Monday, March 24, 2014
Henry Chung, Bogazici University, Turkey
Monday
Upon my first arrival on Turkey. Most of the women even teenagers wear scarf because of the religion. And I got a question why they wear the scarf. After I research and found that they wear this way is such a solemn and avoid someone eye on them. On the bus, you rarely see a woman sit next to a man who does not know. At this time, I feel the difference between Hong Kong and Turkey, While one is free and open and one is stick to the religion belief. People are nice in Turkey, when I got some troubles in transportation and they would help you actively. That’s why I feel warm in this country. Istanbul is different from the cities in Turkey, it is the only one city located in European side. People in Istanbul have an more open minded and it is totally different from the Islam. This is a great chance to me to exchange in this city which located between Europe and Asia.
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Today is the school orientation day and the classes begin in the next
week. During the orientation, the chairman of the exchange club briefly
introduces the campus and the most important thing---How to pronoun the
University name in Turkish. Bogazici university is the name of my host
university, Bogazici means the Bosporus
which the school located. It is funny and must know this. The campus is full of
love, especially the animals in the campus. You can find everywhere in the
campus and they are active and lovely.
After today’s intensive work. I went to an
attraction which near the university. It is a fortress which built in 1452 and
completed in 4months. The fortress of Rumeli which was built at the narrowest
point of Bosporus and in order to control the transitions through Bosporus and
conquer Istanbul. When I stepped up to one of the tower, I can overlook the
beautiful Bosporus but it is really cold indeed. When you stand on the top of
tower, you can imagine how magnificent and impressive the ancient people are. It is such a history lesson I learnt today. How the
ancient people defend against the surrounding countries and send out the signal
for help and the power of Ottoman Empire.
Thursday
Welcome to Princes Islands! This is a great destination for a day’s
escape. Particularly the ferry ride here is so enjoyable. Why the islands
called ‘Princes Islands’ because during the Byzantine period, princes and other royalty were exiled on the islands, and later members of the Ottoman sultans family were exiled there too, giving the islands
their present name. It is similar to the Empire of China before.
The other member of the empire exiled to another place, prevent the usurp the
throne. The Princes Islands formed by five island, the largest one is Buyukada
which is impressive viewed from the ferry. There were many seagulls flying with
us throughout the ferry ride. When I arrived, I stunned speechless by the view.
There was no car in the Islands, just use the bike and “horse taxi” as
transportation. It’s such a heaven. Breathing the fresh air and you will feel
relax and cheerful. Fish is not the main meal to the Turkish, however it is
famous meal in the islands. I select a restaurant with great view for lunch and
enjoy the Sea bass menu.
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Sultan Ahmet-Old city, many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting
of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in
this Old City,
it is also called Constantinople. Blue
mosque, Topkapi palace and Aya Sofya are the magnificent sights in Istanbul. I
think I am the emperor of the ancient Roman Empire when I visited that place.
The architectural style and religion of Turk are the things I really admire.
How the ancient people live in the ottoman empire and the power of ottoman
empire. The other thing I observed these few day is that most of the people
believe in Islam pray 5 times a day. We can see the power of religion and how
devout they are. I sure that why Turks are nice, it must be related to the
religion. Also the cities other than Istanbul would be more conservative and
simple. Walking around the sultan ahmet in the sunny day and enjoy the Kebap, Turkish
tea and Turkish coffee. I think I am in vacation. Enjoy the unique culture and location in Istanbul.
Labels: 2013/2014 Semester B
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