A Taste of Turkey & a Revolution, too

Dip into Turkey and you’ll taste more than its stereotypical kebab and baklava.

For starters, Turkey’s Spanish-style mezes, similar to tapas as some menus allude, are so refreshing I truly wish this took over as Turkey’s mass export to the world. My personal favorite, the yogurt dip, which is often flavored just right with fresh dill. Drink it with çay, the Turkish tea, and you’ll blend in with the locals and their preferred pastime. Especially if you park down for several rounds in an Istanbul tea garden. 

If you’re superstitious or fancy an insight into your future, a Turkish coffee reading is your spiritual answer. I didn’t get one, but not without regret. The trick is simply flipping the cup over and letting the drudge of the Turkish coffee dry and take on its own natural and mysterious shape. Of course, you’ll also need the coffee reader. Before I move on to Cappadocia, my second stop in Turkey, here are a few of my favorite photos from Istanbul. Tadını Cıkarmak. Enjoy.

Have you visited the mega city that straddles two continents? I had previously imagined Istanbul to be more “off the beaten track”, but was wildly surprised to hear varying American accents everywhere. If I return, I plan to see more of the Asian side, to picnic on one of the Prince’s Islands, and to seek out more local, foodie insight. Istanbul is a culinary haven, but the peninsula that comprises the old city of Sultanahmet can be easy to get trapped within. If you’re visiting, heed the locals’ warning, don’t stay there.

On another note, I did see a small snippet of the protests in Istanbul. I was sitting in a cafe, seeking a 30 minute respite from the sensory overload that is Istanbul, when a few protesters rushed in. Outside more strangled by, each had a scarf or face mask as an attempt to bar them from the tear gas. To no avail, I saw tears, pained faces, and apprehension.

According to Murat, a Turkish friend I met, the recent turmoil has given young Turks the opportunity to show just how much strength, perseverance and humor they have. The word plays that display their frustration and endearing grit against the government are simply brilliant, he says. He had no idea Turks could be so funny. Social media, once again, has transformed the revolution. Each witty post goes viral.

Istanbul, however, is unlike Madrid, you won’t find much political commentary on the walls, but with Murat’s helpful guiding I did discover these. 

The last is a depiction of Turkey’s Generation Y, modern, liberal and without fear.