Lone Wolf

This mosque is located in Beyoglu near the Findikli tram stop. Its a lone wolf. I don't know if it is actually used for worship, can't remember ever seeing anyone going in or out. However, maybe they were using a door on the other side. Nevertheless, it seems as though its a lone wolf looking for others to join the pack. It isn't the biggest mosque around, or the prettiest, but when one gazes upon it without preconditions its easy to recognize its beauty.

Mathew 25 : 15

15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability.

Fire Escape

From a purely aesthetic perspective, I really dig this fire escape. Although the photo does not do it justice. Fire escapes are obviously handy in times of emergency. But not only in regards to a fire that is literally about to burn you, your earthly possessions and your flat to the ground in a chard ruin.

I'm also speaking more metaphorically, if you will. Fire escapes are the metaphor, they exist in other forms and are used as a means to escape unwanted circumstances and situations. Should they be used, or should one stay and face the fire? That is the real question one faces in life. And only in hindsight is it easier to determine which course was correct, the escape or the fire.

Inside Hagia Sophia

Brilliant....

Night Life

This was one of the only times the cafes in front of the Firaguza mosque were not completely full on a Sunday night. A rain storm had swept over Istanbul for most of the day. Late at night the rain ceased to fall, the clouds cleared and it was suddenly the perfect night for a walk.

Its Time to Meet Your Makers

The Church of Santa Maria Draperis: The oldest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul.
My favorite building in the Galata neighborhood. It is located pretty close to the Galata tower, right on music street where one can find any type of instrument needed for an impromptu jam session.

A Cozy Little Nook

Great make shift out door living space.

Sit down
Pull up a chair
Make yourself at home
Want a beer?

Buyer Beware

I almost bought a Persian carpet a while back. Now, upon further soul searching, I'm glad I passed on the Persian. Although they were fantastic, exquisite and ornate among other things, why buy Persian in Turkey and not Turkish in Turkey? I'll buy Persian if I ever have the opportunity to visit Qom. Until then, Turkish it is...

Don't miss them

Ancient doors tower over mortals
They try to speak and recount
Stories and lessons they can give
But mortals don't want to hear of the past
Too busy
Stressed and disinterested
They walk on
Ignorant

Diagnosis is....

Man sharpening his blade near the Galata tower.
He was either going to use it in his field, garage or kitchen.
To cut and clear brush, like W.
Drop in a new transmission in his late soviet era automobile.
Slice vegetables that he will use in a gourmet Ottoman influenced meal.
I'm leaning towards kitchen.

Babel

1. A confusion of sounds or voices.
2. A scene of noise and confusion.

The Clouds Are Coming Down

Its a great day for a walk
Great time to see a friend of mine
The right time for the sublime

The German Fountain

The German Fountain is located in the north end of the hippodrome in Sultanahmet. It was built in Germany in 1898, then shipped to and assembled in Istanbul. The fountain commemorates the 1898 visit made by German Kaiser Wilhelm II to then Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. The Kaiser desired to build a railway between Berlin and Baghdad, which would run primarily through Ottoman territory. The German Fountain was one of many gifts to the Sultan to win his favor.

I enjoy the colors on the exterior of the fountain but the mosaics are obviously the most striking part of the fountain. These photos were taken in September of 2008, during the Bayram festivities that take place at the hippodrome every year at the closing of Ramadan. Every evening the Hippodrome begins to fill up with people waiting for the sun to set so that they can end their daily fast. There are all kinds of food vendors and merchants from all over Turkey selling food and other goods. It was definitely the best time of year to be at the hippodrome, after Bayram the area lacked the energy that the festival brought.

Meungo's Alive

If you go, you may be involved in forms of dance deemed to be unacceptable by the guardian council, several heads of state and Lee Harvey Oswald.

Nowhere But UP

After apologizing repeatedly, nothing really changes. Whats done is done, now lets get a drink.

Raw Intelligence

Discard all evidence, forget name and rank and build a good rapport with those who matter most.

This is a Crucifiction

Eat it up. Cover it up. Laugh it up. Tell your psychiatrist. Consult your memoir. It could be pretty explosive.

Fear of Sleep

If I don't wake up, will I end up at a place like this? Desolate and forgotten, with rats and snakes, relegated to leaves and laundry. Utter decay awaits.

This Way To Hell

Is it the path you're on
Or is it the one you left
Did it ever exist
Or are you already there

Condensed and Cramped

With time, the body begins to store more fat, and the city begins to store more people.
Pre approved acceptance is complicated, as is finding the right place at the right time.

Yes it is...

A cat kickin it in the hagia sophia. A child would not be allowed to sit quietly in that spot inside Turkey's most historic building. However, all rules go out the window when it comes to our feline friends. Not only is this cat allowed inside, but people go out of their way not to disturb or scare the cat. I even think someone pulled out a can of tuna so that the poor little guy wouldn't go without a meal while inside.

A View From Eminonu

These photos from Eminonu were taken at mid day last December. In most of the photos, Beyoglu can be seen across the water and the Galata tower is easy to make out. The fish boat is docked next to a public boat stop, fisherman gut their morning catch, grill it up right on the boat and sell it to the hungry masses.

Other photos show the public boat pulling up to pick us up and take us further up the Bosperus inlet. A Christian church can also be seen further up the coast.

Cool Mule

Most people know that Istanbul is home to the most impressive mosaic art in the world. Yet, ornate tile work such as the "cool mule" also abounds and adds to the character of the city.

Mosaic From Chora Church, Kariye Mosque

REASON is the Devil's harlot, who can do nought but slander and harm whatever God says and does. --Martin Luther

Galatasaray'da

If you see her, say hello, she might be in Tangier
She left here last early spring, is livin' there, I hear
Say for me that I'm all right though things get kind of slow
She might think that I've forgotten her, tell her it isn't so. --Dylan

Street Bastards

They laugh and curse at you, spit on and kick you. There is no humane society for you, because no cares for you.

Muzik on the street

Music street neat beats
Now lay down harrowing peace
Instruments to arms lease

Gypsies

I often heard that gypsies are either great musicians or great thieves. That's quite an interesting stereotype. I know that gypsies are excellent musicians who can play their instruments for hours. Typically, they also drink heavily while playing which actually improves the quality of their performance. Luckily for me, I never crossed paths with thieving gypsies, so I have nothing to say in their regard. However, I often came across a gypsy with a horse drawn cart who sold fruit near my neighborhood. He was a bit timid and humble, sold quality fresh fruit and his horse drawn cart was much more creative than any typical European fruit stand. His prices were a a bit higher than a grocery store, but like a nice restaurant, you pay for the ambiance and the experience.