Faces of Istanbul

Traditional small retail shop owners appear to spend much time talking to each other and drinking Tea and Turkish coffee; delivered to them by runners from local stalls. Rather than regard them as competitors, they are regarded as friends who share the same challenges. They also share stock to help each other achieve a sale. These round crusty bread sticks (photo right) are popular and taste quite good. They are usually stacked in a circle which also makes them easy to carry!

Ice creams are popular and cheaper than in Australia, even when the brands are similar! Cone ice cream comes in 2 styles; the ones on sale in this photo are similar to those we know in Oz. The other, "Ottoman" ice cream, appears to be wipped on the spot with great force. They're more expensive and the salesmen like to put on a show for tourists. What do locals eat? The cheaper one!
In the streets you see many shoe shine and shoe repair men. I think it is a declining industry. I got a laughter today when I pointed to my Feet in sandals when I was asked "shoe shine". The increase in Nike and moulded shoes must also reduce the market.

Southern Turkey:
A street vendor sells his almonds (left) and a man mooring his boat.

A lady making and selling clothing accessories (e.g. Headbands) to tourists, in a village only accessable by boat. [children attend initial primary schooling in the village].
An old lady sorts her stock for selling to tourists, and a boat-man checks his mobile phone.

A young man cleaning a nice catch of bream, while an older man tries to catch his first, and another relaxes while waiting for someone to hire his boat.

Tourism has become a major component of the moden Turkish economy. We visited both Istanbul and Ephesus, two of Turkey's major international destination. The industry provides employment to a range of young university graduates. (Picture far left at Ephesus)
Fortunately much of the charm of simpler times remain, including street sellers of fruit. (Pictures right & bottom, Canakkale.)