By Margarita Madden

The haggling began between my husband David and the Turkish stallholder for the wooden backgammon game.

Back and forth it went in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar until finally a price was fixed – which just happened to be David’s original offer.

Some might say this was a waste of time; to us it just added to the fun and colour of this vibrant city.

Capital of the Christian and Ottoman empires consecutively, Istanbul is packed with architectural and cultural wonders. It is the perfect city for a short break.

We stayed in the historical area of Sultanahmet, where most of the main sights are.

Our hotel, The Erguvan, was just round the corner from the incredible 17th Century Blue Mosque, which I returned to time and again, especially in the evening when it is quiet and floodlit.

I loved watching the pigeons circling like moths around its six sky-high minarets and 30 domes. 

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