My first and only visit to Istanbul so far was a few years ago, back in 2009.
I was there on a business trip and didn’t have much time to explore this huge city as much as I wanted but I can’t forget the special feel- ing of being there.
A very alive city that uniquely combines its rich history with modern and traditional elements like nowhere else in the world.
It’s one of Istanbul’s main characteristics that makes it so attractive; the way east meets west.
Atmospheric with a mysterious energy deriving from it’s rich tradi- tions, history and religion but also modern and constantly evolving at the same time.
The way Mosques coexist next to world class restaurants and art galleries or the way international brand boutiques coexist with the traditional bazaars.
The way the bridges on the Bosphorus connect Europe to Asia, the only city in the world to be located on two different Continents.
As a Greek visiting Istanbul for the first time, I really felt very familiar being there, like I had been there before…but I feel everyone that visits this very special city, wherever they come from, have the same feeling in the end.
The reason behind this, I believe, has to do with its rich heritage and so many different cultures that make it always stand as the world’s capital.
