Thursday, January 26, 2012

Istanbul

Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey. I That's a common misconception that people tend to make. The capital of the country is Ankara. Nonetheless, Istanbul is the country's economic center, with many international corporations operating directly out of the city. It's Turkey's largest city so it also serves as the nation's political center along with culture and this and that.
Istanbul has a very unique form of architecture. It ranges from old and classic Ottoman style buildings all the way until the modern city center skyscrapers. Istanbul also has a very unique form of housing. Being surrounded by water, the city is home to many yalis. Yalis are these modern waterfront homes; these types of homes are newly built, however they take on the ancient architecture. Yalis are very notoriously known throughout the world as being very common in Turkey.

Many famous landmarks in Istanbul include the Blue Mosque which represents the ancient times and more modern retail centers and districts. Being that Turkey is a very secular country, the nightlife seems to be amplified dramatically. The scene can be as wild as night clubs and as moderate as cafes. The cobblestone streets are also a unique design throughout the city and the numerous cafes that are along the perimeter of those streets are very convenient.

The nightlife and the young atmosphere have both contributed to many exotic cars appearing on the streets of Istanbul and plenty of streets races take place. Lamborghinis and Ferraris are present at these races and people usually stand around and watch them while the races take charge of the locally organized races.

Being that Turkey in general is a secular country, the most common religion in the entire nation (not just Istanbul) is Islam, at about ninety eight percent; the majority of those Muslims are Sunni. Istanbul alone is home to over 2900 mosques. And since freedom of religion is expressed throughout the city, you'll also find plenty of churches and synagogues scattered here and there as well.

And so here comes the final question: what do I think about Istanbul? Well, upon viewing my description of the city, you'll find that I am trule fond of it. I have a great deal of respect for the older time Ottoman architecture, I'm very pleased to know that even though the country's secular that the vast majority of the population is Muslim. Although I have never been there, Istanbul seems like a very well taken care of type city. It seems clean and the infrastructure itself seems very developed. The city itself seems to promote success and stability. How am I not suppossed to love a city with these qualities? It's like the perfect city, everything is present and people tend to approve of their government quite a bit. If you ask me, Istanbul is a good face the Middle East should have. It definately demolishes what Dubai or Doha have to offer because not only does is it present in Istanbul, but it is in a moderate amount.

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