Mixing It Up in Istanbul

A fascinating mélange of history, geography, religion, architecture, customs and people. Istanbul really knows how to “mix it up.”

Former home to Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires, Istanbul literally bridges the divide between Europe and Asia. Or, rather than taking a bridge, you can take a ferry.

Crossing the Bosphorus, the mix of old and new left me feeling sad and optimistic at the same time. Why are there old neglected buildings alongside newly renovated homes? Is a glass high-rise office building suitable for the same skyline as the mosque along the waterfont?



Head into Aya Sofia, following the Muslim women wearing head scarves as a symbol of their religious devotion, and look up and see an orthodox Christian cross on the arched ceiling above.

Though showers are not taken as frequently, and though the streets can be rather dirty, I found that it’s quite easy to wash your feet or your ass. (First photo - foot baths outside of Mosque. Second photo - notice the little spigot that sprays water right where it’s needed - hotels, public restrooms - all the toilets have this clever little device.)

The streets are crowded with tourists from all over the world. And during Ramazan (with a “z” in Turkey) you’ll even find the local men praying as they flow over onto the courtyards and sidewalks outside the mosques.

Istanbul is an ancient city, with a modern tram system.

Some of the mosques even have “night lights.”

In Istanbul, you can watch the sun rise over Asia and set in the west over Europe. And with a short ferry ride, you can see each across the waters of the Bosphorus.

I truly enjoyed my visit to Istanbul and hope to return someday.