THE FIRST DAY
My first day in Turkey was quite interesting. Turkey itself is a very conservative country with a history that represents that of struggle, independence and the maintenance of a nationalistic ideology. Turkish people are very proud of their country and the leaders that helped them get to that point. Pictures and statues of the “Father of Turkey” Mustafa Kemal Atatürk pepper the streets glaring at passers by reminding them of the rewards that come from struggle. Store owners gingerly assemble their crafts and wares in store windows and small bundled up children walk hand in hand with their parents.
The city itself possesses a Mediterranean feel that lends the notion that there is a certain Euro-cosmo sophistication. In addition to the modern extravagance, there is a deeply vibrant Afro-Asian-Arab vibe that melodiously expresses itself in the beautiful rugs, ornaments, and clothing that drape the store fronts. People walk along the streets barely looking up as if they try to hide their kindness, saving it for the people that they are seeking to meet at their final destination. Once in a while my eyes cross with a passerby and I can feel the warmth of their spirit flow through their brown and white orbs.
As I am visiting the country for only a couple of days, my time is indeed short and I must be focused. I arm myself with my camera and some lunch and take off for a rapid photographic analysis of the endless sea of people and structures. Moderately overwhelmed, I pray that I do not get lost and burn away precious seconds of sunlight… Then I retreat from my fears and realize that I am where I am and indeed nightfall follows the light…
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