BBC presenter Simon Reeve has named Istanbul as his favourite city in the world, after visiting more than 130 countries during his career as a broadcaster and explorer. The city, which straddles both Europe and Asia, captivated him with its rich history and vibrant culture.
Why Istanbul Stands Out
Speaking to The Express, Reeve explained his deep affection for Istanbul, describing it as a place where history and culture are almost tangible. "In terms of a city, I think Istanbul is not just spectacular, but you can't go there and not smell the history and the culture there," he said. He highlighted the city's distinct division into old and modern sections, as well as its eastern area across the Bosphorus in Asia. "It is the point where, for a thousand years and more, the East and the West have met," he added.
A Quirky Favourite: Hagia Sophia
Reeve also shared his "favourite little quirky thing" about Istanbul: the Hagia Sophia. This remarkable building, originally a church and later a mosque, now serves as a museum and is open to visitors. He called it "one of the most stunning buildings on the planet." Inside, on the upper balcony, ancient Viking runes are carved into the stone, left by Norse visitors named Halvdan and Are, according to the National Museum of Denmark. The inscription likely reads "Halfdan carved these runes" or "Halfdan was here."
Reeve described discovering these runes as a "chill down the spine moment," emphasizing that humans have always been explorers. "It's just a reminder that our ancestors travelled, and they were quite similar to us, actually. They probably wanted a beer, a selfie, and to leave a little bit of a mark behind," he remarked.
