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Torun Sokak gets a fair amount of traffic (except at the moment when I was taking this picture), but it sure is close to the Blue Mosque. |
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Torun Sokak runs along the back (southeast side) of Istanbul's Blue Mosque, and though only two narrow lanes, is a major Sultanahmet traffic street.
Torun (toh-ROON) means "grandchild" or, if you must know, it is also the word for a 2-year-old camel.
No camels in sight today, only the soaring hulk of the Blue Mosque right across the street.
The northwest side of Torun Sokak is taken up by the backs of the Blue Mosque's Arasta shops. The southeast side has the predictable carpet shops, and also several suitable hotels, including the artsy little Ararat Hotel. Street noise is not a problem because of double-glazed windows and individual room air-conditioning units—a blessing in the summer heat.
At the Ararat, you may have a fine, full view of the Blue Mosque right from your bed (see map below)!
