Reading about Istanbul “Just for heart and soul…” part-2

Reading about Istanbul, part-2,   Just for heart and soul…

There are some books which have influenced my understanding of life in Turkey, its history and present, customs and spirit.

Usually I don´t buy the books at the airport, because of lack of time and concentration, but Buket Uzuner´s My name is Istanbul was a temptation I couldn´t resist. I think this is one of the most poetic books I´ve ever read. Short stories, glimpses like a kaleidoscope. Istanbul like bits of colorful glass changing patterns. In this book Istanbul, the mighty and mysterious woman, narrates her story looking back through the centuries. Very elegant and vigorous. Not possible to retell, it´s an impression.

Kasımpaşa-İstanbul, photos by Eleka Rugam-Rebane

Some years ago I had read Orhan Pamuk in Estonian. Snow was the name of his book. It was translated into Estonian shortly after Pamuk´s Nobel prize. I really tried to follow the story but at that point of time I was not ready. I believe I couldn´t understand the context, I had never been to Turkey. There were too many missing bits and pieces in this picture. 

blue at Kasimpasa

Kasımpaşa-İstanbul, pentax k10d, photos by ozgur ozkok

Hamam – source of joy and relaxation “nice girls day at Turkish Bath”

Hamam – source of joy and relaxation

I was tired, exhausted and little sick when I arrived in Istanbul approximately a week ago. Pretty nasty headache was torturing me. Probably the consequence of long working days before my little Turkish holiday. Thus, the prospect for coming free days wasn´t that bright because I wasn´t feeling good. Fortunately, I know what is good for my run-down body and mind.

Turkish bath, Türk Hamamı, Kasımpaşa-Istanbul, photo by Eleka Rugam-Rebane

In Estonia we are very fond of sauna, also called Finnish sauna (which is quite hot, usually 80-100 degrees Celsius). Taking a sauna begins by washing oneself up in the warm room and then going to sit in the hot room for some time. Water is thrown on the hot stones and that produces steam and moisturizing heat in sauna. One can also use leafy boughs of birch to gently beat oneself. This has a relaxing effect on the muscles. After sitting in the hot room one can jump into cold water (lake, river, swimming pool etc) or take a refreshing shower. Then one can rest for while in the dressing room having soft drinks. After resting the hot room cycle can begin anew.

Kasimpasa Mosque (Kasımpaşa Camii)

Kasımpaşa camii

I’ll try to find detailed information about this mosque. I am sharing these photos from my 2009 archive

Kasımpaşa

Kasımpaşa and Golden Horn, İstanbul

streets of Kasımpaşa district

Kasımpaşa, İstanbul

Haliç, Balat ve İstanbul

Haliç, Golden Horn , İstanbul

Golden Horn, Haliç , İstanbul

Golden Horn, Haliç, İstanbul, Pentax K10d

Kasımpaşa scene

Kasimpaşa scene, Kasimpasa, İstanbul, Pentax K10d

Kasimpasa streets