“Is this the secret of Istanbul—that beneath its grand history, its living poverty, its outward-looking monuments, and its sublime landscapes, its poor hide the city’s soul inside a fragile web?”
― Orhan Pamuk, Istanbul: Memories and the City
People born in USSR (in the board sense) remember the catchphrase from "The Diamond Arm", a film released in 1969: "Istanbul - a city of contrasts". Today I gonna share one of 2 most interesting for me parts of my photo stock captured in Istanbul last October.
This is a small area in the picturesque heart of old Sultanahmet. They began to restore it, but now this process is put on ice. In any case, perhaps soon this area will completely change its unique and stunning appearance.
We take off nearby the Suleymaniye Mosque. But first...
Unfortunately, I cannot show it to you as I saw it for the first time because it was at night. Can you imagine yourself wandering in slums, on strange and dimly lit streets in an unfamiliar city in a foreign country? Sounds like a great start to a story, yeah?
I didn't take any pictures, of course, because all I did was listening, watching and staring. But on our free day, we came back there in the daylight with a husband and a camera :) It's astonishing!
The first simple fact that amazed me was that the old Istanbul is all wooden and two-story houses. Why? Probably, because, you know, ancient mosques and basilicas, aqueducts and walls, all are made of stone.
So why didn't they constructed their homes of stone that they had enough but of wood?
Well, actually they did, and even earlier. But after the horrible earthquake of 1509, named "The day of judgment," even the palaces of nobles began to be built from wood. A decree was issued banning wooden construction in the Grand Bazaar area and other shopping districts. But the townspeople feared earthquakes more than fire.
Look at these cute houses. A major repair is desperately needed here. And even now, it is easy to imagine their past chic and beauty. They are like toy houses from an old old fairy tale that no one has read for a long time...
The beauty of the architecture is contrasted with windows without glass, covered with cardboard or just a lattice. Cracks in the walls, in the foundation, rickety facade and balconies. Some appartments are obviously abandoned.
Finally, the question arises - why? What happened? And why do they still live here?
I will continue my photo story tomorrow. Stay tuned!
[//]:# (!pinmapple 41.018534 lat 28.962104 long Istanbul. Lost City. Part #1 d3scr)
Well, while you're waiting, you might be interested in viewing my earlier posts dedicated to this great city. I put them all together below.
Thank you for coming!
Stories of Istanbul cats - for #Caturday | Southern night in Istanbul |
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How cute, it seems like one of these places where you define with one word, peace.
I loved the perspective of the seventh photo.
Very nice photos kisses
Thank you for taking the time to read and view and drop such a nice comment :)
Cheers!
I personally think that this area once was hip and chic area of Istanbul. Wooden architectures are truly speechless beauty.
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That's so true, dear @andyjim. Once, wealthy people lived here in their lovely houses. Agree with you, wooden architecture is quite special.
what a strange post it was to me! lets skip the signed photo #1.
#3 has (probably) a solar clock (on the right), and 'Halic cafe' sign that hints at the turkish language. #4 has a tree that hints at the southern location of the town. and thats all!
if you ask me a riddle where this town is located and what is the name, I could tell you absolutely nothing! nothing hints it is Istanbul or Turkey.
Thank you! You noticed what few people saw. And I'm glad I could surprise you.
I wonder what would you say about the next part? Is it more recognizable?
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I appreciate it! <3
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What a beautiful city, love the architecture and groove lines of the exterior...
Can only agree ) Thank you for dropping by!
I do love all the character those buildings have. So sad to see them run down.
The first photo makes me want to stare. The house looks a little wonky, yet there are still happy flowers blooming at the windows and satellite dishes on the rooves.
You are right, @jacey.boldart, it looks contrasting but beautiful. I would love to see them restored one day.
Also, you might like the whole scenery of the place where that house stands :D
I posted the 2nd part here.
Thank you for your nice comment and ... !BEER
Прекрасная история. С радостью прогулялся по улица и насладился новой архитектурой. Но, все же лучше увидеть саому (когдато и до этого должны руки с ногами дойти)
Спасибо ) Но это не новая архитектура, а наоборот, старая
Я имел ввиду, что для меня она была новой, а домам и правда не помешал бы коспетический ремонт.
Та чого там скромнічати, і капітальний би не завадив! ))) В другій частині краще видно
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I think the photo angle was suitable, and make the photos looks amazing.
Glad to hear you like it :) Thanks!
Of course, your welcome
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