Istanbul
Dear friends Paul and Jan, who left on a cycling tour of the planet last May, blurted out before they left, come meet us in Istanbul for New Years Eve. Again I say, why not. What follows is a very brief documentation of life in the Turkish capital of some 14 million. Lyle Stafford/Images
Pretzel seller in Taksim Square.
Fishing for Hamsis (anchovies) on the Galata bridge with the Süleymaniye Mosque in the background.
Taking a break from a busy market day near the Spice Bazaar.
A stocking salesman demonstrates his merchandise to the ladies near the Spice Bazaar.
Street meat, in this case, Tavuk (chicken) just waiting to become someone’s donair on Iskital.
The shops on the Galata bridge spanning the Golden Horn.
Pretzel salesman in the sprawling hardware market in the Egyptian Bazaar
On the ferry across the Golden Horn enroute to Eyup. The Eyüp neighborhood is a historically important area, especially for Turkey’s Muslims.
Looking for a card game plays out on the streets of the Kadirga district.
Purveyor of fine floor coverings, show off dozens of beautiful Turkish rugs with many cups of tea.
Whirling Dervishes perform at the old Orient Express train station.
A street vendor sells New Years Eve party favors in the Sisli district just hours before the clock strikes twelve.
Our favorite take away shop on the high street near our flat in Sisli.
lyle stafford 