Istanbul East and West
Like Paris there are layers and layers in Istanbul. Beyoglu is the European neighborhood built when French style set the standard. The stately shopping boulevard, Istiklal, is now a mishmish of brands like Darty, Gap, Starbucks, Benetton housed in restored 19th century busy-ness buildings. The covered passages alongside recall the same in Paris. In a total contrast is the working class suburbs of Uskudar on the Asian side across the Bosphorus. Here the style is much more traditional. Trench coats with full head scarves are a must for the stylishly devout. I was looking forward to the Spice Bazaar but it was so crowded I foot like I was being pressed into a Turkish confection.
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