A British journalist who traveled to Istanbul expecting to find a city defined by the 'Turkey teeth' cosmetic trend instead discovered a vibrant metropolis overflowing with history, culture, and character. Taila Nichole Thompson visited the city in June 2026 and found that its reputation as a shallow destination for dental tourism quickly faded once she explored its streets.
First Impressions and the Bosphorus
Thompson admitted she initially had reservations, expecting to see evidence of a shallow culture focused on cosmetic procedures. However, she was quickly captivated by the city's unique geography. Standing on a bridge over the Bosphorus, she realized she could see two continents at once: Europe on one side and Asia on the other. According to Thompson, she had learned in school that Istanbul is the only city in the world spanning two continents, but seeing it firsthand was a profound experience. While locals hurried past, she stood still, taking in the view.
Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar
During her five-day trip, Thompson made a point to visit historic landmarks. The Hagia Sophia, originally built in 537 AD, stood out as a highlight. The building has served as a Christian cathedral, a mosque, a museum, and was reconverted into a mosque in 2020. Inside, she noted Christian mosaics alongside Islamic calligraphy, reflecting the city's layered history. She described its enormous dome as one of the most impressive architectural sights she had ever seen.
Thompson also explored the Grand Bazaar, describing it as colorful, bustling, and wonderfully chaotic. She sampled several teas and eventually bought a 250g bag of saffron tea for around £30, drawn by its reputed health benefits, including antioxidant properties and mood-boosting effects. The shop owner was unsurprised by her choice, noting that as a Brit, buying tea abroad felt inevitable.
Final Thoughts
Thompson concluded that five days was not enough to fully experience Istanbul and urged others not to let false impressions stop them from visiting. She emphasized that the city's true character extends far beyond the cosmetic surgery trends often highlighted on social media.
