Thoughts By Bernier: Istanbul

I mentioned in my previous entry that I’d like to someday visit the largest city in Turkey – Istanbul. This entry will talk about why I’m drawn to that place, and why it has replaced Israel (which I’ve now been to) as the one place I must see before I die.

I’m a history buff. I’m sorry, I just am. I love learning about past empires, especially in and around the Middle East. Having already seen Israel, the next place most rich in history in that area (aside from perhaps Egypt), would probably be ancient Byzantium. Ever since the Roman emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to that town, and subsequently renamed it after himself, Constantinople has many times been at the centre of conflict and power in the world. The most significant event in its history was when the Ottoman Turks conquered the city in 1453. This closed off Europe’s trade with the Orient, and is what inspired Christopher Columbus, and indeed the rest of Europe, to sail westward across the Atlantic. (And now you know.)

So anyways, the city we now call Istanbul has been both a Christian and an Islamic stronghold throughout history. And there are still buildings left behind as symbols of those ages. For Christianity, the Byzantine emperor Justinian built the Hagia Sophia. This cathedral/basilica may just be the grandest such building in the world. It’s nearly 1500 years old, and is now a museum.
For Islam, the Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. It too is now a museum, holding all manner of artifacts from the Ottoman era. Also used by the Ottomans was the Dolmabahce Palace, which was used as the Ottoman seat of administration from 1853 until the empire’s dissolution in 1922. And being a history buff, all this greatly intrigues me. GREATLY intrigues me.

Geographically, Istanbul is unique. It is the only metropolis on Earth that is situated on two continents. Dividing Europe and Asia, the Strait of Bosphorus runs through Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the north, with the Sea of Marmara to the south. The uniqueness of this location intrigues me greatly as well. The strait happens to be the narrowest waterway open for international commercial use. That’s kinda neat. And currently under construction is an underwater railway, called the Marmaray, to connect the two sides of the city. This rail sounds a lot like the “Chunnel” that connects mainland Europe with the United Kingdom by tunneling through the bottom of the English Channel. The difference here is that this Marmaray would be in a submerged tube along the strait floor, whereas the Chunnel maneuvers through a level of sub-floor English Channel chalk.

Beyond this, let’s see. I’ve never been to Europe, so that would be cool. I’ve never been to a Muslim-dominated country, so that would be a neat experience I’m sure. I’ve never seen the Black Sea, that would be a first. And I don’t know of anyone who has ever been to Istanbul. So it would be something unique in my own life.

So there you go. It’s mostly geography and history that draw me to Istanbul. Call me a geek, that’s quite alright with me. I came to terms with THAT reality last summer. I have no idea when I’d be able to go. Maybe only when I’m old and retired. I sure hope it’s not that far away. But someday, if I’m still healthy and can afford it, I will go. Mark my words.