Two weekends ago I had the great opportunity of taking a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. I have witnessed many Asian and European cultures, but somewhere like Turkey, a Middle Eastern culture was totally new. Istanbul is an interesting country situated on two different countries resulting in both a Europe side and an Asia side. I had no idea what to expect going to somewhere like Istanbul which is built upon different traditions, customs, and a deep history within the region.
I made the flight with one of my roommates (Jason) and three other classmates (Tyler, Phil, and Matt) who lived down the hall from us. Three hours later and a quick stop in Munich we were in Istanbul. Immediately upon arriving in the airport you could sense a different environment. Istanbul is a huge city with over 13 million residents and you could feel an intense rush in the atmosphere. Clothing styles were drastically different and shop signs were in Turkish or Arabic, a language style I had never really witnessed in person before. In many European languages you can make a good guess as to what some of the words could mean, in Turkish that wasn't going to happen. After looking around for transportation to our hostel in the city center we eventually were able to find a large bus to take us. Upon entering we thought purchasing a ticket meant you were reserved a seat. It really just bought you a spot to stand in the crowded and heated bus. A half hour later of standing we were at our station and tried out our first Turkish kebab which didn't disappoint. We eventually found our hostel a couple hours later after searching and getting distracted by the busy city center. Upon arriving at the hostel we were told that we would have to knock on the door after 10:00, because they would be shutting the lights and locking the doors up. This we learned was due to the increased police security measures put up after the protests that had occurred this summer. This also answered why there were so many cops with riot materials situated throughout the main square.
During our four days in Istanbul we traveled to a wide variety of locations that we wouldn't be able to venture into in Europe. This included the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Sophia, Basilica Cisterns, and a ferry ride between Europe and Asia. Each was beautiful and unique in their own ways. I was much more excited to see the mosques after seeing so many churches the last few months. It was quite an experience learning about how the mosques are shut off to the public for certain periods throughout the day for people to come in and do their praying sessions. Sirens would go off throughout the city with a man chanting the prayers from the mosques. The Grand Bazaar was also an interesting experience. Here we practiced our bargaining skills out and found out how well we could really haggle with the merchants. The Grand Bazaar was filled with everything from gold, silver, textiles, silk goods, spices, to any item you could really think of. One item we all had on our wish list were the Tshalvar pants, aka Aladin pants. Eventually we came across a man who sold them and gave us a group discount price at 35 liras a piece. Not too shabby.
The Basilica Cisterns were an amazing sight to see. We were able to go down to the cisterns on our last night in Istanbul and were definitely surprised at what the stairs lead us down to when we initially entered. The cistern is made up a system of waterways that guide the river water underneath the city through a system of channels. The whole system is also supported by stone pillars which made the whole view even grander. There was a very eerie, mysterious feel when you walked around the cistern because of the dim lighting, humid atmosphere, and grandness of the whole system. After the Basilica Cisterns we decided to treat ourselves to a nice seafood restaurant that definitely quenched my desire for some great seafood. A sea bass, glass of red wine, and some additional shopping for the moms and we were on our way back to the hostel to hit the Turkish nightlife once again. Istanbul has a great nightlife and some of the hangouts provided some amazing views of the city.
Two things I will always remember about Istanbul are the friendliness of the Turkish people and the delicious street oysters which were always an early morning snack. My initial mindset of the Turkish people was that they would be cold and hesitant towards Westerners. I was definitely wrong. Anywhere we went someone would be willing to socialize with us, guide us in the right direction, or happily practice their English with you. They are a very receptive and open type of people that you could build many strong relationships with. As with the street oysters, Phil and I could never get enough of. Our first night was an initial purchase of 30 oysters, which then grew to 50, and 80 over the course of the next few nights. You can't find a much better 2 a.m. snack that will hit the spot as these oysters always did for us. Mixed with rice and spices this local Turkish specialty is something I highly recommend if you make your way through Istanbul.
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