Cumhuriyet

 I know I probably stole my own thunder by putting a lot of these photos on facebook, but oh well.

While I am talking about favorites, my favorite day of the trip was probably Oct. 29-- which is Republic day in Turkey-- the 89th celebration of the day when Turkey became official recognized as a republic (1923).

because of this big national holiday, there were banners of the Turkish flag and Atatürk everywhere!

 

I had to have fun with the color filter on my camera

 

This year, this came directly after Kurban Bayram (Turkey's Eid), so the whole week felt like one big party after another-- my friend was off of work (grad school) which is why I came at this time in the first place.  What I am trying to say is-- my timing was amazingly good for this trip.

 

After hanging around, we made our way to Ortakoy pier to catch the fireworks display.  Everyone was handed a Turkish flag.

 

My video of the pre-party flag waving

 

The fireworks show started with the huge bridge raining down a cascade of light

 

After the fireworks, we hussled through the crush of people on the pier and caught part of one concert and then headed across town to catch the Goksel concert! 

 

I kept seeing this sign everywhere, so I got my friend to take me to see her.  Goksel is my favorite Turkish pop singer.  I LOVE her!

 

Having the chance to see her in concert (free) was amazing!  I wasn't even very far from the stage.

"Goksel I love you, Ilker"

Me and all teenage boys love her ha ha ha.

After the concert it poured rain and I spent the night sleeping on a bench in the airport waiting for my flight to Antioch.