It’s been four months since I left Istanbul to return home to Los Angeles. I can’t say that it was a happy departure. Returning to Los Angeles was difficult to say the least. It took me weeks to get used to not hearing the Call to Prayer ring out across the city five times a day and I missed the clinking of tea glasses, the smell of spices and the damp air coming in off the Bosphorus.
Istanbul was my home for 7 weeks, although when I first arrived there, I had no idea that the city would come to signify home for me. Now, four months later, I have journeyed back to Istanbul and discovered that I am still in awe of this city, I am still enthralled with its vibrance and its livelihood, and it still feels like home. My time here, once again, is limited and in a few short weeks I will be back in Los Angeles, but for now I intend to enjoy the dream that I hope to someday be my reality.
Eyüp Cemetary. Eyüp is a district located outside of the original city walls and actually predates Istanbul proper. It is home to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque which is a pilgrimage sight in the Muslim faith.
View from the top of Eyüp Cemetary.
Walking through the Cemetery.
View from the Eyüp Cemetery.
Headstones.
As we were walking out of the cemetery, we were greeted by hundreds of crows in the trees. It was sort of creepy.
Rose.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque.
Storm Trooper.
Somewhere in Çihangir.
Çihangir.
Galata.
Galata Bridge. Fishermen on top. Fish restaurants on the bottom. Merely a coincidence.
Google translate was not exactly helpful when attempting to translate the bottom word. “Bu” means “this”, but Budur???
“Second Thoughts, Vision, Hearing, Speech” (don’t quote me on this)…
View from Çihangir.
Snowflake.
Let there be light.
Art.
Sunset on the Golden Horn.
Sidewalk.
No clue.
Child’s play.
Street Art.
Vintage.
Modern Art.
I’d happily live there.
Sheep.
Istikal Caddesi
I have no idea…
Going places.
I bought 5 of these. Actually, I think I bought those ones…
I only took a picture of this one. No purchase necessary.
I still haven’t figured out which mosque this is, but I think it’s beautiful.
One day I hope to be able to read this.
A very small cemetery in Sultanahmet.
Blue Mosque.
Ottoman candy.
Decor.
Lanterns.
Tiles in the Tokapı Saray
I just love the way the script looks.
I had a lot of fun playing with depth of field and geometrical shapes.
More words I can’t read.
Now this is a record player (phonograph really).
Galata Kulesi
Nescafe and Backgammon = Necessities
View from the Galata Tower.
Inside a Synagogue.
Irresistible Cuteness
View from Galata Tower.
Weirdest graffiti I have ever seen…
Legs for Days…
Mosque goers.
Fatıh Camii’nde
I heart Nescafe.
Last time I was in Istanbul I flew to Jerusalem to visit my bestie. He has been living there for the past year while studying to be a rabbi. This time he flew to Istanbul to visit me.
I have no idea what this is, but it looks cool.
Slightly Disturbing. The red square at the top says “Tahir Square” and at the child’s waist it says “your child.”
Roses.
I am pretty sure this says “this is not a butt.” Those Turkish lessons I’ve been taking are paying off.
What is it with Turkey and disembodied legs?
Prayers.
It is customary for muslim men and women to wash their hands, feet and head before entering the mosque. But I think this water spout doubled as a drinking fountain.
Cheese anyone?
Such a beautiful city.
Lollipops.
This was my hood for this trip.
Wood paneling.
One of the pillars that is not like the other in the Cistern.
Topkapı Saray
This is not a Canon ad, but sort of is.
Sardines?
Awestruck.
‘Til Next Time Istanbul.
Peace and Love.
