Touring Turkey / Istanbul:

Istanbul blooms...
Once the capital city of three largest empires in history as Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, now is a city of over 15 milion people.
Istanbul, Ladies & Gentlemen, in 2010, is chosen to be the " Cultural Capital City of Europe ".

Here are the words of a true lover of Istanbul... Orhan Veli Kanik:

I am listening to Istanbul intently, my eyes closed,
At first breeze gently rises,
Gradually the leaves on the trees begin to softly sway,
Out there, very far away,
Water-carriers ceaselessly ringing their bells,
I am listening to Istanbul intently, my eyes closed.

Suddenly birds fly by, and then,
Flocks of birds, high up, with a hue and cry,
While the nets are drawn in the fishing grounds
And a woman's feet lightly brush in the water.
I am listening to Istanbul intently, my eyes closed.

The Grand Bazaar's serene and cool,
An uproar at the hub of the Market,
Mosque yards are full of pigeons.
While hammers bang and clang at the docks
Spring winds bear the smell of sweat;
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

Still giddy from the revelries of the past,
A seaside mansion with dingy boathouses is fast asleep.
Amid the din and drone of southern winds, reposed,
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

A pretty girl walks by on the sidewalk:
Four-letter words, whistles and songs, remarks;
Something falls out of her hand -
It is a rose, I guess.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.
A bird flutters round your skirt;
On your brow, is there sweet? Or not ? I know.
Are your lips wet? Or not? I know.
A silver moon rises beyond the pine trees:
I can sense it all in your heart's throbbing.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.