Options

Istanbul

rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
edited September 4, 2013 in Journeys
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...
Hagia%20Sophia%20Fountains-L.jpg

The Hagia Sophia was a Christian Church during the Byzantine Period
Hagia%20Sphia%2004-L.jpg


After the Ottoman Conquest was converted to a Mosque...
Hagia%20Sophia%20interior-L.jpg


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...
Hagia%20Sophia%20interior%20rennovation-L.jpg

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...
Blue%20Mosque%20loaner%20scarfs-L.jpg

and drapes are available to cover bare legs of persons wearing shorts...
Blue%20Mosque%20tourists-L.jpg

The Blue Mosque is extremely crowded during Sundays and filled with both non-Muslims and the Muslim faithful...
Blue%20Mosque%20interior-L.jpg

Istanbul is famous for its various markets. The Grand Bazaar (AKA Covered Bazaar) is reportedly the largest of its type in the world...
Covered%20Market%2001-L.jpg

There are all types of items sold there from cheap tacky souvenirs...
Covered%20Market%2009%20Ceramics-L.jpg

To lovely and expensive jewelry...
Grand%20Bazaar%20shop%2007-L.jpg

And Turkish carpets...
Grand%20Bazaar%20shop%2002-L.jpg

The Spice Bazaar obviously sells spices of all types...
Spice%20Market%2006-L.jpg

As well as all types of food stuffs...
Spice%20Market%2001-L.jpg

Even Turkish Delights...
Spice%20Market%2008-L.jpg

I loved to photograph the interesting people in Istanbul...
Blue%20Mosque%20courtyard-L.jpg
Old%20Woman%20Sitting-L.jpg
Man%20and%20woman%20in%20veil-L.jpg
Woman%20with%20veil-L.jpg
Carpet%20Worker-L.jpg

One of my favorite places to shoot is the Galata Tower.
Galata%20Tower%2002-L.jpg

On a clear day, the Galata Tower has magnificent views of Istanbul...
Golden%20Traffic%2004%20from%20Galata%20Tower-L.jpg
Golden%20Traffic%2003%20from%20Galata%20Towwer-L.jpg
Golden%20Horn%20Galata%20Bridge%20from%20Galata%20Towewr-L.jpg

Istanbul is a combination of modern city with rapid transit...
street%20scene%2002-L.jpg

And traffic driving by fortifications built in the times of the Byzantine Emperors...
street%20scene%2006-L.jpg

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...
Taksim%20Square%20Police%20Vehicle-L.jpg


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.

Comments

  • Options
    David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,185 moderator
    edited August 20, 2013
    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.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • Options
    rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
    edited August 20, 2013
    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...
  • Options
    JaimorJaimor Registered Users Posts: 26 Big grins
    edited August 22, 2013
    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!
  • Options
    rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
    edited August 24, 2013
    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...

    Old%20Woman%20Sitting%20sepia%20o2-L.jpg
  • Options
    EaracheEarache Registered Users Posts: 3,533 Major grins
    edited August 28, 2013
    Very well photographed and presented, thanks for sharing.
    I prefer the color version the woman - for me, it has more character.
    Eric ~ Smugmug
  • Options
    Awais YaqubAwais Yaqub Registered Users Posts: 10,572 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2013
    nice series of photos. I managed to visit blue mosque early morning Fajir Prayers time before sunrise, so it was empty only worshippers.
    Thine is the beauty of light; mine is the song of fire. Thy beauty exalts the heart; my song inspires the soul. Allama Iqbal

    My Gallery
  • Options
    rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2013
    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!

    Hagia%20Sphia%2009-L.jpg

    Ottomon%20Era%20House-L.jpg

    Tourboat%20on%20Golden%20Horn%20with%20Galata%20Tower%20in%20background-L.jpg

    Covered%20Market%2010%20passageway-L.jpg

    Deli-L.jpg
Sign In or Register to comment.