Istanbl Grand bazarre : Modern History of World Trade

Deliciousness

dramsell — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:45:00 GMT

After a long day at the bazaar, most anyone wil have worked up an appetite. Near the entry/exit to the bazaar there are many open air eateries such as this one. Here you can find many local and regional foods such as cheeses, olives,peppers, spices, meats, and traditional nuts; along with some less common foods such as brains and intestines. Traders from local regions pride themselves on the quality of their product and most everything is all organic. It is interesting to see the head coverings of the traditional women as it is becomming less popular with the younger generation, comprising 1/3rd of the population. Although the clothing might be changing, the recipies and delicous food is not and eating well is a staple of the culture. As the sun sets and the moon rises, the lights come on in the stands and the city transforms to one renown just as much for its great food as is nightlife.

Scent of Attraction

dramsell — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 09:45:00 GMT

Inside the bazaar one can find a variety of things. As most cultures, humanity even, the desire to be attractive becomes fluent. Here in the covered section of the Grand Bazaar there is a small stand selling perfumes and cologne. With many different scents and qualities it seems the most common are the ones labeled "aphrodesic". These aphrodesiac bottles seem to have been used frequently enough that the label is nearly worn off. Something about envoking some of the most sensual pleasures known to mankind in a secret scent is rather enticing. Along with massage oils and turkish delight, a stop at one of these stands might just make someones night very interesting.

Midday bustle

dramsell — Wed, 9 Jan 2013 19:58:00 GMT

As the sun rises high into the sky you can see the streets and shops come alive in the Bazaar. The steam from food vendors, workshops, and the warm breath of the people filling encompasses the area. Alive with the buzz of voices, the commotion of feet and things happening, its as though the sound rises from the mist and materialises into life. Walking about, rather pushy shopkeeps advertise their goods to passers by, and on occasion sharing a traditional tea. Taking in all the sights, sounds and smells is almost overwhelming and everyone is moving so fast, but in that haze there is a moment where everything becomes still while in motion and the true beauty of this place can be not just understood but also felt, deep down through its several hundred year history. A accidently bump by a passerby brings one back to the moment, to keep moving and travel deeper into the vast network of streets and shops searching for just the thing...

The Market Opening

dramsell — Tue, 8 Jan 2013 15:02:00 GMT

A short walk into the Grand Bazaar are might bring one to this seemlingly mundane street, however the structure on this street is of great importance, the Isanbul Tickaret Boarsasi or the Istanbul Commodity Exhange. In an area comprised of over 3000 shops, stands and street vendors comsuming the nearly 2sq kilometer network which is the Grand Bazaar, the Commodity exchange serves to record and regulate all the trade in the region. With vast amount of trade occuring and between 250,000 to 400,000 people visting daily, the Commodity exchange is instrumental in conducting trade. Similar in sort to the New York or London stock exchange, the Istanbul Commodity Exchange gives companies and individuals access to a world-wide network of trade and busines opportunities; from handling exportaton of goods, identifiying possible strategic partners, executive meeting services, market research, business prospects and discounts at affiliated establishments for members of the organization. With over 59 protected accessways to individual street and sections concentrated in a particular trade, through this establishment one can easily locate what is is they're seeking. Of the fifty-nine gates with four main gates connecting Beyazid Square with the Nuruosmaniye and Beyazind II Mosque, there are countless side enterances and accessways. From this street one can choose one of the many enterance to the Gran Bazaar. Inside the streets open up into the vast marketplace, with people,shops,smells, and sights of things from all across the globe; if you look hard enough, maybe even something from outer-space.

Photos: My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited - Istanbul, Grand Bazarre

dramsell — Mon, 7 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

I am really excited this opportunity exists. Ive been an artist all my life and really enjoy photography. Ive just graduated college and am a point in my life where anything is possible. In this opportunity my natural talents as an artist, both in creative writing, and photography ~ with true vision, in a natural eye for conceptual models and expansive thought; in representation in art and life; With skills fundamental and advanced aspects of art, would make me an ideal candidate. Although i may know a few things about art, my photography skills are novice at best. In this experience i hope to learn everything possible from such a skilled and renown professional, developing my eye and allowing for the photographic medium to really bring concepts and passion for expression to the next level, in particular people. I am somewhat afraid to capture peoples photos in their natural state without permission but find these to be the best shots. My extroverted personality and experience as a traveler open a world of true cultures, human interactions, and nature. Together we can bring a world to people which is unknown or unattainable, in education and inspiration. Bringing life as the journey as its not always about the destination.

Early Morning across the Galata Bridge

dramsell — Mon, 7 Jan 2013 18:52:00 GMT

With the early morning sunrise comes song, bellowing from loudspeakers across the city of Isanbul, brining good tidings and a signal for the start of the day. I was luckey enough to be staying in a place directly across from one of thse speakers and never missed a chance to be up at sunrise, although after a few days it becomes natural. One particular early morning in late December i was awoken by the song from a nearby mosque and decided today was the day to vist the Grand Bazaar. A short walk from my residence brought me to the historic Galata Bridge. While one can ride the train across, it seemed more enjoyable to walk across, breathing in deeply the sweet sea air of the Bospherous, listening to he sound and ights of the city comming alive and looking out to Grand bazarre. The bridge itslelf, a rather magnifcent structure was Originally Desiged by Leoardo DaVinci and is somewhat of a famous landmark. All throughout the day and into the night residents and travelers commute across in access to different provinces, along with being a popular spot for fishing off the side or just enjoying a omanti view with a loved one. The Galata Bridge bridge connects the to the old city of Constantinople (now known as Karakoy), to the more modern area of Eminonu in the Golden Horn region. The original Galata Bridge, built in 1845 and known in that time as Crsi-r Cedid, was burnt down for unknown reasons and a new one built immeditely after in its place. Crossing the bridge brings views of the Gand Bazarre, a trade capital where the Western trade roads of Europe meet the Eastern trade route of the Silk Road, along with the last/first stop on the Orient Express.There is a long history of social and politic turmoil in the Golden Horn region beginning with the construction of a Roman city known as Constantinople. After the fall of the Roman empire Constantinople was conquored by the Bizantines and apltly named Bizantum, some time fter the city was again conquored this time by the Turks and became the city seen today, growing and changing with each succssive conquest. In the distance the grand structre of the Yeni Camii, more commonly known as the "New Mosque", can be seen, imposing its influence in the region. The site of the New Mosque was a main trade center with a large Jewish influence and population. In construction of this structure , it was the aim of Sultan Safiye to gain popular support of local and forign merchants who had growing discontent for the Jewish population. Many Jewish people were offered little money or forcibly removed from the area to clear the site for the New Mosque. The mosque would increase Islamic influence and make a statement for the Sultans political office. Interestingly enough, the mosque was burnt down half way through construction and the Sultan soon after died, leaving the New Mosque in a state of ruin until its completion in 1663 by Turhan Hadice with architect Mustafa Aga. The Golden horn region now is a bustling, fast paced cultural trade center of goods, luxuries, ideas and experiences, with many historic sites, a rich history, and culture unto itself. As one Turkish poet described the city as "Rising from the sea".