Fantastic Istanbul
 

Hi all. Just back from Istanbul where we spent three days before boarding a cruise. I'm not much for trip reports, and I had my doubts about Istanbul, but man what a place! So much culture and history, not to mention the people from every corner of the world that seem to wind up in Istanbul...it truly is a crossroads. The food was great, the people are out-of-their-way friendly. I'd go back in an instant.

As I said, no trip report, but here are a few photos:

https://jimtardio.exposure.co/istanbul

Thanks for looking.

Thanks for your photo. One of the photo shows a worshiper in a mosque. Is this ok to take pictures of them when outside the call to prayer times?

Fantastic photos. Very evocative. I mostly took photos of the monuments/ buildings. Did you get yo the harem at Topkapi? That's where I took the most photos. Istanbul is amazing.

Not really sure about taking photos of the worshipers....nobody told me not to.

Yes, I did visit the harem.

Great pictures! I've been hearing so much about Turkey lately that I've decided it will be next year's trip.

I was there in the late 60's--probably 1969. It didn't have the tourist infrastructure that I'm sure it has now, but the people were very friendly and the food was great.

Greg: Since you've asked the question, my personal opinion is:

No, it is never appropriate to photograph a stranger during his religious devotions. I would hate it like Hell, if it were me.

I was last in Turkey in 2000. I hear that since then they've added bullet trains to connect Istanbul to Ankara and Konya. A bumpy, restless overnight train replaced by a 3 or 4 hour smooth ride really opens up itinerary possibilities!

I agree with tedgale.

Jim, wonderful pics. I agree Istanbul is a fantastic place to visit (which reminds me I need to finish my trip report).

On taking pics while praying, I was told while in the Blue Mosque that it was a no no.

Good to see you have not lost your touch--great stuff !

Well, on praying...we were with a personal guide for that day and she made it clear what we could or could not photograph.

Thanks, Bob...good to see you're still active here.