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Istanbul: Turkey
When one thinks of a bridge, the thought of connection springs up almost unconsciously. Between Europe and Asia exists such a bridge exists such a bridge; a connection between these two vast continents. Such a connection is indeed is turkey, more specifically Istanbul. To the south of Istanbul lies the Marmara Sea while to its north is the Black Sea. The Western side of the city is Europe, while to the east is Asia. As a sea port, it is both the closest Asian city to Europe and the closest European city to Asia. With such a strategic geographical location Istanbul possesses characteristics of both European and Asian cultures. As such the diversity then is richer than is in many parts of the world.
Going back in history, Istanbul has been the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Regardless of its historical dominance and much of the Turkish culture emerging from the city it has not managed to be the country’s capital. Ankara instead is the country’s capital. However, it is from the Ottoman era that European and Ottoman painters established Istanbul as a cultural center.
This wonderful blend of people from the east and from the west, of the ancient and the contemporary brings Istanbul to life in a very exciting way. This can be experienced in the buildings. The mix of advancement in the old looking architecture in the buildings makes the old new again. Technology is fused into the ancientness and as such breaks away from the strictly formal modernization that is seen in many cities that are rigidly designed. The mix of ugly and beautiful, depending on one’s perspective of culture is accommodative of many cultures that are represented in the city. This does not necessarily mean that that the modern ways of life is not represented. You are likely to come across the marvel that is Hagia Sophia that has seen it evolve from an Eastern Orthodox cathedral to Roman Cathedral back to an Eastern Orthodox cathedral to a mosque and finally ended up becoming a museum.
Despite it being a cosmopolitan city composed of populations from all over the world, Islam is the dominant religion. There are countless mosques in existence in the city. As such most of the architecture, art and even literature is of an Islamic people. The existence of other religions like Christianity and Judaism also exists and it is common to come across staunch Jews in the Islamic city. There is an almost remarkable tolerance of the other religions as they are allowed to carry out their domestic affairs without interference from the others. For example, religious laws could be applied to the respective courts of the affected parties. However, due to the cosmopolitan nature, the donning of religious garb in public is prohibited by law. Before the Ottoman invasion Christianity had a hold in the city but, with the Islamic domination that came with the Ottomans, many of them opted for the neighboring countries like Greece.
There are many sides to this city and it would take more than a lifetime to experience this city. Going into the streets one cannot ignore the sounds and exchanges of sounds that fill the air. Calls from mosques are the loudest but again being a cosmopolitan city there are other forms of music that one would hear; Asian, European and many more. This is especially so when you are in the market.
As is with most markets, pandemonium is the order of the day. In Istanbul going to the market can be a sure way to beat boredom. There is much fun in the buying process and it is as if the shop owners relish a bargaining contest with their customers whenever they come into the shops to buy goods. The price shouting contests, the back and forth, the almost believable show of a seller refusing to sell the wares until the customer starts walking away is an experience you want to take away with you. The Grand Bazaar, which houses thousands of shops, is common with shoppers and it is my opinion that betting companies should consider these exchanges between sellers and buyers as a possible sport.
It is also noticeable of how the shops are arranged in a specialized way where you will find out that a section of the market specializes in selling leather products or ceramics or any other product.
Eating out would be a great idea. Istanbul has a mix of cuisines from the east and the west. One can pick up some tasty pretzels in one of the little red stands along Istiklal Avenue or in any other bakery. You could also grab a kumpir loaded baked potato with a mix of cheese and butter until it is light and fluffy. One cannot fully experience a city by eating out in fancy hotels. You have to go to the stands in the streets and eat the traditional meals like the bὂrek or go out for a cup of tea while engaging yourself in conversations with the locals to get more insight into the city. It would be prudent if took these conversations with a pinch of salt as exaggerations are common.
Roaming around the streets especially in the Istiklal Avenue would be less stressful if you ride the streetcar from one end of the strip to another. It is sure to give you vintage feelings as you look on the people go about their activities. If that does not fancy you enough you could rake a boat tour own the Bosporus as this would let you see the many points of interest in Istanbul. You will ride past the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Rumeli Ruins or the Maiden’s Tower among many other attractions. You could also walk across the Galata Bridge and watch the locals fishing and selling as you look across the Bosporus. The Basilica Cistern would be an interesting site to visit. This underground cistern is indeed a marvelous site. Riding the funicular in the oldest tunnels is a good way to beat the Istanbul hills and give your legs some rest.
Istanbul is also a sporting city. It has an extensive list of football clubs and basketball clubs that are professional. If you happen to be around in the right season then you find great entertainment as people take the competition into the field. You could also go belly dancing to give yourself a youthful feeling. Horse racing and chariot racing should take you to the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
All the above make for a city that is so diverse, yet no experience is more fulfilling than that of getting lost and having to find your way back to where you started. Sure getting lost is a scary thought, and rightfully so but if you manage to get back to where you were from then you get that fulfilment that is irreplaceable and unforgettable for anyone.
The above is just a sample of what is of the city of Istanbul. Surely a lot more has been left out as it is impossible to put it all down on paper but for you to capture it all you have to be quite adventurous and willing to get out into the Turkish world that is Istanbul.
Works Cited
Freely John. Companion Guide to Istanbul and Around the Marmara. Woodbridge Eng. Companion Guides. 2011. Print.
Reisman Arnold. Turkey’s Modernization: Refugees from Nazism and Ataturk’s Vision. Washington DC. New Academia Publishing, LLC. 2006. Print.
Taylor Jane. Imperial Istanbul: A Traveler’s Guide: Includes Iznik, Bursa and Edirne. New York. Tauris Parke Paperbacks. 2007. Print.
