The many faces of Istanbul

#3 and #10 are killer.

Great photo! I love Istanbul. My guess the mysterious game the men are playing is backgammon.

Stunners. Likewise for me, 3 & 5.
Nice work.

Lovely, lovely photos. I really enjoyed them and they are totally making me homesick for the city I called home (and loved fiercely) for over 6 years. A few things to note, however: the fellow in the first picture is serving tea, not coffee. You can see the distinctive tulip shaped glass. Coffee is served in tiny espresso-sized porcelain cups. As well, number 2 isn’t Istiklal Caddesi itself, but rather seems to be one of the many tiny sokaklar (alleys) off to the side where most of the bars and cafes and whatnot are located. Istiklal itself is much wider and more crowded, and quite likely the cross street going left to right in this shot, with the millions of pedestrians surging past. On a weekend night you can barely move, the crowds are so thick. #11 is selling simit, which is a lovely crispy chewy sesame-covered bread ring, a bit like a bagel. I used to grab one for breakfast on my way to work. Sometimes the vendors have soft white cheese or olive paste you can smear on the simit. Lovely. The fellows in #12 are indeed playing backgammon, or tavla. That’s a great picture. These really bring back memories (and longings!)

So many favorites in here. Totally digging the sense of place captured in every shot!

Dear Koan girl ,

Your local knowledge really blew my head. I also love simit very much, you truly tempted me to go over to Istanbul to have one )) not to forget a glass of turkish tea (turk cayi) with simit and cheese…

No:13 I would give anything to live opposite there and having this picture as my view from my window. Looking at it first thing after waking up and last thing in the evening would be awesome.

“If the Earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital. ” ))))
Napoleon Bonaparte

Wwow really liked #13. I agree with Seda…:)

I hate to be that person but it appears to be Turkish tea, not coffee in #1

I hate to be that person but it appears to be Turkish tea, not coffee in #1