Istanbul, Turkey
A confluence of people, culture and architecture coupled with a rich heritage makes Istanbul one of the most magical cities you can visit. Every person, every street, every sight, every smell is an overload to the sensory organs. Here is a project of some of the people we (my wife and I) met and the places we visited while walking through the dreamy streets of Istanbul during the 2020, Covid-19 lockdown.
Hagai Sofia grand mosque on one sunny afternoon. Actually the only one we had. Since we were travelling in January it was super cold and cloudy through the day.
Taksim mosque as seen from the back alleys leading up to the main square.
The streets of Istanbul were empty partly due to the fact that is was 2021 and the entire city was under lockdown due to covid19, but also because if was not peak season. In winter it can get bitterly cold as we soon found out.
In the famous Grand Bazaar of Istanbul a local man drinks tea. I absolutely love how the light rays are falling on the tea cup. It was as though it wanted to point out the importance of tea for the people or Turkey. You can get a cup of tea anywhere and while doing so, make friends with anyone.
Like this gentleman who invited us for a cup of tea outside his business at the side of the road. In return, he wanted nothing but our company.
Along with his friend, who was equally happy to host us.
While walking alongside the Bosphorus, we are treated to a pleasant sight of seagulls feeding on leftovers by passing ships.
And here, a portrait of a fisherman outside a decommissioned boat. It is a past time of many Turkish people who spend their free time here fishing on the Bosphorus.
A street food vendor doing business as usual amongst a surreal backdrop.
An alley near the Galata Tower is one of the many labyrinths where you can get lost and explore the wonderful vibe of the city. The next adventure is just around the corner.
We met a local instrument maker who makes finely handcrafted traditional wood instruments and was happy to show us his workshop.
Just like this wonderful gentleman who showed us his Calligraphy art.
A general scene at one of the backstreets of Arbat. An otherwise colourful neighbourhood which sadly was not captured on bnw film.
Clothes hanging across the street in a small neighbourhood of Arbat.
Everywhere we went, we were greeted by wonderful smiles.
And from this gentleman too, however, it is impossible to see under his mask, but I sure hope he was happy to be clicked.
On another cold winter afternoon, there is nothing better than a hot serving of corn to warm the soul.
A local shop owner enjoys some downtime during the lockdown when the markets were absolutely empty.
And here. a gentleman reads a newspaper outside the famous Hagia Sofia Gran Mosque.
A local news paper vendor who was very polite and happy to be photographed.
An absolute desolate street leading up to the Hagai Sofia mosque. Covid-19 took a big toll on the city and a once popular tourist destination seemed like a scene out a film.
A few days in Istanbul in not enough to capture the entire magnitude of the city. However, a few days there are definitely enough to leave a lasting impression in your memory and keep you longing for more.
