Hi Guys

I'm planning to visit Istanbul to do some shooting (pictures!!) at the end of march or so.

Is the time good? How do the people there respond to street (B&W) photography? I'm mainly interrested in the difference between traditional and modern people but also some cultural things interrest me. Is there anybody out there in Istanbul to visit and discuss photowork, give me some tips etc etc.

thanks Reinier

-- ReinierV (rvlaam@xs4all.nl), February 28, 2002

Answers

Turks love having their picture taken but some might expect to be compensated for it. Expect to have your gear stolen and it won't; act like a dumb tourist and it will. Some of the nicest people I have ever had the privledge of knowing, but be sure not to slip into speaking Greek by mistake like I used to. It seems they don't like each other. English and especially German will get you by. I love the markets, especially the food markets. You will have plenty to take pictures of there without having to look very hard. If you drive and you have to merge into traffic, be sure to pull out in front of someone in a very new car, chances are their brakes work and they don't want to dent it.

-- Dayton P. Strickland (daytonst@bellsouth.net), February 28, 2002.

Do not hesitate to visit the Bogazici University campus (You have a wonderful view on the Bosphore): this is the place to meet modernity and the youths of Istanbul. Then go to Cappadocia by bus, it is a 12- hours journey (they travel during the night, and they stop at their incredible bus stations where you could have splendid pictures). Enjoy the foods (but stay away of the tourist fast foods!).

-- Samir (abischop@earthlink.net), February 28, 2002.

Hello Reiner,

I had no problem at all taking photos in Istanbul. The people were very friendly and open. My only regret is I wasn't able to stay in the city longer. I suggest going down by the Golden Horn, many wonderful photo opportunities there. Also, try the many teahouses where men play cards in the evening. For me Turkey is an endless visual feast. I recommend enjoying a tea when the locals, not necessarily carpet sellers, invite you. While there I stumbled on one of the great Leica photographers of our time, Ara Guler. He spent a good part of his career documenting Istanbul. Have a look at his work while your there.

Click on the link if you like to see a few photos from Turkey, one is in Istanbul and two others from other parts of the country.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=51460

Here is a link to photographs by Ara Guler

http://www.lesartsturcs.com/cgi-bin/gallery/web_store.cgi?page=./guler _index.html&cart_id=3481198_18528

Have a great time.

Tom

-- Tom Gallagher (tgallagher10@yahoo.com), February 28, 2002.

Reinier, we were there in March-April last year. A good time to visit but crowds start to thicken in April and places like the Topkapi palace - a must-see - are always crowded. Weather is variable. Hagia Sophia is beautiful inside but you will need fast film and fast lens. Unlike some Moslem countries, there is no problem photographing nside mosques, but I feel using flash is insensitive. Street markets, particularly the spice market near the Golden Horn are excellent to photograph. The Grand Bazaar is interesting but very touristy. Beware of carpet touts everywhere! "Where are you from...?" Say Istanbul. Or China. Or ignore them. backgammon players and shoe shiners may be good subjects. Kids will want to be paid. All in all, it's a fascinatng place. Don't forget the underground cistern, Roman mosaics, and Ancient History Museum. Any further advice, please ask. Have a great time.

-- David Killick (dalex@inet.net.nz), February 28, 2002.

Hi, I was there in Istanbul last November, great place, I can't wait to go back. Amazing to see the VERY modern culture mixed with the ancient buildings. Let me know if you need an excellent, safe, reliable, honest taxi driver, I was there two weeks and made friends with one guy who was a great driver. I still have his card. I have friends over there (my wife is turkish), so it was great to see the city with her and her friends. Take fast film, you will need it for the underground cistern and some of the markets. Ask anything you want to know! Here are my pics from Istanbul... (ps- your film WILL be x-rayed, EVERYWHERE... no such thing as a "hand check". Shopping malls have x-ray machines, hotels, etc...)

http://home.earthlink.net/~philliprs/index.html

Phillip

-- Phillip Silitschanu (speedin_saab@hotmail.com), February 28, 2002.

Advice from ex-Turk now living in New Zealand. I go back to Istanbul once every 2 years to visit my parents. Best time to visit is late September and early October. The weather is not very hot, but nicely settled around 24C (Can go upto mid 30's in summer). Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. From 01 October airfares are cheaper (at least from New Zealand). March can be bitterly cold and miserable They will hand check film at the airport without any problems - just ask. ( I was there last October). You can contact me direct by e-mail if you wish, for any specific questions you might want to ask.

-- sait (akkirman@clear.net.nz), March 01, 2002.

I've only ever heard good things about Turkey although I haven't been there. I went through Istanbul on my way to Pakistan last November and had my film hand checked all the way by asking. No problem.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), March 01, 2002.

I wanted to add to comments by sait & Rob. I took 2 flights while in Turkey and never had a problem having my film hand checked. I don't know if that's changed but thought you should no it was never a problem.

Tom

-- Tom Gallagher (tgallagher10@yahoo.com), March 01, 2002.