Turkey both defines and is defined by two continents. This alone intrigued me enough to make the drive from “Europe” to “Asia” to explore. Welcome to Istanbul.
1
Turkish script
1. Outside Topkapi Palace.
2
Stuffed grape leaves, Turkey
2. Grape leaves stuffed with rice, resting in a bed of salt.
3
Turkish men
3. Turkish yentas converse outside a local restaurant.
Intermission
4
Spice market, Turkey
4. The Spice Bazaar.
5
Entering the mosque
5. In awe at the Blue Mosque.
6
Washing of feet, Turkey
6. Feet must be washed before entering the mosque to pray.
7
Praying inside the Blue Mosque
7. Praying solo in the Blue Mosque.
Intermission
8
Traditional Muslim dress, Istanbul
8. Husband and wife shop together.
9
Colorful lamps, Istanbul
9. Colors of light in a random lamp store.
10
Ottoman pillars
10. These columns were erected by the Ottoman Empire.
11
Turkish woman
11. A Turkish woman rushes to her daughter, hiding behind a column.
12
Fisherman, Istanbul
12. A fisherman en route between "Asia" and "Europe."
