27th Sep 2020: Istanbul Turkey

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During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government eased its ban on overseas travel on the condition of mandatory quarantine upon return. Taking advantage of this, I made a short business trip to the United Kingdom and Turkey. 

I didn’t have much opportunity to take photos in the UK, but I managed to capture a few in Istanbul, Turkey. It was my first time visiting the city. Until then, my only impression of Istanbul came from the old hit song by Mayumi Shōno, ‘Tonde Istanbul.’ Because the lyrics mention deserts and mirages, 

I had imagined a dry, Egypt-like landscape—but the reality was completely different.

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and one of the most unique in the world, as it spans two continents—Europe and Asia—divided by the Bosphorus Strait. For centuries, it has thrived as a crossroads of civilizations, blending diverse histories, cultures, and religions. Founded as Byzantium in the 7th century BC, it became Constantinople when Emperor Constantine made it the capital of the Roman Empire in 330. Later, it flourished under the Byzantine Empire and, after its conquest in 1453, became the heart of the Ottoman Empire. This rich heritage is reflected in its architecture, where mosques, churches, and palaces coexist harmoniously. In 1985, Istanbul’s historic areas were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Visitors are drawn to landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, as well as the Grand Bazaar and the atmospheric Basilica Cistern. The city offers stunning views from Galata Tower and unforgettable Bosphorus cruises linking Europe and Asia. 

Contrary to the desert-like image evoked by old song lyrics, Istanbul is a vibrant city surrounded by water and greenery—a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.


Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge
This beautiful mosque is a stunning example of Baroque architecture built in the 19th century. It stands gracefully on the waterfront of the Bosphorus Strait. In the background, you can see the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (formerly known as the Bosphorus Bridge), an iconic suspension bridge that connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The strait is bustling with boats and ferries, creating a lively and quintessentially Istanbul scene.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/3200sec ／ ISO200 ／ +0.3


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/500sec ／ ISO200 ／ 0.0


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/500sec ／ ISO200 ／ 0.0


Hagia Sophia
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul, stands as a symbolic monument where the histories of Christianity and Islam intersect. Originally built as a grand cathedral in 537 by Emperor Justinian I of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest in 1453. From 1935, it served as a museum, and in 2020, it was reconsecrated as a mosque once again. Its majestic Byzantine dome, intricate mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy coexist within the interior, embodying a profound fusion of faith and artistic heritage.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/800sec ／ ISO100 ／ -1.0


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/5000sec ／ ISO200 ／ 0.0


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/80sec ／ ISO2500 ／ +0.3


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/80sec ／ ISO500 ／ -1.0


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/80sec ／ ISO1000 ／ o.o


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/80sec ／ ISO500 ／ -1.7


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO800 ／ -1.3


Ancient Hippodrome
These photos were taken at the site of the ancient Hippodrome, located in Sultanahmet. This area is the historic heart of Istanbul, a symbolic space where the cultures of ancient Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire converge.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/2500sec ／ ISO200 ／ +1.7


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/5000sec ／ ISO200 ／ +0.3


Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/2000sec ／ ISO200 ／ +0.3


Grand Bazaar
This photo show the interior of the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, renowned as a major destination for both sightseeing and shopping.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO200 ／ +0.7


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Location: トルコ イスタンブール県 イスタンブール

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