Afghanistan 1975 – 02/13 – Istanbul

Istanbul is another photographer’s paradise. It is a vibrant, modern city that still retains architectural and cultural elements from civilizations past. It was the center of the Ottoman empire and, as Constantinople, made its mark on Christianity every bit as much as did Rome. Its connection with its past can be understood in the common reference to the mosque located near the Galata Bridge as “the New Mosque.” The mosque construction was completed in 1665.

Istanbul is really the starting point of the overland route to India. Here, at the juncture of Europe and Asia, travel becomes slower and far more interesting. The food becomes remarkably good as well. Istanbul is the place to start to acclimate the traveler to the style of life in Asia. It is a city where it is very easy to stay longer than you had planned.

Mesjid 01 – If you have an interest in Islamic architecture Istanbul should be near the top of your list of places to visit.

Mesjid 02

Istanbul offers unlimited opportunities for shopping.

Every hotel stay has to generate the photograph of the view from the hotel window.

You are close to fresh fish anywhere in the city.

I thought it remarkable to run into Jim McDonough in Istanbul. I had met him on the India overland trip two years previous. He is in the left of this photo where we, along with the Canadian travelers we had met, are sorting out the next leg of the journey.

The Turk seated on the left seems to be looking askance at the overland traveler who has paused for a photo opportunity.

Knife sharpening was readily available in any part of the city. Measuring you weight was another common sidewalk offering.

Diesel fueled vehicles coexist with horse power.

Mesjid 03

It’s hard to edit the photos from Istanbul into something that is a nice fit for a blog entry. Here are another ten photographs from the harbor area.

Harbor 01

Harbor 02

Harbor 03 – If your shoes need shining, that is another service readily available on any major street.

Harbor 04 – The ferry routes are inexpensive and a joy. The traveler does not need a route schedule. Any place you are taken to will be worth spending some time.