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| Then I was off to Gulhane Park where the zoo used to be in 1978. I have heard that they relocated their zoo a few years ago to a more spacious location (about two hours away), but that it is having problems in its new location. :-( On the way I was greeted my numerous merchants seeking to interest me in a Turkish carpet. Above is a picture of one who was particular forward and interesting. My walk took me along the route of their tram (or light rail) which was quite modern, very quiet (as you can hear in the video). Istanbul could pass as a museum of public transportation with just about everything that has ever been used from subways to trolley cars. Gulhane park was quite nice and appears to have once been a fortress from the wall shown below. |
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| From there I was off to the Grand Bazaar, passing by the Nuruosmaniye Mosque. Along the way, one of the numerous carpet merchants fell in to walking beside me and talking. I clearly explained that I was not going to buy anything and he said that that was no problem. However as we passed the Mosque and I expressed interest in seeing it, he mentioned that it was closed then (2:15PM) until 3:15PM which turned out to be a lie (and it did sound odd to me as the Blue Mosque was closed for prayer from 12:15PM to 1:15PM, so wouldn't the next prayer be later, actually 3:15PM). |
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| The Grand Bazaar is really huge, perhaps four square city blocks in many cities and densely packed with shops of every size, most jewelry. I sat and visited with the carpet merchant in two shops over two cups of tea, often explaining that I wasn't going to buy anything. He said that was fine as friendship and hospitality were important. However, when he realized that I really was not going to buy anything he got mad, claiming that I was taking advantage of him, wasting his time and money (the cost of the teas), but I reminded him that I had told him on several ocasions that I would not buy (and he had lied that it didn't matter). I resolved to be more clear with such merchants, but didn't encounter any more. Then I headed off on minor streets trying to reach the Church of SS Sergius. Here is an abandoned house which I have read can not be demolished (because it is old enough to be historic) but can not be renovated as the wooden upper stories can not be insured. What to do? |
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This page was last updated on March 13, 2012.
