Streets of Istanbul

The busy streets outside the spice market in Istanbul, Turkey show what a cultural melting pot this city is at the intersection of Europe and Asia.

Hagia Sofia Hall

Impressive and ornate stonework on display in the grand hall of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.

Dolmabahce Mosque Istanbul

Sitting next to the Bosphorus Strait, the Dolmabache Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey features the high dome and minarets of Islamic architecture.

Hagia Sofia

Inside Istanbul's ornate Hagia Sofia with its historic Byzantine architecture; once a basilica, then a mosque, now a museum.

Roman Aqueduct

Cars line up to pass through the ancient Valens Aqueduct in Istanbul. Competed in 368 AD, this impressive stone structure was once used to transport water to Constantinople, a former capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Lights Out Istanbul

Cab drivers in Istanbul play "chicken" in chick-colored cars at an unlit intersection.

Istanbul Spice Market

Another busy day at the Istanbul Spice Market, where locals and tourists from all over come to shop for sweet treats known as Turkish delights and countless collectibles.

Taksim Square Protest

Peaceful demonstrators assemble and protest their views at Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey. This high angle shot shows the city's historic Republic Monument situated to the right.

Istiklal Caddesi Istanbul

Red and white flags fly high along Istiklal Caddesi, or Independence Street, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul Deli

A little slice of Turkish nightlife at a Taksim Square deli in Istanbul, Turkey, where business is good on this spring evening. The bright neon lights have drawn in a crowd of patrons looking for a bite to eat. I had a great time walking the city that night, experiencing the local culture, and capturing a few moments along the way.

Sandwich Carvings

A Turkish chef shaves roast beef for sandwiches at an outdoor deli in Istanbul.

Colorful Night

Colorful bouquets bloom at night at an outdoor flower shop in Istanbul.

Palatial Appeal

Entrance to the grand ballroom of the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. This former home to sultans still hosts state dinners for world leaders. Incredibly ornate both inside and out.

Ephesus Archway

The ancient Library of Celsus as discovered upon walking through this stone archway at Ephesus in Turkey. Ephesus is the location of one of the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation.

Grand Theatre of Ephesus

The walk up to the ruins of the Grand Theatre of Ephesus in Turkey.

Ephesus Library of Celsus

The grand facade of the ancient Library of Celsus at Ephesus in Turkey.

Ephesian Arches

The arches of ancient storefronts lay in ruins in the streets of Ephesus in Turkey.

Monumental

Giant horses and their riders gallup through the sky atop Independence Monument in Izmir, Turkey. This historic statue, made with a white marble base, is an icon of this city on the Aegean Sea.

Smyrna Archway

Stone arches stand the test of time beneath the ancient city of Smyrna in Turkey. Smyrna is another location of one of the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation.

Izmir Clock Tower

An enchanting night at Konak Square in Izmir, Turkey. The city's historic clock tower dates back to the Ottoman empire.

"All the World's a Stage...

...and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." ~William Shakespeare

Melon Art

Melon art on display at a Turkish buffet.

Sea Sculpture

A metallic sculpture--half boat, half fish--adorns the seashore of Izmir in Turkey.

Mountain Lake Kestel Baraji

Ancient ruins of Pergamum in Turkey, next to the mountain lake: Kestel Baraji