The map to nowhere

On Saturday I set out to find the Şişli Organik Pazarı in an area of Istanbul I hadn't visited before. I went along with my heavily pregnant friend Jade.

I thought from a map a friend had drawn that it would be fairly straightforward to find. Jade also had a map from the internet which seemed to point us in the same direction. So, with maps in hand, we envisaged we would be there in about 15 minutes. So off we went.

But soon after we set off we realised that we were on the road to nowhere with our maps as the otopark where the pazar was supposed to be held was nowhere to be found. After asking many shopkeepers and calling my friend who supplied me with my map, we managed to find the pazar, after much pavement pounding, albeit a little bit hot and bothered.

It was strangely located in an underground car park, which, although odd, offered up protection from the afternoon sun and provided a cool space in which to browse in.

What we realised however, was the downside to organic in Turkey = very expensive. Organic is still yet to really break through here and not everyone can appreciate the clean natural food and of course, the price that comes with it.

Nonetheless, we sat and enjoyed a fresh organic juice (TL 5) and a fresh gözleme which resembles a savoury pancake with spinach and cheese. It's then cooked over a concave heated dome and served piping hot. For only TL 4, it was the best bargain of the day. With that followed a fresh piece of homemade lemon cake (3 TL).

The pazar is worth a look. Although expensive you can find a variety of items from dried fruits, legumes, lentils and fresh produce to organic household cleaning products and organic cotton clothes, all with orgnic certification. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy and the food on offer to purchase is fresh and tasty. There is also a small Organik Büfe next to the pazar where you can also have tea from.

Şişli Organik Pazarı

Feriköy Semt Pazarı, Bomonti Caddesi, Lala Şahin Sokak

(Eski Tekel Bira Fabrikası alt sokağı) Feriköy - Şişli

Tel: (0 212) 252 52 55

www.bugday.org

Every Saturday from 08:00 - 17:00

Visit from my sister

Recently my sister was here with me from Melbourne, spending the week in between in London and Scotland. It was whirlwind trip, but while her husband was at home and with the kids, it was the best time to get away and it was so nice to have her with me.

We walked the streets of Çukurcuma, Taksim and Beyoğlu. We visited Istanbul Modern and shopped at Istinye Park. We had some dinners and breakfasts out but the highlight I think was the photographic day trip we had with the deputy editor of National Geographic Turkey. My sister came across him in the credits of Alex Webb's book, Istanbul: City of a Hundred Names. She got in touch with Kemal and found that he offers photographic tours of Istanbul.

So we went with him to see and feel the city. It was such an eye opener. Not only did I explore places I have not yet been to, after living here for a year and a half, but I was filled up with knowledge and information about Istanbul, photography, people and culture. We walked the streets of Dolapdere where the Sunday market or "pazar" takes place, which led onto a gypsy market close to a Greek Orthodox church.

Later we walked the streets of Fener and visited the church of the Patriarch of Istanbul as well as the Bulgarian Church. We lunched at a lovely fish restaurant in Fener which served up some of the most amazing starters ("meze") I have had. From there we took a ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy and walked the streets while my sister snapped pictures of the sellers and street market.

My photography is in it's early stages, but here are some of my pictures from the day.