This is our hotel – a converted jail in Sultanahmet.
Bill and I are back in Istanbul for a few days, preparing for our trip to Africa. Outside our hotel window we can see the 6th Century old Hagia Sophia being repaired and retrofitted. It was first a church, then a mosque, later a museum, then a mosque again.
Adjacent to it is an extensive excavation and rebuilding project of yet another ancient site, newly discovered. It grows more visible, even deep within the rubble.
All around Istanbul are signs of historical reawakening and architectural renewal. The parade of bandaged visitors – raw scalps and faces – newly reconstructed, contribute to this endlessly provocative landscape. It speaks to me of continual rebirth and new beginnings.
Walking through the Grand Bazaar, merchants (now in temperature-controlled tastefully decorated stalls) shout out to me as their ancestors might have done to other foreigners in years past.
“Hey, brother, come and look at my shoes. I have your size.” “Come have some tea.” “Brother, I have beautiful leather. Good price.” Voices connecting past with the present, while creating a bridge to a future that is still unknown.
Millenia has happened here. Civilizations have come and gone. Today will pass away as well. And whatever transpires, life will go on and resilience will prevail. I believe in a more beautiful and just tomorrow. I must.
Suffering is inevitable. Nothing remains the same.
But, in the meantime, I will continue to reclaim what has not been permanently broken, celebrate what remains, and rebuild the rest.
Next stop – Cape Town.
