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  • Post-Meeting Sightseeing in Istanbul

    Post-Meeting Sightseeing in Istanbul

    Part 3

    I visit the church in Beyoğlu on Saturday morning, enjoying the fellowship and the lunch. I even tried out the organ in the balcony.

    Back at the Çırağan Palace, a wedding is taking place out along the Bosphorus while we party at the ABJS banquet. Ed hands the presidency over to Miguel.

    On my last full day, I take a whirlwind tour, first to Taksim, then on the Nostalgic Tram. I get tickets to the second evening dervish service. The view from Galata Tower is spectacular, and I decide to come back later after sunset. After stopping by the Dolmabahçe Palace, I travel up the Bosphorus to the Sakıp Sabancı Museum. Feza had suggested this museum because of their calligraphy and miniature drawings collection. Coming back, I also visit the Pera Museum, with their special collection of ancient weights and measures. The whirling dervish ceremony is interesting and meaningful, and I’m glad I was able to fit it into my itinerary. I end my day back at the Galata Tower for sweeping views of the city.

    Leaving Istanbul on public transportation is quite an experience. From Taksim, I take the funicular and change to the tramway. Then, it’s a transfer to the metro line which ends at the airport. Leaving at 8:30, I arrive at the airport at 10:05, much longer than I had anticipated. Then, there is high security: entering the airport terminal, passport check before the check-in line, immigration, security, gate passport check.

    My last meal in Istanbul is special: menemen and gözleme for brunch. For this meal, I spend my last bit of Turkish cash; it’s a nice way to end this trip.

    « ABJS Meeting in Istanbul
  • ABJS Meeting in Istanbul

    ABJS Meeting in Istanbul

    Part 2

    At the Çırağan Palace, we hold the first business meeting that afternoon and the welcome reception that evening. The sponsors introduce the new members.

    The next day starts the scientific session. I got my paper out of the way. Then, a group of us went on the Ottoman Visions tour to the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. We return with a little time to spare before the dinner cruise on the Bosphorus.

    On Friday morning, Feza ran the book club, going over Orhan Pamuk’s book My Name is Red. Afterwards, I visit the new side of town. For dinner, I meet Talha and Ibrahim, who are students on the Asian side. Serkan had introduced us. After dinner, we enjoy the beautiful views of Istanbul from a cafe in Çamlıca.

    « Istanbul Pre-Meeting Tours
    Post-Meeting Sightseeing in Istanbul »
  • Istanbul Pre-Meeting Tours

    Istanbul Pre-Meeting Tours

    Part 1

    My first full day takes me into the heart of old town, Sultanahmet, to visit the Underground Cistern, the Hippodrome with the Egyptian Obelisk and the Column of Constantine, and the Blue Mosque. Originally, my plan was to visit the Hagia Sophia first, but the lines are too long. I cross over to Karaköy and walk back along the Galata Bridge. From Eminönü, I take the bus to Chora Church. The mosaics are strikingly detailed. From there, I visit the old city wall. At Ayvansaray, I miss the ferry by two minutes, seeing it take off. The attendant tells me that it will be another hour. Instead of that, I catch a bus back to Eminönü, where I hike up the hill to the Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent. That is enough to call it a day.

    First thing on Wednesday morning, I get into the line for Hagia Sophia. Even a half hour before opening, the line is already wrapping around the building. This is the most spectacular building here, especially the way streaming shafts of light hit reflective gold pieces. After brunch, I walk over to Gülhane Park and also visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. I am saving the Topkapı Palace for the next day, since I signed up for the ABJS tour.

    ABJS Meeting in Istanbul »