I have this adoration with the window in my Istanbul apartment – a light, sheer curtain, covers it providing a filter to the outside world. I leave the window open fully to let the fresh breeze blow through the upper floor room I’m renting this first week in Istanbul as I catch up on writing and online life. The walls are painted freshly white and I am in love with the stark brightness of it all every morning when I wake up.
But, the sheer curtain has me transfixed. The wind blows the sheer in and out of the room making a barely detectable sound as the fabric rolls around itself like a wave in the ocean. I watch as the church steeple comes in and out of my view with the flowing curtain. During the call to prayers, the curtain plays in the wind as if it’s an instrument in the echoing song of the minaret symphony.
It’s one of those travel moments where you soak in the present moment and let it blow across you giving you chills.
By Barbara Weibel June 29, 2012 - 7:17 am
Stunningly beautiful description Sherry.
By Chrystal McKay June 29, 2012 - 7:48 am
I loved the call to prayer in Morocco. It just becomes soothing in the background. I just didn’t like it at 5am right outside my apartment. haha but every other time….!
By Laura June 29, 2012 - 9:05 am
There is something soothing about the call to prayer, or a call from the ram’s horn, or a church bell.
By Natalie June 29, 2012 - 10:44 am
I think I have just become that used to it now, so I never take the opportunity to stop and appreciate it.
By Darlene Foster June 30, 2012 - 12:34 am
I love the view from your window!
By Cherina July 2, 2012 - 1:22 am
The view, the call to prayer and the curtain billowing really does make it all seem magical. Hope you enjoy your time in Istanbul, Sherry – it’s a fantastic city!
By Dalene July 2, 2012 - 1:50 pm
STOP IT! You’re making me miss Turkey way too much. 😛
By Antoinette B. | love.antoinette July 7, 2012 - 12:42 am
I love how you can make a reader feel and hear, and see the way the sheer curtain moves across against the window; how you weave the words together. Very poetic!
By Sherry July 7, 2012 - 4:36 am
Thanks for your lovely comments. Sometimes the creative fairies come to visit me – and sometimes they don’t. For this one they flew threw the window and landed on my shoulder during the call to prayer. 🙂
By Law July 9, 2014 - 11:18 pm
Hi Sherry, I’ve been secretly following your blog for quite a while. How did you find this apartment? I absolutely love it and hope to book the same…
By Sherry July 15, 2014 - 1:45 am
i honestly don’t remember how I found this exact place – it might have been on airbnb.com – I know I found my other apartments in Istanbul via airbnb and on wimdu.com – you might want to try both of those! There are many great places around Istanbul to choose from!