Uncovering Unknown Climes

Globalisation causes us all to believe our homeland is made up of a mixture of traditions. However, during my weekend in Istanbul I discovered that in the only city in the world to span two continents, multiculturalism is not just an ethno-racial version of ‘greenwashing’ but a way of life. I'll never forget the day that I was woken up by the call to prayer at 6am in a country I had expected to be similar to the rest of Europe.

Istanbul is home to a vast array of traditions drawing from influences both local and global. The city’s vastness (population over 13 million, 99% of which is Muslim), rich history and strong religious roots make it the perfect environment to discover how the past can affect the present. Islam still plays a huge part in the visual culture to be found around the city.

I visited a variety of mosques, including the famous Blue Mosque and the hugely impressive Suleymaniye, which were treasure troves of beauty and evidence of the mastery of sixteenth and seventeenth century artists. There is a plethora of paintings, tiling, book illuminations, miniatures and other traditional decorative arts on display all over the city. These sit alongside portraits and other more realistic Western styles of artwork in collections such as those hosted by Topkapi palace. Minute attention to detail, repetition of pattern, vivid colours, stylised flowers and fruits together with bounteous gold gilding make Turkish artwork some of the most awe-inspiring and dazzling in the world.

Shade upon shade of wonderful colour spills out into streets and markets which captures the excitement of a nation proud of its heritage. Modern day crafts including painted ceramics, ornamental jewellery and glass lamps are snapped up by tourists who wish to take a little of Istanbul’s unique warmth and richness home with them.

On my trip I soon realised that bartering is part and parcel of Turkish culture and that this must always be done over a glass of apple tea. This gives a friendly, market ambiance to every shop which was unfamiliar to a reserved English gal. However I soon embraced it and on my last day bagged myself a beautifully hand-painted ceramic bowl. Although these can be found on every corner of the city, in my living room it looks incongruous enough to illicit questions about its origin. I hope one day to have a house filled with curious objects such as this as I discover more authentic cultures represented by native arts.