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.

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.

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."