I took these shots last spring after completing a ten day trip through Russia and Central Asia to photograph aging. I didnt intend to do a lot of picture taking in Istanbul, but the visual lure of this picturesque city got me out with my camera.
One of the largest cities in the world, Istanbul is bursting with history and visual delights. Former capital of four empires, with a strategic position along the historic silk road, it is a melting pot of culture. Its former names include Byzantium and Constantinople, and conjure up images of Roman legions and crusaders. You can visit Topkapi Palace which served as home for the sultans of the Ottoman Empire.
The city was bursting with people, aromas, carpets, and spices. I got lost in the winding mazes of the great bazaars, and found peaceful islands in its churches and mosques. Once I got off the plane, I realized that my hopes to leave the camera in the hotel were not to be. It’s got a distinctly international flavor, and I was able to spend an afternoon looking at a huge Goya exhibit at the Pera Museum. It was not far from Istiklal Avenue, the bustling pedestrian street where you can find antiques and books in all languages.
The food was great, too. Living in New York City I thought I knew what a Turkish kebab was about, but there was no match for the original. One of the best experiences was the street food. By the bustling ferry docks in the part of the city called Eminonu, near the Galata bridge which spans the inlet known as the Golden Horn, you can get street food sold off a boat.
There is a line of brightly decorated boats, each selling incredibly fresh and delicious broiled fish served with lettuce and onions on a bun. If you don’t want to eat, you can just watch the men cook on huge grills on a rocking boat, handing the sandwiches to a man on the dock who does the selling. For about two dollars you can have a feast – if you don’t mind bones.
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Related posts:
Aging in Central Asia
Photographing Los Ancianos of Bolivia
Photographing Aging in Okinawa
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Love reading about the “wholeness” of older folks.
All your posts give me HOPE. Joined my Life with a good man who had traveled extensively. I had only visited the country where my parents were born, Italy. I spoke the language, therefore, it did not feel “different”. Now I have visited many countries where I was challenged to meet their culture. Wonderful!….So I comment here.