The Goddess that Straddles Two Continents
Istanbul is Türkiye’s largest city—and the only city in the world that spans both Europe and Asia. Surrounded by the Bosphorus Strait, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul was the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, serving as a global centre of politics, religion, and art for two thousand years. Here, ancient Anatolian civilizations, Byzantine relics, and Ottoman culture coexist in a city steeped in history.
To the Turkish people, the Bosphorus Strait symbolises life, joy, and happiness. It is the very source of Istanbul’s energy. Vicky and Meka hop on a cruise, gliding between Europe and Asia, witnessing the strategic waterway that links East and West, and marvelling at the architectural splendours of the Ottoman Empire.
The Hagia Sophia Mosque stands as a testament to the glory of Greek Orthodoxy and the might of the Eastern Roman Empire, and is considered the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture. Over the centuries, and especially during the Ottoman era, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque: altars and Christian icons were replaced with crescents, pulpits, and the mihrab. The unique coexistence of symbols from two faiths has made Hagia Sophia truly legendary.
Leaving the mosque, Vicky and Meka join the crowds pouring into the Grand Bazaar, making a beeline for its iconic red roofs. Built in the 15th century, the bazaar boasts over 2,000 shops and has survived numerous fires. The duo shop for small gifts for each other, haggle with merchants, and watch as tea boys brew fresh Turkish tea and coffee, delivering orders right to the shops.
As night falls, Vicky and Meka step into the whirling world of the Sufi dervish dance. Dressed in white robes, the dancers spin endlessly to the music, seeking connection with the divine—their right hands facing up, left hands down, symbolising Allah passing love to all. The entrancing performance leaves the pair deeply moved and full of wonder.
