Impressions of Istanbul
Europe’s largest city has almost 16 million inhabitants.
Istanbul is at the cross roads between Europe and Asia. The city straddles the Bosphorus Strait with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. This prime, enviable location has resulted in a city up to it armpits in history, with civilization built upon civilization.
Parts of Istanbul are very hilly.
Steep, narrow, cobble-stone streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, tea shops, dessert shops, boutiques, barber shops, mini-markets, galleries, and shops selling designer clothing, souvenirs, antiques, and of course carpets.
Some of the rather ramshackle buildings belong on the cover of “Better Shacks and Shelters”.
Istanbul has tons of character and some parts absolutely ooze with antiquity.
There are at times, shoulder to shoulder crowds competing for side walk space with e-scooters and motorcycles. Which was rather a shock after Asia where nobody walks it seems.
Bands of young men roam in gangs of 4 or 5; there is no shortage of testosterone here.
Most people dress conservatively. Burly bearded men wear collared shirts and sweater vests. Hajibs and Niqabs are common, there are even the occasional burkas.
Many people here also wear a very gruff, stoic “I’m not amused” look.
Under the stern exterior are welcoming, engaging people, many folks have a great sense of humour.
Lots of cars
Istanbul traffic congestion can be brutal and soul crushing. Drivers can be very aggressive and sometimes distracted. Blaring horns refocus the inattentive.
Cross walks can be precarious for pedestrians. Running red lights is a sport.
Istanbul taxi drivers, like many places in the world, can be scam artists.
Istanbul has a love affair with cats.
Street animals are extremely well taken care of. There are very large, very well feed dogs lounging around everywhere.
There is a cornucopia of cats, and lots of kittens even though it is evident that spaying is practiced – they just can’t keep up. Small cat kennels / houses are everywhere. There is more cat food placed than can possibly be eaten. Rodents however are not an issue.
Mind if I smoke?
It is stunning how many people here smoke, men and women, old and young. There is a constant chorus of smoker’s cough.
Sometime I felt like I was the only person in Istanbul who does not smoke.
In certain areas there are hordes of tourists.
Some of the slickest, most accomplished sales people on the face of the earth work their trade on the Istanbul tourist crowds – think carpet and antique shops and Bosphorus cruises.
The touts offer free information, then ask you where you are from, looking for a personal hook and possibly sizing up your budget.
“The Blue Mosque is closed for renovations; I am not a guide – I have a shop. Where are you from? Oh I have a brother who lives there. Come see my shop”
We tell them we are from Belize – which results in a puzzled look and an interrupted sales script. This gives us time to politely exit the scene.
There is Baklava and yet more Baklava Yum!
The Bosphorus.
The foreshore of the Bosphorus is lined with fishermen, cats and seagulls. There are also cafes, promenades, mosques, mansions, fortresses and palaces.
The Bosphorus waterway supports a crowed aquatic ballet featuring ferries, sightseeing cruises, private pleasure craft, oil tankers, cargo ships and small fishing boats bobbing around in the chop.
Mosques are everywhere, it is estimated there are around 3,000 in Istanbul. Thousands of minarets- complete with loud speakers-stab the skyline.
Some of the most fantastic food anywhere is to be had in Istanbul. However, eating in restaurants can be hit and miss as far as quality and value is concerned.
Considering the number of people living in this massive city, there is an amazing amount of green space and purple flowers.
There is always a spot to sit for a chat, a smoke or a glass of tea.
Turkish flags of various sizes are proudly displayed everywhere.
