Mashal Noor

The last time I was in Istanbul, it was winter and it snowed for three consecutive days, so the chance to immerse myself for three weeks in the rich history and colorful culture of this city was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. To top it all off, it was also the month of Ramadan and my first time spending Ramadan and Bayram, or Eid al-Fitr, in a Muslim country. Although spending the day in shops, bazaars, boat cruises on the Bosphorous, and studying timeless architecture was amazing, the nights spent listening to street musicians, sipping hot and flavorful tea, and sitting in the grass of Gezi Park with new friends made this a true once in a lifetime experience. Now, knowing Istanbul as intimately as I do, I will always have the desire to return to the sites and sounds of this beautiful city.