Where am I again?

After a couple days in Istanbul, I can't help but wonder if this city is an elaborate Rorschach test. What would you like to see?

Byzantine mosaics? No big deal.


Greek sculpture? Yep.


Roman ruins? Sure!


One of the seven wonders of the world and one of the oldest churches? Just head over the Hagia Sophia.


A secular, liberal Islam state? Yepper.


If museums aren't really your thing, there is a vibrant night life and wonderful cafes with gorgeous views.


The history here is long, and Istanbul was a vibrant, diverse city before the United States existed. Istanbul was the seat of the Ottoman empire for over 600 years. The empire spread across northern Africa, into eastern Europe and Asia, encompassing many different languages, cultures and religions. When Europe was in the middle of the Dark Ages, Istanbul was a center of culture and learning whose influence was felt throughout the known world.

Trying to untangle thousands of years of history, culture and meaning in three weeks will be a feat. I think I could spend thirty years in Turkey and only begin to scratch the surface of this dynamic place.