Istanbul Modern

A Modern with an Old name.

I like seeing the old co-exist with the new. I am not retrogressive but I am one of those who think that old is gold. Istanbul has that unique blend of old and new, apart from a heady mix of east and west, that most rapidly modernizing cities lack. The Turks have embraced modernity and at the same time kept their culture alive and kicking. Not all modernising countries have been so wise. Some of us have abandoned our culture and heritage all in the name of progress and modernity. Adopting wholesale "western" culture, allowing it to displace the very essence that makes us unique. I once remarked to a friend that you don't really need to travel to the US. It is everywhere. Of course that is a generalisation, but there is a scary amount of truth in that statement. There is a thing or two us modern-ites can learn from cities like Istanbul. Lest we end up a modern city state, grappling with an identity issue; Trying to be uniquely something.