Istanbul the European/Asiatic City
In March 2106, thanks to Turkish Airlines, I had the fortune to be invited to visit Istanbul in Turkey. It has always been my desire to visit this fascinating country. Istanbul is historically known as Constantinople, it is the most populated city in Turkey. It is divided partly between Europe and Asia. A city with a mix of different cultures and history that dates back hundreds of years. Perhaps the most known history is the Byzantine and Ottoman period. It is mainly a Muslim country, however, one can also find Orthodox and Christian churches.
We visited places such as the Bosphorus bridge, the Marmara Sea, the Dolmabahce Palace, Camica Hill, Golden Horn, Fener Greek Patriarchate and many other places. A highlight of the trip was a cruise on the Bosphorus sea where we could fully appreciate the beauty of the two continents, on one hand, you have the Asian side and on the other hand the European side. Visiting the spice market and the Grand Bazaar was also unforgettable and provided an interesting and captivating insight into the everyday life of the Turkish nation.
The Spice Market has eighty-five shops that vary from spices, Turkish Delight and all other imaginable sweets, jewellery, souvenirs, dried fruits, and a variety of nuts. The Grand Bazaar is an indoor shopping centre with three thousand shops and is iconic and famous with tourists who visit this beautiful city.
As a photographer, I had a feast of subjects to capture, from landscape to architecture to anything one can imagine but mostly I love to document people in the streets. They are the people who make the culture and history of a country more fascinating apart from its obvious natural beauty.
Upon our arrival in Istanbul, we were taken around this beautiful country. At first, I did not have an exact idea what kind of people I am going to find and how they will react when they see somebody taking their photo. What struck me was how friendly the people are, always smiling. Most of them know English and they are very helpful. What amazed me most was the fact how they invent any kind of thing to sell products and earn their living; some use a small carriage, a cart, a tiny portable kiosk, or a wall in a subway, a wooden box to sell lottery tickets and all other things imaginable. The few beggars that I saw, were mainly Syrian refugees who entered Turkey as immigrants. Something that interested me is that most shops remain open until well after midnight.
Once I began to take photos of people, I began to see their first reactions. There were people who did not mind, others smile or even pose or dance for you and sometimes, but only rarely you get to see their body language which clearly shows they are not pleased.
One can encounter many stray cats and dogs in the streets and some cats even make it inside museums! However, even stray dogs are pierced and recorded with a tag in their ears. Even though they are not owned by anyone, society takes care of these dogs and cats and food for them is in abundance.
The four days spent in Turkey were unforgettable for all the right reasons. I was also very pleased with the resulting photos that I managed to capture. My trip was so positive that I will surely return to Turkey one day and I am actually already making plans for my next visit.
