Istanbul Culture

A very dear friend of mine, last year spent almost 2 months in Paris.

Whenever we spoke, I always asked her what monuments or historical places did she visit. Her answer would be the same: I haven't.

I couldn't understand why. The opportunity was right there. At her finger tips.

I've been in Istanbul for three weeks now and I finally understand.

I haven't done the touristy things myself. I've walked around the streets. Sat at cafes, ate Turkish food, walked among the many tiny streets, but haven't been to any of the Mosques or neighbouring cities.

I find that being in the city is more of an experience than what a tourist gets when they spend 3 days in a city going to all the historical sites. Don't get me wrong, I do want to see a Mosque, and I will, but just hearing people speak in Turkish or going to a bar where you hear Turkish music is engaging in the Turkish culture - an experience a tourist would not get.

It's the atmosphere that makes me feel like I'm seeing more than I would if I just visited monuments.

I've also been given the chance to engage in cultural events. 35th International Music Festival is happening in Istanbul right now and on Monday I went to experience classical music performed by Julian Lloyd Webber and the Cellistanbul cello quartet.

I wrote a review: Classic brilliance resonates in ancient walls.

Because of this opportunity, I got to go inside a Byzantium Church inside the Topkai Palace that is not open to the public. Only special events like this one will get you inside.

Tonight, I went to see Fener'den Sray'a: From Fener to the Ottoman Court. 17 and 18 century, post Byzantine secular music.

Again, I got to experience culture on a deeper level and feel like a resident in Istanbul and not a foreigner.

I look forward to more of these cultural events. My news editor keeps getting me these free tickets so I can explore Istanbul. Maybe it's her trick to try to convince me to stay.