
My day began at the Yeniköy Spor Kulübü sketching people, having tea and lokma— fried balls of dough soaked in delicious syrup. It seems every culture has their own fried dough— I was addicted to churros back in SF, and lokma just might become my doughy obsession here. I finally managed to sketch this older gentleman that seems to be the café's maître-d, who I had dying to draw for about a month. He has the most amazing face and nose, and is constantly running about tending to customers, but today he actually sat down for a cigarette. I drew as quickly as my pencil and hand would allow me, captured him perfectly and due to my spotty Turkish, accidentally gave the drawing away along with another I had done of the Anatolian woman. I thought he was going to photocopy the drawings as had been done in the past, but since I had drawn in a tear-out sketchpad, he tore them out with smiles and a thank you. Sadly I have no photo to post of those two drawings, but I am pleased that they could make someone so happy. I did however, sketch this magnificent lady in my new Istanbul City Moleskine before I left:

I took a dolmuş to Taksim, downtown Istanbul. I love Taksim, it's alive with a city buzz— it's artistic, historic and eclectic. Cafés, pubs, clubs and shops galore line the streets— one street in particular has captured my fancy, Istiklâl Caddesi. Istiklâl is a pedestrian-only street with a tram that runs through the centre. I really can't describe it; there are loads of connecting alleyways that are full of unique shops, funky bars and cafés, second-hand stores and up-and-coming designer's shops. There are so many hidden gems here, I can feel it— each building on each alley has several floors, so you can imagine how much there is to discover. I feel that I've scratched the surface of the surface, and I am definitely going to have to experience the nightlife here, I can just tell it's a fun time.







9 comments:
I love to see your blog and to know the beautiful places that you find. its like a magical moment, to live the life throw your gorgeus eyes.
grettings from Colombia.
As much as I love your illustrations, these pictures were wonderful and enticing. Now I want to go to Istanbul + Turkey even more! What a vibrant scene...Bless all those cultures who love fried dough!
I think, aside of being a painter, you should be a photojournalist. You totaly have the eye for it :))
Thank you Carlos, Lydia and Yoda!
Why is fried dough so good? :D
I love fried dough! I make the Portuguese version called malasadas. I only make them once a year for Christmas breakfast. Delicious
Truly the person that first fried dough is a saint!
Thanks for sharing this corner of the world...your photos are fascinating...great little sketch, too! :)
Thanks Margaret Ann!
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