The day after I returned from Ankara, I went out for a job very early in the morning. The sun was just rising. Istanbul hadn't fully woken up yet. The streets were quiet. People were just starting the day. At that moment, I realized once again that Istanbul is really a completely different city. Yes, it's very crowded. Yes, traffic sometimes makes people tired. But despite all this, the spirit of Istanbul is very different. It makes people feel alive.
I left the house around six in the morning. The weather was incredibly nice. There was a slight coolness, but it was a coolness that opened up. The sky was deep blue. The sun was slowly rising. I was starting to be happy even while walking on the road. I took my tea and the toast my mother made with me in my thermos. I thought, "Maybe I'll sit somewhere." Because the place I'm going to wasn't open yet.
I walked to Taksim. I was in Taksim for the first time in the morning. Places that were normally very crowded were empty. It was silent. It was peaceful. There were almost no people. It was very good for me to see that calmness. It was as if the city was showing its true face early in the morning.
I passed in front of the historical buildings while walking on the road. Some have just started to get sunlight. Those old stone buildings, wide doors, long windows... The history of Istanbul really affects people. I feel like there's a different story in every corner. I took photos. I wanted to record those moments. Because sometimes people don't just want to live, they want to remember that beauty.
I wandered around Maçka Park. The air of the park is very different early in the morning. The trees were swaying silently. The sounds of birds were coming. It always seems very interesting to me that there are such quiet places in the middle of Istanbul. Huge city on one side, peaceful streets and parks on the other.
After a while, I saw an Espressolab. It hadn't opened yet, but the chairs outside were standing. I sat down too. I took out my tea in the thermos. I started eating the toasts my mother made. I was really peaceful at that moment. People sometimes find the greatest happiness in very small moments.
Then two of my little guests came. Two kittens. They were smaller. They were so sweet. First they looked at me from afar. Then they slowly came to me. So I gave some of the cheddar in my toast. They loved it so much... They both started eating with excitement. I think they are quite full. Having breakfast with them made my morning even better.
Cats are like a part of the soul of Istanbul. It's hard to spend a day in this city without encountering cats. But I think it's a very good thing. One feels in a warmer place. Sharing the same streets with those little creatures always gives me peace.
After breakfast, I started walking again. The streets were slowly getting crowded. People were going to work. The cars were multiplying. But I still had that calm feeling of the morning. I walked on the one hand and watched the surroundings on the other. Florists were opening their new shops. The grocery stores were arranging their products. The city was awake.
I saw colorful flowers passing by a florist. Red roses, white daisies, purple flowers... Everything looked more beautiful when the morning sun hit them. Istanbul sometimes makes people feel like they are on the movie scene.
I really love Istanbul. I love it even though it's tiring sometimes. Because there is life here. There is movement. There is history. There is a sea. There are streets. There are people. And most importantly, there is a different story every day.
Right now, while I'm writing these, I'm watching the morning sun from my balcony again. The sky is slowly lighting up. I have a great feeling of gratitude. Sometimes in life you just need to know the value of such small moments. A cup of tea, a beautiful morning, quiet streets, two little cats... One should not actually look for happiness far away.
I thank my Lord for giving me these beautiful moments. I am grateful that I am healthy, that I can walk, that I can see, that I can feel. Because sometimes the greatest wealth is peace.
If you come to Istanbul one day, see not only the crowd during the day, but also the morning. Walk on the streets very early. Get to know the city in its quiet form. I'm sure you feel the peace I feel too.
I wish everyone a very beautiful, peaceful and hopeful day 🤍
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