7 months ago
31
7
Posted On: March 31st 2026, 07:14 am
Istanbul is for old souls. When I crossed the Bosphorous the river sang to me an ancient lament of loss and love as familiar to me as my own voice.
Across that salty strait, I could taste the centuries of tears.
I recognized myself in Istanbul, I was two continents in one heart, one city where I knew I had lived before.
Was I the concubine in the hammam lying on the heated stones as the light came through the domed ceiling? Or was I the Sultan choosing my favorite? Was I the man in uniform, leaving for the front, kissing on the ferry, a Constantinople farewell, or was I the woman who would wait in vain for his return? Text and photos by Doveen Schecter copyright 2026 @doveen @dove_of_the_east Shop the journey. Dovka.Etsy.com
Across that salty strait, I could taste the centuries of tears.
I recognized myself in Istanbul, I was two continents in one heart, one city where I knew I had lived before.
Was I the concubine in the hammam lying on the heated stones as the light came through the domed ceiling? Or was I the Sultan choosing my favorite? Was I the man in uniform, leaving for the front, kissing on the ferry, a Constantinople farewell, or was I the woman who would wait in vain for his return? Text and photos by Doveen Schecter copyright 2026 @doveen @dove_of_the_east Shop the journey. Dovka.Etsy.com
Comments (7)
7 months agodanalblessis
My grandfather worked there (Constantinople) before he immigrated to the States 💙
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