ISTANBUL

Prevailing over my initial encounter with Istanbul was a strange mixture of reactions - curiosity, a sense of expectation, and an acute need to observe.

Occupying a distinctive topographical point which links Asia to Europe, the historic city of Istanbul is the seat of a richly varied succession of civilizations, namely, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Today Istanbul is a metropolitan city of international renown which has long been a source of fascination to me. Although I had some knowledge of Istanbul's visual and historic features, the actual moment of contact was tinged with mystery due to my unfamiliarity with the subtle intricacies of the city. For this reason, I needed to ponder deeply in order to unearth its spiritual dimensions even after the visit was over. In fact, a period of two whole years elapsed before I began to address the subject in earnest and at close proximity. As I explored Istanbul's points of strength, I absorbed the city's aura of melancholy which grants access to its artistic bounty. My own Egyptian roots fuelled this encounter like a burning flame. It was at this juncture that Istanbul came to life, transforming the encounter from mystery to an aesthetic reality that was vibrant and compelling. As the barriers crumbled, the fragmented remnants of past civilizations fused into a harmonious whole.

The end result was a twenty-first century perception of Istanbul as seen through the heart and mind of Egyptian eyes.