Istanbul: The Intensity of Life
Ada Ünlü
As someone who was born and grew up in Istanbul and spent 17 years there, I only truly understood its beauty and what the city means to me after spending five years living in other cities and countries. When I was living in Istanbul, I never felt like I fully belonged. I attended a French school, was more integrated into French culture, and dreamed of living in Paris after graduating from high school.
However, after leaving, I began to realize the importance Istanbul holds in my life. For the first time, I felt truly Turkish, and proud of it. For these reasons, I want to talk about what is, arguably, the best city in the world: Istanbul.
I have always thought of Istanbul as the most romantic city. From the music and the scenery to the sea, the smells, the sounds, the cats, and the islands—everything feels alive. Imagine being on a ferry crossing to the Asya Yakası, listening to music, hearing seagulls, drinking tea or coffee, surrounded by loud conversations and the unmistakable smell of the sea.
Or picture yourself in a seaside restaurant, eating meze and balık, old Turkish music playing in the background, while a random cat comes to your table looking for food. Where else can you experience this? If you ask me, nowhere.
Istanbul is a city suspended between tradition and modernity. You can hear the call to prayer while sitting in a coffee shop, driving through the city, or at home. Mosques rise between skyscrapers, and the city moves in beautiful chaos. Wherever you go in Istanbul, life is always present. Near the sea, in Galata, Sariyer (?) you see people fishing and drinking tea in small, old Turkish coffeehouses. In Cihangir, Nişantaşı, Beyoğlu, Bebek or Kadiköy, you see young people gathered, sharing drinks and conversations. Everything coexists in this city. It is the kind of place that affects you deeply and stays with you long after you leave.
Next: Paris
