08 August 2013 | 17:42

Bitter sweets of Turkey

Bitter sweets of Turkey. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Before the summer vacation season Turkey frightened people off with a wave of protests. The rallies continued in some areas of Istanbul and Antalya during the season, but the tourists were not afraid.

Istanbul is the biggest city of Turkey. It is the main trade, industrial and cultural center and major port of the country. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The city is located on the shoreline of the Bosphorus strait that divides it into European (larger) and Asian parts linked by the bridges. The population is 13.6 million people. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Taksim square where Turkish citizens gathered for the rally in the end of May 2013. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Gezi Park where the authorities planned to build the mall. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Morning in Gezi Park. According to local citizens, different protests were held here. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Police continues to patrol Taksim square. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Some stores on Istiklal Street still have broken windows. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Taksim square after a Ramadan fasting day. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

People have to register beforehand to get this meal. It is provided to Muslims free of charge. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

While tourists are spending time on the beaches, the citizens continue the protests in Istanbul and Antalya. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

A rally on Istiklal Street. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The protests mainly participated by young people. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Police arrived at the square in the blink of an eye. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

A rally on Istiklal Street. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Tourists are not very concerned about the rallies. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Istiklal Street during the rally. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Istanbul at night. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Grand-bazaar in Istanbul. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The market hosts over 4 thousand shops on 58 streets. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The grand-bazaar was established right after Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453. It used to be the trade center during the Osman Empire. Back then each street had its trading specialization. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Currently the Grand-Bazaar is one of the symbols of Istanbul. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The goods are mostly similar at most of the streets: porcelain, textile, leather, spices, sweets. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Istanbul is also called the city of cats for the high number of wild cats. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The Grand-Bazaar. Textile shop. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The Grand-Bazaar. Sweets shop. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The Grand-Bazaar. Spices shop. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Salesmen often give good discounts of up to 40 percent. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The Blue Mosque also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The mosque is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of the Islamic and world architecture. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The construction started in 1609 when sultan Ahmed I was 19. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Many tourists visit the Mosque every day. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

At the entrance women are given veils to cover their heads and bodies. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Hagia Sophia Church. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The cathedral was built in 532. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

After Constantinople was conquered the cathedral was turned into a mosque and in 1934 it became a museum. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Bosphorus strait. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Dolmabahce palace of Osman sultans. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

It was built in 1842-1853 for Abdulmecit I who got tired of the medieval palace Topkapi and wanted to have a baroque-styled palace. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

After the monarchy fell, Ataturk made his residence in the palace where he died on November 10, 1938. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Antalya archeological museum. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Antiques hall hosts ancient artefacts: clay sculptures, wine vessels, kitchenware. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Gods hall or a sculpture hall. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Remains of antique cities. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Umbrella street in Antalya. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Antalya taxi. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Zhussul Dursynov has been working in Antalya every summer for the last 4 years. He sells postcards and souvenirs. He says that Turkey is the best country for leisure. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©