Blue Mosque

Istanbul & Expectations

---

November 21st 2009
There is something to be said about expectations and travel. And I am not sure if it was last year's chaotic experiences in Greece and Cairo or the fact that my Mom and Dad made me watch 'Midnight Express' when I was 18 as a cautionary travel warning but my expectations for Istanbul were completely off base. Istanbul is an amazing city of ancient splendour mixed with rapid modernization. Walking t ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara » Istanbul

---

Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopt... ... read more