Taksim Square, the famous Istiklal Street, Galata Tower and the beautiful cafes around it, but you probably haven't recognized the hidden treasures in this neighborhood yet. In each city there are dozens of unknown places that are worth visiting the most, but the most important thing that distinguishes the treasures that we chose to introduce you to in this article is their presence in the most popular streets and neighborhoods in Istanbul

First Treasure: French Alley

This hidden alley is never hidden as it is located near Taksim Square and only about half an hour away from the famous Galata Tower. This alley is a narrow lane of terraces lined with brightly colored restaurants and cafes that resemble those of France. Some tourists say it is more similar to Athens in Greece than in France. At night the street is filled with lights and people's voices, but in the day it is quiet. You should visit this alley and take some photos and maybe sip a cup of famous Turkish tea before leaving Istiklal Street!

Treasure II: Street of Umbrellas in Karakoy

There is more than one street for colorful umbrellas in Istanbul. There are dozens of colorful umbrella streets in different cities around the world. But what distinguishes this street is that it is in the middle of the Karakoy neighborhood, which is full of restaurants and cafes famous for serving breakfasts. Karakoy is characterized by its proximity to Istiklal Street, so you do not need to travel long distances to reach it. In a volatile city like Istanbul if it rains heavily without warning, you will surely enjoy your presence on the street of umbrellas!

Third treasure: St. Anton's Bedouin Cathedral

Istanbul is famous for its charming mosques built in the Ottoman style. There are dozens of magnificent mosques in Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque and Çamlıca Mosque. But what can you expect from a city full of history and fashion on two different continents? St. Anthony's Church is a Catholic church located on Independence Street. This church is considered an architectural masterpiece from the outside and inside, as it is teeming with beautiful details that never gets tired of it. Entrance to this church is free, of course, like other places of worship.

Fourth Treasure: Sufi Museum

This museum is located in the Galata area. You can enjoy some peace and quiet in this spiritual place. In this museum you can learn a lot about Sufis and dervishes and their magnificent dances. Inside this museum there are ancient Ottoman mystical objects and there is a spacious courtyard for dervish performances. This museum was built in 1491 and then turned into a museum in 2011 for visitors to enjoy the beauty of its architecture and collections. You can follow the museum's schedule before going if you want to see the dervishes spinning with their hands raised to God in a wonderful spiritual state.

Fifth treasure: Qaljali Pasha Complex

A bath, a fountain for ablution, and a cemetery. This complex was built by the orders of Captain Qılıç Ali Pasha.This complex includes a mosque, and a school, after which the complex is named. It was built by Mimar Sinan, Turkey's most famous architect in 1580. The mosque was newly renovated while fully preserving its dazzling details and breathtaking architecture.

Sixth Treasure: Museum of Optical Illusions in Istanbul

There are many museums that display optical illusions around the world and these museums provide a fun time for young and old. The most important feature of this museum is that it is located in the middle of Istiklal Street, which is teeming with the commercial situation of the most famous Turkish and international brands. If you are taking your children on a family trip in Istanbul, they may get bored with the long hours of shopping on this street. At this time the Museum of Optical Illusions could be your only savior.

Treasure Seven: Capella Sancta

This place is an antique church located in the center of Beyoglu district. The church was recently renovated by the neighborhood and has a spacious garden with a simple café where you can sip a cup of coffee in the middle of the fragrant history to rest a little from the noise of the city

Treasure Eight: Royal Cinema

Located on Istiklal Street, this lounge combines cinema modernity with antique historical details. You can watch an English-language movie in this cinema, but I recommend that you dive into the Turkish world with all your senses and watch a Turkish movie in this different place to enjoy the full experience.

Treasure Nine: Atlas Pass

Although this place is located in the most tourist-filled spot in Istanbul, most of its visitors are Turkish. This place houses a cinema and some shops built in the nineteenth century. You can visit this place to see how the indigenous people of Turkey live up close.

Treasure X: Pandora Library

If you have fallen in love with the stories of the Ottomans, their architecture, and their lives, you should stop at these writers. Although it may look like any place that sells books in various languages, this particular library has countless encyclopedias and books on Ottoman history and the emergence of Turkey. I advise you to read these books before heading to the archaeological monuments in Turkey to visit them with an open mind and a longing heart

Istanbul is still large and sprawling, worth a visit and worth revealing its secrets, which carry with it everything one can wish for in terms of nature, history, modernity, and different foods from all sides.