Page 32 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023 DISCOVERING TURKEY

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and one Economic Woes
of the largest in Europe. It’s no stranger to the These days there’s a dark side of Istanbul,
world stage as a key player economically and and Turkey as a whole. During our visit, it
politically due to its strategic location on the didn’t take long to learn about the country’s
Bosporus Strait that connects the Black Sea to significant political and economic problems -
the Mediterranean. Today, it remains a center issues that impact citizens and visitors alike.
for trade, finance and industry and a major As in other countries in the region, conser-
transportation hub, with connections to Eu-
vative Muslim religion and urban secularism
rope, Asia, and the Middle East. clash. Most Istanbul Turks believe in a separa-
Imposing mosques dominate the skyline. But tion of church and state. Many do not consider
more than minarets draw some 13 million visi- themselves particularly religious and shun
tors annually. They come to savor historical bans on foods and alcohol and ignore certain
landmarks, delicious cuisine, outdoor activities, customs, like the wearing headscarves. We
exotic shopping and a vibrant culture and were told that most women we saw wearing
nightlife. Plus new delights beckon, like the ritzy burkas were visitors from other countries.
port complex that now welcomes cruise ships. There also is growing resentment toward the

32 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023