Photo Essay: The Many Faces Of Istanbul
1. A waiter serves some Turkish coffee in a traditional Tophane hangout.
2. Taksim’s huge “high street,” Istiklal, is packed from end to end come nighttime, creating an irresistibly vibrant buzz.
3. Local life and architecture around the charismatic Beyoglu area.
4. A worker relaxes in a photogenic doorway during his lunchbreak.
5. Sunshine finally splashes onto the streets of Beyoglu.
6. Fishermen pose at the end of a long day’s work on the Galata Bridge.
7. Both sides of the Galata bridge are lined with these hopeful fishermen every single day.
8. A random sign in the tourist district.
9. The gorgeous sunlit arches of the Blue Mosque.
10. A man reads quietly inside the stunning interior of the Blue Mosque.
11. A bread seller earns his keep strolling up and down the Galata bridge.
12. Men playing mysterious games (possibly dominoes) in a hidden alleyway.
13. The famous Eminönü district, as seen from the Galata bridge at dusk.
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15 Comments... join the discussion!
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#3 and #10 are killer.
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The light and shadows in #5 is great, they’re all great. Nice work!
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Great photo! I love Istanbul. My guess the mysterious game the men are playing is backgammon.
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These photos really capture the atmosphere of Istanbul. I love them!
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Stunners. Likewise for me, 3 & 5.
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You captured the moments very well. Those men are definitely playing Tavla (ie Backgammon)
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Lovely, lovely photos. I really enjoyed them and they are totally making me homesick for the city I called home (and loved fiercely) for over 6 years. A few things to note, however: the fellow in the first picture is serving tea, not coffee. You can see the distinctive tulip shaped glass. Coffee is served in tiny espresso-sized porcelain cups. As well, number 2 isn’t Istiklal Caddesi itself, but rather seems to be one of the many tiny sokaklar (alleys) off to the side where most of the bars and cafes and whatnot are located. Istiklal itself is much wider and more crowded, and quite likely the cross street going left to right in this shot, with the millions of pedestrians surging past. On a weekend night you can barely move, the crowds are so thick. #11 is selling simit, which is a lovely crispy chewy sesame-covered bread ring, a bit like a bagel. I used to grab one for breakfast on my way to work. Sometimes the vendors have soft white cheese or olive paste you can smear on the simit. Lovely. The fellows in #12 are indeed playing backgammon, or tavla. That’s a great picture. These really bring back memories (and longings!)
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Thanks all for the kind comments. Seda and Koangirl, thanks for your “local” insights. I was there a very short time so these corrections are really great. Koangirl you’re right about Istiklal Caddesi being the cross street, I should have made that clearer. I’m glad they had an affect on you, I found Istanbul instantly inspiring (which certainly doesn’t happen in every city) and would love to get the opportunity to spend longer there…
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So many favorites in here. Totally digging the sense of place captured in every shot!
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Love!
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Dear Koan girl ,
Your local knowledge really blew my head. I also love simit very much, you truly tempted me to go over to Istanbul to have one
)) not to forget a glass of turkish tea (turk cayi) with simit and cheese…No:13 I would give anything to live opposite there and having this picture as my view from my window. Looking at it first thing after waking up and last thing in the evening would be awesome.
“If the Earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital. ”
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Napoleon Bonaparte↵ -
what artistic pictures! The photographer did a fantastic job by taking pictures which reflect the lives of ordinary people living in Istanbul and not the pictures of touristic/historical places which are literally everywhere.
I love the comments made by Seda. From your beautiful name I’ll bet you are Turkish
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Wwow really liked #13. I agree with Seda…:)
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thank you Edward Kozan !!
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