Why Istanbul is the "Awesomest" City in the World: A Vegan Expat's Love Letter

The Scientific Truth About Istanbul (According to Me)

A scientific fact is an observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and is accepted as true. And as far as any scientific fact goes, Istanbul is the "awesomest" city in the world.

Now, I'm not the first nor the last to be completely shanghaied by this magnificent, unruly, and utterly breathtaking stretch of land and sea. I mean, come on—we're talking bestselling books, poetry, art, Netflix shows, the whole nine yards. It's no surprise then that attempting to write something people want to actually read about my life in Istanbul (a city I efficaciously—and officially, please—call home) is as byzantine as it gets.

How I Fell in Love with Istanbul in 5 Days Flat

Mind you, I've considered Istanbul my "abode" ever since our first five-day encounter, which I know is kinda pitiful. A few equally short drop-bys later, and in my ever-expanding imaginative brain, I was a Turkish citizen—albeit one with Turkish language amnesia.

Regretfully, I'm still dillydallying in that same "Türkçe yok" (no Turkish) limbo. You tell me: how am I supposed to climb the Mount Everest of languages when I haven't made any real Turkish friends? One reason—besides the obvious language barrier—is that I keep bumping into Americans. How about that? They seem to be the only ones interested in chatting me up.

My Turkish Language Journey (AKA The Struggle is Real)

Anyhow, I am taking Turkish language lessons now, and may I say I'm doing brilliantly. My very young tutor—professionals don't come cheap, y'all—is very proud of me and keeps saying "that's my pupil." It makes no difference that I may well be the age of his anne (mom).

He promises that I'll start babbling like a Turk in four months. AND—this is where things get uber interesting—he adds that I'll speak Turkish better than Turks. What that's supposed to mean, I'll leave for the universe to decipher.

Why You Should Read My Istanbul Ramblings

So why bother reading anything I have to say about Istanbul?

Okay, I'm taking the "truth" rather than the "dare" route here. I have nothing particularly special to add to the already abundant info about Istanbul on the WWW, except that I am:

• Vegan (in Turkey—yes, it's possible!)

• A hardcore weightlifter

• A sort of nerdy geek

• Both a mega foodie AND an OCD health freak (it's complicated)

• Always up hours before dawn

• Someone who adds many extra espresso shots to my "double" espresso

• A person who eats tahini from the jar with a spoon

• What people who know me describe as "a self-motivated maniac"

  
  

Oh, and I hate cigarette smoking with a vengeance, yet chose to live in a city where people's favorite hobby/pastime/life goal/worldly passion seems to be... yep, cigarette smoking.

But mostly? I am hopelessly and pathetically in love with this splendid city.

Istanbul, Why Do I Love You Oh So?

Your köpeks (dogs) and kedis (cats)—probably more than your humans, but your humans too. The fiery, thick-lashed studmuffins, the dazzling divas, and the cuddly büyükannes and dedes (grandmothers and grandfathers).

Your resplendent sunsets, spine-tingling minarets, and heart-melting Boğazı (Bosphorus)—the closest I've ever gotten to heaven.

Your cobbled streets, dirty alleys, soot, and smoke. Your "exoticness," your art, and the sound of your music. Your ravishing beauty, your adorning, your scents, and your smell.

Istanbul, there is no city in the world like you. I love you in each and every way.

To be continued...

Are you living as an expat in Istanbul? Thinking about making the move? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your stories!