As frequent travel companions, (Alan and I, Ken and Lynn, and Walt and Kate) we have had many opportunities to see a variety of people and places, however nothing compared to the vast diversity we experienced in Istanbul. Here is where East meets West and the continents of Europe and Asia connect -- merging cultures, languages, money, and history.
The ancient Grand Bazaar has covered more than 4,000 shops since the Ottoman Empire. Before Columbus sailed to the Americas, this ancient mall was a hub for trade in the old world.
Entering at Gate One we stepped into historic halls covered with mosaics; each stride taking us deeper into a labyrinth of cultures and past eras. Merchants would exchange currency with ease from nations around the world. Our shopping became a time travel, we were as the ancients; walking where they had walked, buying where they had bought, dining where they had dined. For a moment, we all had our journey through the Grand Bazaar.
"Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dweller in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontun, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts o Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." -Acts 2:9-11
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