Kairo Forbes and her grandmother, Lynn Forbes, are currently exploring the captivating city of Istanbul, Turkey, sharing unforgettable moments from their trip. The duo recently posted pictures of their adventure on Instagram, capturing the essence of Istanbul’s rich history, culture, and cuisine, while also reflecting on the memories of Kairo’s late father, rapper AKA.
In their posts, they shared the excitement of their luxurious journey with Turkish Airlines, saying:
“From the luxurious Business Class experience with @turkishairlines to exploring the rich culture, history, and cuisine of Istanbul, this trip is an unforgettable journey. From the beautiful in-flight service to the world-class lounge in Istanbul, every moment was crafted to perfection. A special thank you to Turkish Airlines for making our adventure possible, and to Istanbul for being a city that holds so many cherished memories. South Africans, remember that E-Visas are free for you to visit Türkiye, and Turkish Airlines offers amazing services like the ‘Stopover’ & Tourlstanbul experience. Whether for a stopover, connection, or full holiday, Istanbul awaits.”
The trip holds even more significance as it brings them closer to the legacy of AKA, Kairo’s father. Lynn shared a heartfelt message remembering AKA’s deep admiration for Istanbul’s history, saying, “Kiernan always wished to take us to visit Istanbul because he appreciated the rich history and vibrant culture of Türkiye so much! On this trip, it literally feels as if we are walking in his footsteps, with him leading the way wherever we go.”
Lynn also fondly reflected on their visit to Iznikworks, a place AKA visited in March 2019. “What a beautiful and quite emotional moment, reminiscing about my son (AKA) and Kairo’s dad’s @akaworldwide visit to @iznikworks,” she wrote. She added, “Kiernan, your spirit lives on, and hearing people, often strangers, relate stories about meeting you and their very memorable interactions with you, are very heartwarming but also bring healing to us at the same time.”
In a touching gesture, Lynn also mentioned a vase that AKA bought for DJ Zinhle during his visit to Istanbul, which she plans to keep safe for Kairo until she’s older. “@dizinhle wants me to have the beautiful vase that Kiernan bought for her on this trip and I will keep it safe for @kairo.forbes to have when she grows up. What a special moment.”
As they journeyed through Istanbul, Kairo and Lynn explored the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), and the Basilica Cistern. Lynn described the experience: “Stepping back in time and sailing through centuries of wonder in Istanbul’s Old City and beyond. From the iconic Hagia Sophia and the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmed Mosque to the mysterious Basilica Cistern, history comes alive at every turn.”
They also enjoyed the vibrant streets of Balat, a Bosphorus cruise that took them between Europe and Asia, and the stunning panoramic views from Galata Tower. “A seamless journey made unforgettable with @turkishairlines, offering South Africans complimentary Istanbul Stopover and Tourlstanbul services. Türkiye is a destination where culture, history, and beauty converge,” Lynn added.
With so much to offer, it’s clear that Istanbul holds a special place in the hearts of Lynn and Kairo, blending unforgettable memories and new experiences in the beautiful city.
