Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus Strait is the narrow water passage dividing Europe from Asia, similar to how the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic to the Pacific, but the Bosphorous is not man-made. We had a great cruise that began after the hotel breakfast (European and Turkish foods; delicious breads and grilled vegetables, homemade jams, local cheeses, several types of olives and fish and meats). Before we boarded the boat for the cruise we toured the Rustempasha mosque, built in 1560, and covered in famous Iznik tiles. On a cultural note, we learned that tulips, indigenous to Turkey, are the symbol of Islam here because in Arabic the word for God, Allah, forms the pattern of a tulip. And, speaking of Allah, we were gifted with an English language Koran. We then made our way past the freely roaming tagged dogs (tags prove spaying and shots) and entered the famed Spice Bazaar. The stalls displayed colorful pyramids of freshly ground spices, very exotic and fragrant. I really liked walking around, sampling candy and drinking pomegranate tea. When we exited the bazaar my wife noticed a man and his wives who appeared to be wearing the headdress of Jordan. She greeted them in Arabic and they lit up and all started talking at once, a regular family reunion, except they were Syrian refugees, not from Jordan. After heartfelt good-byes we were driven to the boat. This was our first organized tour group but it was small and intimate and guided by a young Turkish woman who confided to my wife she felt unsure of her English (Terry quickly reassured her). The Bosphorous connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea so you can imagine its strategic significance. Roughly one mile wide, it is the only warm water access to the high seas for several Black Sea nations, notably Russia. Both sides have broad hills that slope down to the water. The hilly topography provided good views of the Dolmabahce Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Ciragan Palce, which reminded us of Russia's St. Petersburg. We drove through Ortakoy, then saw it from the cruise, an area home to Turks, Jews, Greeks and Armenians. There were religious structures of every stripe. We cruised passed the Rumeli Fortress, built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmet II, the largest and most impenetrable of the Middle Ages fortresses, and it looked it, dominating the Strait. The huge fortress was a real contrast to the modern architecture around it (and very dramatic). Tomorrow we return "home" to Jordan where Terry has very busy weeks ahead. In addition to teaching at the University of Jordan, she will lecture throughout Jordan's universities and high schools in honor of International Education Week.