Istanbul : where east meets west

Turkey, 2017

Due to its exceptionnal location and eventful history, Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city with numerous facets. First Byzance, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul: the city went through a number of centuries and empires. It spreads out on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait which is regarded as one of the continental boundaries between Europe and Asia. This geographical divide symbolises the mixed identity of Turkey, oscillating between east and west. Despite its islamic roots, Turkey evolved into a secular state about a century ago. And yet recent political events have demonstrated a step backward and a worrisome authoritarian drift…