Istanbul 8--Gulhane Park

At the end of August and beginning of September, Pat and I spent eight days in Istanbul. Previously called Byzantium, Augusta Antonina, New Rome, Constantinople, The City, Stamboul, Islambol, Asitane and many other names, Istanbul has almost continuously been one of the world's largest and greatest cities for over 2600 years, and it is the only metropolis in two continents. Founded on the Golden Horn and divided by the Bosphorous Strait, Istanbul served as the capital for the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Latin Empire and Ottoman Empire. The city is a rich mixture of Roman Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Christians. Today, Istanbul boasts almost 3000 mosques and over 300 Catholic churches. Istanbul is among the most friendly and welcoming places on Earth, while also being one of the most densely populated, commerce-bustling cities. If Istanbul is not on your must visit or must return to list, then stop reading this and go revise your list.

Below is a statue of a famous sitar player, situated in the heart of Gulhane Park, which is just down the hill from Topkapi Palace in the Old City.

Gulhane Park is a remarkably peaceful juxtaposition to the frenetic tourism and local trade just outside the park's walls.