June 2024 to 27 June 2024.
Shylaja, Vijayanagar, Bangalore
As I boarded the Emirates flight from Bangalore to Istanbul, my heart raced with excitement. After a brief stopover at Dubai, I boarded the next flight to Istanbul. I was on a group tour to Istanbul with a small group of 8 people, all from Bangalore. I mentally thanked Chariot, the company that I had always preferred for all my group tours, since they don't compromise on the small things that make a big difference. Providing Emirates was one such. The connection time was very convenient, although a few thousands more expensive.
We arrived in Istanbul by 5 PM the next day and drove to the hotel. We rested a little and later stepped into a city that brims with both history and modernity. Our first stop was Taksim Square, the heartbeat of Istanbul, where locals and visitors converge in a bustling dance of life. The square was alive with energy, especially since Turkey had just won a football match. The warmth and friendliness of the Turkish people were immediately evident, and the food—oh, the food—was a delightful surprise. Even as a vegetarian, I found plenty to savour, and it tasted as vibrant as the city itself.
The Grand Bazaar, with its labyrinthine alleys and 4,000 shops, was our next destination. It’s a world unto itself, where the concept of the market was born—a place where East met West. Though the prices were steep, especially at the spice market, the experience of haggling and interacting with the friendly shopkeepers was priceless. The pepper I sampled was a revelation—its taste was different from the pepper we know in India, a reminder of the rich tapestry of flavors that the world has to offer.
Our journey continued to Top Kapi Palace, a sprawling estate that once housed the Ottoman sultans. Covering 42 acres, it was both opulent and grand. The Golden Treasury, Silver Treasury, and the museum’s extensive collection of royal garments offered a glimpse into the splendor of the Ottoman era. The guide’s anecdotes about the oversized royal garments, designed to make the sultans appear godlike, were fascinating. I was particularly intrigued by the historical tidbits about Ottoman interactions with India, including the curious story of an Ottoman prince imprisoned in Bellary.
The Bosporus cruise provided a tranquil contrast, gliding past three majestic bridges that once served as tax collectors for ships. It was a moment to reflect on the city’s evolving role in global trade and its ability to adapt and thrive.
The next leg of the journey took us to Cappadocia, an ancient land where the fairy chimneys stand as natural monuments to volcanic activity. Staying in MDC Cave, a hotel carved into the rock, was an unforgettable experience. Initially daunting, it soon became a marvel of human ingenuity and natural beauty. The fairy chimneys, with their otherworldly shapes, and the underground ceramic factory, where I learned about Ganesha carvings—unexpectedly connected to an Iranian tribe—were highlights of this unique landscape.
In Pamukkale, I walked through the calcified terraces formed by hot springs. The soothing waters were a balm to my tired legs, and the natural beauty of the place was a serene finale to the day’s explorations.
Konya, with its ancient university and the Mevlana Sufi origins, offered a philosophical depth to our journey. Hierapolis, an ancient city with its vast ruins, was awe-inspiring. Although we didn’t have time to visit the tomb of Apostle John, the sense of history and spirituality in the air was palpable.
Antalya, with its Duden Falls and the Mediterranean harbour, rounded out our trip. The city walk and the views of the well-preserved harbour were a perfect conclusion to our journey, a reminder of the rich trade and history that have shaped this region.
Returning to Istanbul for our final night, I reflected on the whirlwind of experiences and the layers of history and culture that Turkey had revealed. The trip was more than just a collection of sights and experiences; it was a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of human history and the enduring warmth of hospitality.
In the end, Turkey taught me a valuable lesson: no matter where we travel or what we see, it’s the people and their stories that make a journey truly unforgettable. The blend of ancient and modern, East and West, reminded me that every place holds its own magic and that understanding and compassion transcend borders. We are all part of a larger tapestry, each of us contributing to the rich mosaic of human experience.
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