Just returned from Istanbul. It was an in-and-out 48 hour business visit, but the city is so fascinating that it left an indelible impression even in this short time.
For one, Turkey is an Islamic dominated (85%) country that works on Friday, and holidays on Saturday and Sunday. For another, although 90% of the country is in Asia (there's a small portion West of the Bosphorus Straits and The Sea Of Marmara that lies in Europe), the people look, behave and dress European. From a chauffeur or a junior executive upwards, everyone in the business environment is immaculately attired in a suit and tie, dress or skirt. The signs are in the Roman script we are all so familiar with, and the Euro is as well accepted as the Turkish Lira. The message is loud and clear--much as it cherishes its long and tumultuous history, this is a progressive country which wishes to link itself with liberal thinking and the future.
The architect of much of this progressive thinking was Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's first President, who took the country through a series of reforms in the 20s and 30s, after he took over from the defunct Ottoman Empire which had ruled for some 650 odd years, and were under threat from a loose federation of radicals (from where we get the expression "Young Turks").
Istanbul is a heady mish-mash of Mosques and Malls, Shawarma and Pizza, Backstreet Backgammon and Golf, Twisting Alleys and Modern Highways, European Punctuality and Asian Hospitality. The terrain is undulating, and the weather (barring winter) cool, which add to the city's charm. Most people live on the Asian side of the city, and cross the straits to work in Europe every morning, and return to asia in the evening.
Since a lot of Arabic words are part of Turkish vocabulary, I came across references to "Hawa," Nazar, " "Jaam" and other such familiar terms even on this short visit.
Before I left, I made sure I bought some packets of Hazer Baba's Turkish Delight, Turkey's most famous sweet, a few anti evil-eye bracelets, and a bottle of Raki-an aniseed flavoured wine that Turks love.
......................and I'll surely go back.............only this time, for a much longer visit.
For one, Turkey is an Islamic dominated (85%) country that works on Friday, and holidays on Saturday and Sunday. For another, although 90% of the country is in Asia (there's a small portion West of the Bosphorus Straits and The Sea Of Marmara that lies in Europe), the people look, behave and dress European. From a chauffeur or a junior executive upwards, everyone in the business environment is immaculately attired in a suit and tie, dress or skirt. The signs are in the Roman script we are all so familiar with, and the Euro is as well accepted as the Turkish Lira. The message is loud and clear--much as it cherishes its long and tumultuous history, this is a progressive country which wishes to link itself with liberal thinking and the future.
The architect of much of this progressive thinking was Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's first President, who took the country through a series of reforms in the 20s and 30s, after he took over from the defunct Ottoman Empire which had ruled for some 650 odd years, and were under threat from a loose federation of radicals (from where we get the expression "Young Turks").
Istanbul is a heady mish-mash of Mosques and Malls, Shawarma and Pizza, Backstreet Backgammon and Golf, Twisting Alleys and Modern Highways, European Punctuality and Asian Hospitality. The terrain is undulating, and the weather (barring winter) cool, which add to the city's charm. Most people live on the Asian side of the city, and cross the straits to work in Europe every morning, and return to asia in the evening.
Since a lot of Arabic words are part of Turkish vocabulary, I came across references to "Hawa," Nazar, " "Jaam" and other such familiar terms even on this short visit.
Before I left, I made sure I bought some packets of Hazer Baba's Turkish Delight, Turkey's most famous sweet, a few anti evil-eye bracelets, and a bottle of Raki-an aniseed flavoured wine that Turks love.
......................and I'll surely go back.............only this time, for a much longer visit.
