The second part of our trip – Experiencing the Greatness of Allah swt was exploring the Islamic Turkey. Turkey is a very well developed Islamic country strategically located on the ‘border’ of Europe and Asia, split by the famous Turkish strait – the Bosporus and the Dardanelles. It is actually a Eurasian country bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Turkey is the successor of the Ottoman Empire that ruled the country from 1299 until November 1 1922. Subsequently, it was declared as Republic of Turkey in 1923 and Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, one of the Commanders during the helm of the Ottoman, became the first President who introduced secular Turkey. 99% of its population is Sunni Muslim. Hence, motivated and lured us to explore the historical spots of Turkey.
We departed for Ataturk International airport, Istanbul at 15:50 hours from Terminal 3 Cairo. The weather was excellent, there were less hustles at the airport, and the EgyptAir flight number MS 735 that bridged us between Cairo and Istanbul was good. I mean, except for the toilet, the service, foods and seats were not bad. The one third loaded Aircraft 737-800 reached the Istanbul skyline around 17:50 hours. We were flying above the Sea of Marmara and supposed to land at 18:00 hours, but suddenly the pilot informed us that they have to delay the schedule due to heavy traffic. The plane was hovering around the Istanbul sky, circling for about 40 minutes and finally, we landed at around 18:40 hours.
Alhamdullillah, the immigration and security clearance were excellent. Despite thousands of passengers or visitors flocked the counters, the flow was very smooth and fast, mainly due to the efficient and friendly officers using high-end system. If I remembered it well, there were at least 10 counters opened to handle the crowds. 
As backpackers, we did not carry big luggage, thus we went straight out from the arrival hall to the airport reception area. On the way out, one of the Transportation Supervisor (I think) displayed my name and we approached him, informing him I am going to the Atlantis hotel. He ushered us out of the reception area to the waiting bay and 3 minutes later, a big high-end van came and transported us to the hotel at Sultanahmet district. Alhamdullillah, things were smooth as planned.
Our first impression was; wow……..amazing! Along the way, we went through the corniche highway parallel with the fringe of the Se of Marmara. We passed through the well-known Kumkapi Fish Market and the ‘gate’ of the old Istanbul wall.
We finally arrived at the Atlantis Hotel, situated in the heart of the most popular and busiest spot of Sultanahmet district. Will talk about this later. The staff was very efficient, informative, reliable and friendly. However, unfortunately, I have to pay a little bit more because of the high-high peak season – the New Year eve. Other 3-Star hotels around the area were fully occupied.
After 5 minutes, we were already in our rooms!. With the remaining optimum energy level that we had (at that instance) and to optimize our time, amid the chilly weather (about 14 degrees centigrade) we dared ourselves exploring the surrounding Sultanahmet – merely to see the night life on the eve of January 1.
Actually, there was no intention to celebrate January 1 2010 here. We already had our New Year celebration 1 Muharram 1431 weeks ago in Egypt, anyway. It was merely coincidence, so to speak, but the intention was to experience Friday Prayer in one of the important historic Masjid in Istanbul. Nevertheless, talking and sharing about the night, there were much scene or abnormal activities around the Sultanahmet as what we normally saw at KLCC Park or Padang Merdeka back in Malaysia or in any big cities around the world. There were patches of fireworks displayed around the famous Aya Sophia and Blue Mosques, there were only few people on the streets, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
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