Istanbul

rpcrowe

I spent several days in Istanbul, Turkey during June 2013 and enjoyed every moment of my stay. I found the city to be extremely photogenic and filled with interesting people.

Of course, there are the standard must-see sights such as Hagia Sophia...


The Hagia Sophia was a Christian Church during the Byzantine Period



After the Ottoman Conquest was converted to a Mosque...



and it is now a museum... Unfortunately Hagia Sophia was under renovation at the time of my visit and the scaffolding in the interior took away a lot of the awe factor of the immense dome...


The Sultanahmet Mosque (AKA Blue Mosque) is an operating mosque and as such, visitors must conform to a dress code. Head scares are available on loan to cover ladies heads...


and drapes are available to cover bare legs of persons wearing shorts...


The Blue Mosque is extremely crowded during Sundays and filled with both non-Muslims and the Muslim faithful...


Istanbul is famous for its various markets. The Grand Bazaar (AKA Covered Bazaar) is reportedly the largest of its type in the world...


There are all types of items sold there from cheap tacky souvenirs...


To lovely and expensive jewelry...


And Turkish carpets...


The Spice Bazaar obviously sells spices of all types...


As well as all types of food stuffs...


Even Turkish Delights...


I loved to photograph the interesting people in Istanbul...






One of my favorite places to shoot is the Galata Tower.


On a clear day, the Galata Tower has magnificent views of Istanbul...




Istanbul is a combination of modern city with rapid transit...


And traffic driving by fortifications built in the times of the Byzantine Emperors...


Various news agencies gave a lot of coverage to the civil disturbances in Istanbul during June 2013 but, the only sign of these disturbances was some increased police presence in Taksim Square...



Three days were no where near enough to explore and shoot this wonderfully interesting city. I would love to return for a lengthier say. BTW: Turkish Airlines is one the the best airlines on which I have ever flown.

David_S85

Nice group of photos and write up. Looks like a fascinating place to visit and shoot. I should point out that the embedded carpet photo is a 2nd copy of the previous jewelry photo.

rpcrowe

David_S85 wrote: »

Nice group of photos and write up. Looks like a fascinating place to visit and shoot. I should point out that the embedded carpet photo is a 2nd copy of the previous jewelry photo.

I noticed that too and was in the process of correcting it. Thanks for the interest...

Jaimor

I love the photograph of the older lady sitting my the road. I think it would be great in b&W too. The city looks so beautiful and you captured it really well. Makes me want to pack up and head out right now!

rpcrowe

I thought so too....

Jaimor wrote: »

I love the photograph of the older lady sitting my the road. I think it would be great in b&W too. The city looks so beautiful and you captured it really well. Makes me want to pack up and head out right now!

I did this in B&W also...

Earache

Very well photographed and presented, thanks for sharing.
I prefer the color version the woman - for me, it has more character.

Awais Yaqub

nice series of photos. I managed to visit blue mosque early morning Fajir Prayers time before sunrise, so it was empty only worshippers.

rpcrowe

When my wife and I landed at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport we boarded a bus from the tarmac to the terminal. The bus was crowded and we didn't have a seat. A young Turkish girl and boy got up and offered us their seats (we are an older couple). The boy then smiled at us and said, "Welcome to Turkey!" The trip started on that bright note and consistently improved! Wonderful people, beautiful city and just a great place all-around!