(NOTE ABOUT THE TITLE:
When I said “Hunting Minarets,” I meant capturing
a captivating piece of Islamic architecture through photography. I did NOT mean tracking them down and destroying them like what the
Swiss did with their xenophobic and stupid but surprisingly successful propaganda
campaign)
When I heard I had a layover for over 4 hours in Istanbul Turkey, something inside of me livened up.
Notwithstanding the fact that I have almost always liked extended layovers....when they're anticipated...and especially in a place I have never been before. And Istanbul is a special treat considering the fact that it was at the top of neighboring places for me to visit anyway.
But it was risky..... I decided I wouldn't leave the airport if either the plane was late or the customs line was taking too long. Neither were the case. The plane was early and the line was long but extremely efficient.
There was not enough time to see the major sights like the Hagia Sophia. But I'm glad I had that scarcity of time (you'll see why soon). I intended to just take a cab to a nearby town next to the coast, but after some locals told me that was a waste of time and money and that I should go to somewhere in the downtown area, I changed course, zipped downstairs and bought a metro ticket.
"There are several downtown areas. What exactly do you want to see?" asked the metro worker I asked a recommendation from.
When I had no response obviously, he suggested I just ride the metro line to the last stop (30 minutes away) get out for a little, and come back. But that would be cutting it close. Would it be worth it, knowing that I only had a miniscule amount of time to experience vast amount of what Istanbul has to offer?
Yes.
Not only was the subway ride view an effective picturesque primer of Turkish civilization for me, the experiencing of diving into Istanbul served as a kind of a microcosm of what I would be experiencing in Saudi Arabia....spontaneous and very little time to consider what to do...I know Turkey has its own unique culture beyond merely Islam but for my particular voyage, it served as a bridge...as Saudi Arabia lite. Some people dressed traditionally (usually the older generation), some didn't (especially the younger generation). Yes there was a certain tranquility and reverence to a way of life, but there was also was quite a bit of liveliness (although I don't think I saw alcohol being served anywhere).
Instead of simply retelling what happened, I am going to enumerate what I learned:
1. I learned that
unlike Saudi Arabia, where a parody of the song No Woman No Cry captured perfectly
the Saudi policy towards women and cars No Woman, No Drive), in Turkey, it’s Yes
Woman Yes Drive and Bling Bling with your traditional pride too.
2. The Turks
seem to be a very patriotic people with flags everywhere from small ones
outside apartment windows to huge ones right smack in the middle of a
cityscape.
3. A typical Turkish
restaurant meal consists of Kebap meat in a wrap with dishes of vegetables and
sauces brought to your table and a cream drink.
4. And finally, I have a thing for
minarets. They are simply stunning,
especially when surrounding by a dome. So here’s what you (or I rather) was really waiting for…all
the minarets that I was able to capture with my camera....on a moving subway...with two oversized carry-ons:
A traditional one I got to walk up to.
Tradition juxtaposed with contemporary.
Look at us! We're hiding.
Probably the best shot I got.
But here's me trying................... :)
