10 February 2013
We arrived, early December, on a runway just cleared of snow. As the plane landed, the mostly Turkish passengers burst into thankful applause - I have never experienced this on a flight before, or after.
Istanbul Minarets and prayers at dawn, Suddenly I found myself within, A world beautiful, and unknown
We passed through customs with ease, and boarded a coach. We got our first sight of Turkey, which included a sprawling, disconcerting slum . Realisation that this was not Europe, but Asia.
Our hotel room looked out over the magical Blue Mosque, and each morning we were awoken by morning prayer from the minaret speakers.
I OFFER FAJR PRAYERS, 2 RAKATS, WAJIB QURBATAN ILAL LAH
Our first visit was to the Grand Bazaar, narrow streets seething with treasure shops, gold candy stores, and bustling tourists,
ALLAH HU AKBAR
Dripping with gold , Treasures untold, Faces of men, young and old Women noticeable by their absence
We bought an ornately carved chess set made of Onyx, and I had my first experience of the art of bartering. Actually, I enjoyed it! If you smile, and treat your combatant with respect, it is a fun experience.
BISMIL LAH HIR RAHMAN NIR RAHIM.
We walked the streets of Istanbul, children offering bracelets, men with cigarettes under their coats for sale, and from the coffee shops, incense drifted towards the great Bosherus, where we ate freshly caught fish, freshly fried on makeshift grills, on majestic Turkish fishing vessels.
AL HAMDU LIL LAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN. AR RAHMAN NIR RAHIM
A tour of the Blue Mosque, unforgettable. Shoes discarded (no chance at all of them being stolen of course) , my partner wearing a scarf, we were allowed to observe prayer amongst the wonder of an Islamic church.
MALIKI YAWMID DIN. IYYA KA NA'BUDU WA IYYA KA NASTA'EEN.
Hagia Sophia, Mosque of the Sultans Christian monument, Made Islamic By the Ottamans
A world heritage site, and a true architectural wonder, the great Hagia Sophia is a significant and thought provoking tour.
MALIKI YAWMID DIN. IYYA KA NA'BUDU WA IYYA KA NASTA'EEN.
Our second day, we boarded a boat and cruised the Bospherus, our guide reciting the history of this important river. I remember one thing clearly; the number of boats on the water! This, unlike the Thames, is a working river.
We stopped at the Dolmabahce Palace, home of the Sultans, dressed from head to toe in gold, shining like a beacon.
IHDI NAS SIRATAL MUSTAQEEMA SIRAT AL LAZEENA AN AMTA ALAY HIM
In the afternoon, under the city streets, we discovered the incredible sunken palace of the Bascillica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi). Hauntingly beautiful, exquisite, and remarkable with it's roman columns and shimmering blue pools of water. Strangely spiritual.
GHAIRIL MAGHZOOBI ALAIHIM WAL LAZ ZUAL LEEN.
December in England is wonderfully festive, but, of course, in Istanbul there is no build up to Christmas. A refreshing change I appreciated this year.
BISMIL LAH HIR RAHMAN NIR RAHIM INNA A'TAINAKAL KAUSAR. FASALLI LI RAB BIKA WAN HAR
Our last evening in Istanbul was spent in our own company, wandering the streets near our hotel. No Starbucks, no Tescos, no McDonalds. Well, actually, there is a McDonalds and it looks so out of place. We didn't go in it, of course. We preferred, instead, to buy roasted chestnuts from street venders, and sandwiches from corner shops.
INNA SHANI AKA HU WAL ABTAR
Istanbul, I remember you Spiritually, and reverently, Wrapped up in a shroud of Carpet selling and capitalism But forever I, Lost in your majesty and mysticism.
SAY ALLAH HU AKBAR
Istanbul • Opuss № I