Photography: Istanbul, Turkey.
Aug 31st, 2009 | By Rob | Category: PHOTOGRAPHYTurkey occupies a fairly influential location, on the cusp of Europe and firmly planted on the edge of Asia and the Middle East, and at the crossroads of so much history. Rising out of the remains of the Ottoman Empire after the end of WW2, Turkey has become a major player in the world, and its a bridge between the West and the Middle East, both geographically and ideologically. Its official religion is Islam, but unlike its neighbors, it retains a very secular and democratic predominance, which makes it an amazing country to visit. And any visit to Turkey, requires a stopover in its cultural center, and largest city; Istanbul.
Istanbul has a long and storied history, that dates back thousands of years, with recent excavations proving settlement as far back as the copper age, around 3500 BCE. In more “recent” times, it has been the capital of several Empires, from the Roman Empire in 330 ACE, through the Byzantine, the Latin and most recently the Ottoman Empire’s, which collapsed in 1922. It has always been a major trading port, with its geographic location on the shores of the Bosporus, and close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. When Emperor Constantine decided to move the head of the Roman Empire to modern day Istanbul, he claimed that he was fulfilling a prophecy, and the city has flourished ever since. From Byzantine, to Constantinople and eventually Istanbul, the city has been re-named, re-conquered and re-build a few times over, and the history that has been left in its place is unequaled by few other cities in the world.
Our journey to Istanbul began on a boat, as we cruised across the Black Sea, having just spent 2 weeks in Russia and the Ukraine. There couldn’t possibly be a better way to arrive in the city. Through the Bosporus we slowly worked our way into the heart of the old city, under the two mega bridges that connect the European and Asian sides of the city. Istanbul is the only mega-city that is able to call itself “transcontinental”. We were dropped off in the ports just outside of the historic old city, and began our exploration from there. Surviving our first days thanks to the kindness of strangers, and visiting sights based on the recommendations of locals, we spent 4 nights in the city and it remains one of my fondest travel memories.
Entering the Bosporus via the Black Sea:
Edge of Istanbul / The Bosphorus
Rumeli Hisari Castle:
Old City of Istanbul:
