Istiklal Caddesi. This was the name which I would always think of as essential to Istanbul before I came here. Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, the Sulemaniye Mosque, were also-rans in my imagination. My imagination was full of what Nerval, Gautier, and Pamuk had written about Freedom Street. When I first climbed up from the Cihangir district to Istiklal Caddesi, it was everything that I’d hoped for: elegant shops and cafes as well as the charming decay of one of the world’s oldest global cities.
The street is full of elegant buildings slowly decaying, brought alive today by the vibrant street art that you see in the slideshow above. It was dead at noon on a Monday, and came alive slowly as the day progressed. Istanbul is a party town, and this area is not a bad place to be in.
I think of Istiklal Caddesi as representing one of the best aspects of Mediterranean culture, where people go out to stroll and see and be seen, and of course to snack. Love your images of the street art.
LikeLike
I had too little time in Istanbul to really get into the spirit of the place. But yes, I got a vibe of that. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person