The 40 degree weather in Cairo finally encouraged me to tear myself away and head to Turkey. Istanbul- what a beautiful city! The historical sites and thriving metropolis are sure to impress. However, I am slightly irritated I have to start learning another new language. I have really enjoyed learning Arabic and recently discovered my Arabic is much better than my French! Istanbul has also taught me that I am a total nerd. I took about 100 pictures of bridges and boats...
You may be interested to know Turkey is the military superpower in the Middle East- arguably second only to the USA in the world. It is said if Israel was tempted to start anything with their neighbours they would have to answer to Turkey too (but of course Israel has the USA backing them). On that note, some believe the Arab Uprising is making Israel nervous. Alongside the Pro-Palestinian demonstrations inside Israel, Palestine and across the Middle East, there have been some significant events such as Egypt opening the border to Gaza.
So what about Egypt? If the Egyptian Revolution fails, it could be devastating for all other Arab nations who seek change. Everyone is watching and waiting to see what will happen in Egypt- so Egyptians know they must do this right. First, a new constitution written by a committee representing the people, then a new president. Although the Muslim Brotherhood may have been the only organized group after the fall of the National Democratic Party they are clearly not the favourite to succeed Mubarak. Religious practices determining government policy is over.
As Egypt enjoys the splendours of the Revolution, Syria is clearly suffering. Assad is definitely a sick bastard who is lying to the world when he says the anti-government demonstrators are a minority terrorizing the country. The “pro-government” demonstrations are quite likely made up of people who were forced and threatened to show government support. Hopefully I will learn more about this the closer I get to the Syrian border- where thousands have fled to refugee camps in Turkey.
Below you will see some truly amazing sights from Istanbul, but these are only the best of the best. I had to pick and choose because Istanbul is expensive! Sorry the posts are getting so long, hopefully the pictures will appease my ADD friendsJ. Thinking of home but happily abroad,
Carrie
ISTANBUL- Boshorus Bridge linking Europe and Asia
TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
AYA SOPHIA
AYA SOPHIA
AYA SOPHIA
AYA SOPHIA- a mosaic
AYA SOPHIA
BLUE MOSQUE
BLUE MOSQUE
BLUE MOSQUE
BLUE MOSQUE
GRAND BAZAAR
SULEYMANIYE CAMII
SULEYMANIYE CAMII
SULEYMANIYE CAMII
SULEYMANIYE CAMII
No comments:
Post a Comment