Quiet Sunday in Istanbul

It was a lot quieter in Istanbul on Sunday June 2 as the Prime Minister ordered the withdrawal of police from Taksim Square yesterday evening.  Electricity was off again in our apartment during the morning as they were still working on the electricity problem in the block.

We went for a coffee and headed down Istiklal Street in the direction of Taksim square as we wanted to check out an address for a Turkish Delight store.  Lots of spontaneous sporadic groups of demonstrators and unfortunately signs of damage to bank machines and clothing stores.  Lots of new graffiti as well.  There was a light rain when we left the apartment, but it didn't last long.

Graffiti and wrecked bank machines

The Levi's store with broken windows

On Istiklal street this morning

We also passed one of the many passageways leading from Istiklal Street near where we are staying.  Beautiful buildings with stained glass and interesting lamps.  

Cicek Pasaji

We then headed down a long alleyway to visit Orhan Pamuk's Museum of Innocence, which even though the guidebooks said was open on Sunday, was closed.  There were some interesting antique shops in this area which is slowly being developed.

Outside an antique store near the Museum of Innocence

We then decided to visit the Istanbul Modern art museum on the waterfront.  When we got there it was also closed.  We spoke to some other tourists who said the museum was closed yesterday as well, though they had been told to return today.  We struck out for the third time when we tried to visit the Jewish Museum.  This time the guard said the museum was closed due to security.  We figured out that there must have been an order from on high to close all museums today due to the demonstrations (even though Taksim Square is nowhere near the three museums we checked out).

By then it was 3:30 p.m. and we needed a bite to eat.  Everyone seemed to be eating the mackerel sandwiches from boats moored in the water near the Galata bridge, so we joined them.  Lots of women with headscarfs and long clothes were out with their families today.  All eating fish sandwiches.  There was only one thing on the menu- mackerel sandwiches- Balik Ekmek-- for only 6 Turkish Lira (about $3.50 Can).

Tarihieminubalikcis boat with mackerel

Everyone having their fish sandwiches in front of the boat

Alain with his sandwich just before we sat down

Another view of the fish boat

We did a little more exploring behind the Spice Bazaar and then bought some fish for dinner and took the funicular back to our neighbourhood.  We stopped for some turkish tea (cay- pronounced chai) at a small cafe in an alley off Istiklal.  We then headed back to the apartment, passing some groups of demonstrators marching down Istiklal Street away from Taksim Square.

Lots of young people in the street

A more organized group of demonstrators

This picture says it all

It was a bit frustrating with all the museums unexpectedly closed today.  However, the street scene is exciting and vibrant.  We are now back in the apartment with electricity, the internet, and lots of good food for dinner.