Weekend in Turkey
by Cynthia Goldman
I never thought I’d be so happy and so sad to leave a foreign, predominantly Muslim country. After being in Istanbul, Turkey for six days for what was originally a school trip, I was finally able to leave the country.
I had realized I lost my passport seconds before loading the bus to the airport. Of course, I panicked. I cried. I had no idea what to do. I asked myself why? How could this happen to me? I was forced to stay another day. Fortunately my brilliant religion professor was kind enough to stay with me. In the end, losing a passport in such an exotic city might’ve happened for the best. It was the most amazing experience I have had in my time studying abroad!
The country of Turkey is in both southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea. Istanbul is in the northwestern part of the country with a population of at least 10 million people. It is roughly the size of Los Angeles. The ethnic mix is mostly Turkish although it is easy to see a diversity of people and religions. Never in one city had I seen so many Catholic churches, Jewish synagogues and Islamic mosques. Nor women dressed in full-bodied black dresses with veils and gloves walking down the street chatting with their girlfriend in a miniskirt and blue hair.
The city is both modern and ancient. Istanbul was founded way back in 660 BC as Byzantium. In 330 AD, it was renamed Constantinople by Constantine the Great, who made it the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. In 1204, the city was raided by Crusaders, and then two and a half centuries later it was taken by the Turks. Istanbul was the official name in 1930.
Walking in front of the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmeht square, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the mosque framed between colourful tulips and clear, sunny skies. And suddenly there’s a call for prayer that adds to the mysticism and beauty. It is absolutely spellbinding!
The grand bazaar is teeming with activity with vendors speaking several languages in attempts to lure customers in there shops. You can find almost anything at the bazaar like gold jewelry and precious stones, colourful lamps, hookahs, and knockoff purses and bags.
Although the vendors could be too much sometimes, I found the Turkish people incredibly warm-hearted. When I was sitting on the hotel floor crying over my lost passport the hotel staff and travel agent were so kind telling me not to worry. Smile. Istanbul wanted me to stay. At the Turkish police station, the officers joked around and offered me apple tea while efficiently writing up my missing passport report. The travel agent who so kindly booked me another flight home and translated everything to English took my professor and me out to dinner.
Dinner was amazing. We ate at vine-covered outdoor restaurant next to a busy little pedestrian street, ancient Ottaman artefacts and a fresh foods market. The owner of the restaurant was so kind to treat us to the most delicious fruits and vegetables with fresh baked bread that was spread with hummus, butter and cheese. Then we ate kebabs with lamb, chicken, beef, rice and yogurt. I would tell you the name of the foods but I don’t speak Turkish and have a horrible memory for names.
In the end, staying an extra day in Turkey may have happened for the best. It was truly a revelational experience to see such a completely different and beautiful culture on my own. I feel that most people would have to witness it to completely understand it. As I got off the plane in Barajas Airport, I felt happy to be “home” and lucky to have gotten my passport. But also lucky to have had such a wonderful taste of Turkey.
Tags: Barajas, Istanbul, Madrid, Passport, spain, Travel, Turkey, usa