We were on the ground in Istanbul for less than 48 hours. There was A LOT to absorb – overstimulating is probably the right word. I felt like I was taking pictures of everything and nothing at the same time. And as much as the photographer in me wants to be using my Leica or my Nikon, you cannot beat the iPhone camera for convenience. It has become my go-to travel camera. It fits in my pocket (or purse), weighs next to nothing, and it’s always ready.

A few closing thoughts on Istanbul:

There’s A LOT to process. Istanbul is a massive city of more than 15 million people – nearly twice the population of New York City – and it feels bigger than NYC. The city runs on chaos: streets go uphill (both ways), crowds never thin, and there’s this constant hum of life that does not stop. The people are warm and welcoming, the food is delicious, and street cats rule the city, weaving through neighborhoods like tiny furry mayors. But make no mistake – Istanbul is an intense place. The layers of history and culture are staggering; every corner feels like it’s got a thousand-year story to tell. The traffic is horrendous, and there’s a haze of cigarette smoke that hangs over everything. It’s overwhelming, fascinating, exhausting, and unforgettable all at once.

Would I visit Istanbul again? Absolutely. But next time, I’d flee from the main tourist areas in favor of the city’s quieter neighborhoods (assuming there are such places). And we never made it to the Asian side of Türkiye, which feels like unfinished business. Beyond Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale look like places I need to see.

---

I decided it was redundant to post my photo essays both here and on my photography portfolio page, so please click here to see my full photo essay from Türkiye.

You can also click on this photo of the Josef, the Rug Guy. Because I like to give you options.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Please feel free to check out my other work in progress photography portfolio albums.

Cheers!