Having leaved in Greece for more than 17 years I have always heard the word ‘’Πόλη’’ (Poli). Greeks use it when they talk about Istanbul. ‘’Πόλη’’ (Poli) means ‘’the city’’ and they call it this way because it is believed to be the most beautiful city in the world, for them is an old lover whom they lost. What is it about Istanbul or Constantinople or Poli that makes it so special?
Months ago when I was preparing to experience one of the most amazing and strange 5 months of my student life. As the plane was about to land in Turkish ground I felt thrilled, the same feeling I have now that I am 2 days away from leaving from this magical place.
Talking about Istanbul I can find plenty of adjectives to describe it: magical, mysterious, hard to understand, interesting, vivid, different… But I still wonder what is it that makes this place so different and magical? Being able to wonder around colorful streets, talking a walk in Gulhane Park and at the Bosporus seaside, at street markets and numerous palaces made me realize that Istanbul is endless. The morning breeze walking to the university campus through Çırağan Caddesi, the hot cup of coffee or tea at the Bosporus sahil, the Bosporus tour towards the Black sea, the delicious yemek in Galata, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Cihangir: all these are the ingredients of a rare recipe who was its origins in a city with a double identity.
Every day in Istanbul is a new adventure, every day you can see new things that you hadn’t noticed before. Turkish people with their loud voices and their funny gestures are offered to help you in any situation. Istanbul has everything for everyone: the old city for the history lovers, the palaces and mosques for the architects, countless music and exhibition venues for the artists, glamourous neighborhood where Istanbul’s richest people gather, delicious traditional food and desserts for food lovers. It is for sure that days are passing so quickly in this magical city and that even 5 months are not enough for someone who enjoys it very much.
Free spirit trapped to a body floating between Athens and Istanbul.
Made my first step in the department of french language in Athens, learnt how to walk in Galatasaray universitesi in Istanbul, is running to New York college.
Finding myself among time that flies, words that should be written music that should be listened and movies that should be watched. Attracted by beautiful people, weird traditions and alluring smells. Can be found wondering the streets of my secret lover, Athens, walking to the rhythm of a song.
Photo Credits: Robert S. Donovan