Turkey

For history enthusiasts, Turkey is a treasure trove. Istanbul, Turkey, traces its origins back to the ancient Roman Empire, when the Roman Emperor Constantine I split the empire into two in 324 A.D. Rome became the capital of the Western Roman Empire, while Constantinople (now Istanbul) became the capital of the east. Some of the structures built by the Romans, like the cistern to the right, still stand. A cistern is an underground water storage facility. Parts of an aqueduct and city walls also remain, as shown below. The Western Roman Empire fell around 500 A.D., but the eastern empire, the Byzantine Empire, endured until the 15th century, despite invasions and weakening by the Mongols. This resilience is a testament to the empire's strength. It was only when Osman I formed the Ottoman Empire that the Byzantine Empire finally succumbed. The Ottoman Empire, in turn, survived until World War I.

The Turkish people are renowned for their salesmanship. Everywhere I went, I encountered people eager to sell their wares. Sales seem to be ingrained in their culture. The Grand Market, founded in the 15th century, is a prime example. Here, tourists can find a variety of souvenirs. But it's not just the markets, stores, and shops are ubiquitous. Even the horse stables near the Blue Mosque have been ingeniously converted into high-end souvenir shops for tourists, showcasing the Turkish people's adaptability and resourcefulness.

Many Turkish people speak multiple languages, like English and Russian, for business reasons. Many Russians visit Turkey because It is a relatively inexpensive vacation destination. Further, many Turkish products find their way into Russia, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet Union countries. One Turkish brand is Beko, which makes stoves, refrigerators, and washers. The Turkish textile factories also export many clothes.

Turkey is a fascinating country because of the blend of Western and Eastern cultures. The Romans adopted Christianity in the 3rd century and constructed many churches in Istanbul. During the Ottoman Empire, the rulers switched the official religion to Islam, and the churches were converted to mosques. Moreover, architects constructed many impressive mosques, like the Blue Mosque, to the left. Although Muslims still worship at the Blue Mosque, they allow visitors to come inside during no services. The Blue Mosque is so large that it is visible across the strait on the opposite peninsula. Many Turkish salesmen hang out around the Blue Mosque, trying to lure customers into their expensive shops.

Istanbul has a variety of architecture. The Galata Tower was constructed in the 15th century and is visible in the picture of Galata, Istanbul. Another 15th-century building is to the right and houses a metro station. Istanbul has an excellent metro system and several lines that stretch around the city. The metro line that weaves around the historical monuments like the Blue Mosque and the cistern is relatively modern and clean. Other lines that lead to the suburbs tend to be old but not bad. If you get off the main tourist routes, you can see some slums and rundown neighbourhoods.

Most of the city looks like the neighbourhood to the left. Small shops, cafes, and restaurants tend to be on the first floors, while apartments are on the higher floors. I could not find any large stores or malls. However, Turkish investors have constructed massive and impressive malls in Central Asia.