Istanbul for the senses

Posted by Elizabeth. We left Turkey yesterday and entered an entirely different world in Berlin. For one thing it's cloudy and gray. A lot like you would expect here but so different than hot humid Istanbul. It's quiet. Traffic laws seem to be a thing. And everyone looks a lot like Seattle outdoorsy hipsters.

So it feels familiar. Which isn't how I felt in Istanbul. But there's something very compelling about Istanbul -- it's a fascinating city which feels both draining and invigorating at the same time. It's definitely a city for one's senses which makes these photos of Istanbul food seem an appropriate tribute. A huge thank you to our hostess and baker extraordinaire, Hatice, who created a serene oasis for us is the midst of the busy city. We are so grateful. 

Call to prayer wakes me up

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Posted by Leo. The call to prayer happens six times a day in Muslim countries. It is called from the mosque, a dome building. Today they use a speaker but they used to use four holes pointing north, south, east and west so everyone could hear.

The call to prayer is done by the Muezzin in the mosque. In Turkey it's called ezan. During the morning you can wake up to the sounds of calling. The calls are two hours before daybreak, daybreak, afternoon (when the shadows cast by objects are equal to their height), sunset and when the last light has disappeared.


I think it's loud but pretty. It wakes me up and it's even louder than the roosters we heard on the coast. I like that it's peaceful. It helps calm me down.


Here is what they are saying:
Turkish                                    
Allahu Ekber
 Eşhedû en lâ ilâhe illallah
 Eşhedû enne Muhammeden resulullah
 Hayya ale-salah
 Hayya alel-felah
 Allahu Ekber
 Lâ ilahe illallah


English  
God is Great
 There is no god but God
 Muhammed is the Prophet of God
 Come to prayer
 Come to salvation
 God is Great
 There is no god but God


Sail on Sailor
Click here to listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzfZvr05HJ4