Crossroads - Where East Meets West

Trip Start Aug 05, 2006
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Trip End Ongoing


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Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is one of the World's great cities and is the only one that spans the divide between two continents.  It has been a place of settlement for well over 5,000 years and today holds a population of nearly 18 million people making it one of the largest cities on Earth. 

Arriving here from Israel I was impressed by the city's modern transport system and cosmopolitan atmosphere.  Compared with Cairo it has a much more modern feel and is the entire cityscape it dotted with huge, ornate mosques with minarets that tower over the surrounding buildings. 

While taking a stroll around the area of my hostel I discovered the amazing Blue Mosque which faces the equally impressive ancient cathedral/mosque, now museum of Haghia Sophia "Alexander The Great Coffin"
"Alexander The Great Coffin"
 .  Finished in 537 AD, Haghia Sophia was finished in only 5 years under the rein of Justinian I.  The cistern located nearby was also quite impressive and has been used in several movie scenes including 'From Russia With Love'. 

I also toured the Topkapi Palace, the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, but it was a little too crowded for my tastes.  The Grand Bazaar was a great place to pickup souvenirs and the shop keepers aren't nearly as pushy as the ones in Egypt or Morocco, although the prices are a little high even after some aggressive bargaining.  In fact, the Turkish people where quite friendly despite the current stained relations with the US over Iraq and the Kurds.  One man the served me coffee at the cafe even offered to show me around the city, unfortunately it was right before I was about to leave Turkey.  Of all the cities I have visited over the last 10 months I would definitely place Istanbul near the top of the list thanks to its wonderful architecture, interesting history, and friendly people.
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Comments

shanewilson
shanewilson on Jul 3, 2007 at 02:48PM

People in Turkey
Hi Dan, I agree with you that the Turkish people are some of the most friendliest people on Earth... I definitely found that when touring Istanbul back in 2000. I'm happy to add the Peruvians, Moroccans and Thai people to the list of the friendliest people. I haven't travelled through as much as Africa as you, and look forward to the time when I can do more of it. I have just watched Blood Diamond... what a powerful movie in getting us to think of the tragedy that struck Sierre Leone. Thank god we don't have troubles like that over our minerals etc here in Australia. I'm enjoying your travels... it's approaching a year, and I'd be interested to hear how you're finding it! Cheers, Shane.

dmartin
dmartin on Jul 3, 2007 at 08:36PM

Istanbul
Your Dad and I wished that we could have met you in Istanbul. We enjoyed reading your comments. Guess there are friendly, kind people everywhere and then there are those that are unfriendly and not so kind everywhere. Stay safe and looking forward to your arrival HOME!!!!

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