inkmoth's photostream  

Istanbul Fatih Dec 11.
Greek Orthodox School.

What this photo doesnt show is the big heavy door, and the security camera staring down at me as I lined up this photograph. And you can hear the sounds of a small number of kids playing behind the walls - and the buzzer entry system.
This is the Greek Orthodox School, still in use behind the barbed wire. This is the only entrance I could find, and the only woman I saw go in bore a very suspicious look, maybe a teacher, she was buzzed in. I did see two other curious tourists here, hoping to find a way in.

Ilford FP4
Rolleflex SL66

Istanbul Fatih Dec 11.
Greek Orthodox School.

And as I was feeling at my most obvious - standing at the top of the steps camera in hand trying to photograph people surreptitiously simultanously trying to work out how to get to that big building - the call to prayer went out.

Its magnificent. Its everywhere. It reverbates around the city. I love all the doors on the minarettes. I just wish the imans would ditch the horrible loud speakers and head up to the rooftops like they used too.
Whatever else it is, it scared the wits out of me...and sent me scuttling away down the steps.

Ilford FP4
Rollei SL66

Istanbul Fatih Dec 11.
Greek Orthodox School.

This place wasn't really what I was looking for, but i knew it existed so made a detour. Mostly up and down steep streets and staircases, trying to weave my way in the right direction, feeling very self concious, and sweating from walking with the determination of someone who looks like they know where the're going.

I felt very obvious taking this picture - about as obviously different as the red sandstone architecture itself. I got a few strange stares up to this point, but the place felt very empty. Either everyone was inside, or perhaps all the houses are of Greeks who left, and never came back...

Ilford FP4
Rolleiflex SL66

Istanbul Fatih Dec 11
Introduction to the backstreets of Istanbul.

A wander to try and find what remains of Christianity in Istanbul. I am non-Christian with a degree in Theology, and curious to see all but the last echos of a 1500yr old era. I read enough of the history to know that, if questioned, this is not likely to be a well received motive. I am also very white, with blonde dreadlocks. I am not camoflauged.

An 'intresting' day began when I walked up this street.

Ilford FP4
Rollei SL66

"We interupt this broadcast to present a Hogmanay transmission of the music of Asthmatic Astronaut."

asthmaticastronaut.com