The Street Children of Istanbul
The children of the streets of Istanbul wander the city, hang around the patios of the cafés and sell things like packets of gum and kleenex to tourists or pursue the full time occupation of shining shoes . They are wild little children, dressed in ragged clothes. These children are skilled in the art of bargaining and salesmanship, but between the hours of their adult work, they play like all children in the world. They are not in school because the poverty of their family deems it necessary for them to engage in this commerce of the street. Istanbul is a city of contrasts. This is one of them - the extreme wealth of some and, by contrast, the wretched poverty of most.
And this little child sold me very expensive chewing gum. But I didn’t mind because I later saw her near the ice cream stand enjoying the pleasure of a child alone with an ice cream.
If you like this story, “digg it”
« Dans le cherche du petit garçon d’Istanbul
Comments
Comment from admin
Time: January 27, 2008, 7:57 pm
Hi Trina,
Yes, the city is overwhelming and so fascinating. I can’t wait to go back and am planning to do so in 2009 to see more than just the city of Istanbul. I found Istanbul to be the first place in the whole world where I experienced the true definition of the word “awesome”. (A word so casually used to describe anything from a meal to a magazine). I would love to hear all about your trip and if you have anything you would like to contribute here - that’s what I would eventually like to have… because everybody has their stories to tell about this wonderful city.
Write a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Comment from Trina
Time: January 26, 2008, 12:22 pm
Although I have lived in Europe for more than 30 years, I didn’t have an opportunity to visit Istanbul until 2005. I have to admit I experienced the city as overwhelming. There was a lot about it I liked - and I will definitely visit there again - but the many extreme contrasts were a lot to digest on a 3-day business trip with a few hours ’stolen’ for browsing and sightseeing.
I look forward to reading more here in preparation for another trip sometime in the near future.