Skip to content
Free Shipping on orders $250+
Free Returns
Free Shipping on orders $250+
Free Returns
Free Shipping on orders $250+
Free Returns

Turkey 2022 - Where Geopolitics & Fashion Collide

  Turkey described in a single word - Fresh!  Scents of spicy pepper, citrus notes, and rose oil sprinkle the City, coming off a 3 day excursion to get here,...

 

Turkey described in a single word - Fresh! 

Scents of spicy pepper, citrus notes, and rose oil sprinkle the City, coming off a 3 day excursion to get here, I couldn't sleep. Although I was exhausted, I rolled over in bed to tell Eda it was no use. We dressed and went out for the ol' classic Turkish breakfast at 8am. Down the alley, cross the busy street, dodge the cars, and land at a cafe serving fresh house deserts, breads, tea, and more. Wafts of coffee and cigarettes from the surrounding tables. Here comes a spread of farm fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, perfectly ripe olives, freshly made cheese, honey with the comb, and Turkish tea served by a young, freshly shaved, stylish eyewear and a pressed shirt man. Yep, this is it. I made it.

Acclimating quickly, we took a cab into downtown to explore one of the oldest bazaars in the country, this outdoor marketplace is alleys of jewelry, spice, apparel, fruits, fish, cafes, hotel entrances, courtyards, and dancing gypsies in the main food hall. Getting grounded, I browsed. Taking frequent breaks for Turkish coffee, which is always served in a neatly decorated tiny cup with a matching saucer, and has a completely different taste and texture.

We explored attractions like Ephesus, house of the Virgin Mary, and Agean Sea coastal towns like Çesme, Urla, and Sirince. We drove all over with Eda's brother, her being the translator, him being the guide to all his favorite hang outs while her cousin rode shotgun taking pics and desperately trying to remember her English lessons she supposedly aced haha. The best possible experience is always with locals, and made better with family! This afforded me great insight into life here because I could ask the hard questions and get an honest answer, judgment free, and with thoughtful explanation. I thoroughly enjoyed this because talking politics is fascinating to me, and unfortunately with many young Americans you can't. Too many take things personally, judge you if your opinion isn't theirs, and label you unworthy. Although freedom of speech exists, it can be your demise.

The history

that resides in this country is astounding, ancient, complicated, and overlapping in unpredictable ways. I learned so much, gained a lot of appreciation, and really felt the frustration of young Turks who are still trying to forge a strong and modern nation. Perhaps the most impactful thing was the fear of failing. In Turkey, becoming an entrepreneur is extremely risky. It can take up to two months to obtain a business license and can be quite costly (for comparison, in the US, you can register a business in literally 5 minutes). The Government reaches into extended family, so if your business fails, your siblings, aunts, grandparents are liable for your debts for an undisclosed amount of time. Conversely, in America, if you fail, the following day you can start again, go get a job, or collect unemployment until you figure out your next move. The point is, once again, I am grateful to be American. I've got options, and failure is not one.

Izmir was exponentially different in comparison to Istanbul.

Izmir is a city of all ages, forward thinking, modern, and takes patriotism to new heights. Turks would say Izmir leans left politically, but in comparison to America it more closely aligns as moderately conservative (of course this is my own perceived takeaway). Turks continuously give praise and celebration to Ataturk. The founding father of Turkey, First President of the Nation, and who has since passed nearly 100 years ago, still reigns as Turkey's hero. His handsome photo can be seen draped on banners, flags, original art, plates, tee shirts, and billboards across the City, extending in all directions. It's almost impossible to not see his face at any given moment. Ataturk brought democracy, removing Islamic religion from public education, giving women the right to vote and mandatory schooling for girls. His noble policies freed the Nation and gave them a powerful independence and ownership of a land and culture historically colonized by various Empires throughout time. His art deco personal style and swagger still oozes out of his portraits. The man was, and still is, idolized as the ultimate legend.

Istanbul on the other hand had a different vibe. Ataturk's presence runs more underground, tourists from neighboring countries arrive in burkas while their husbands dress in diamond studs, flamboyant shirts with matching sneakers. Muslim influence runs deeper here and how you dress practically portrays your political identity. In this world, fashion expresses much more than your personality, and it is felt. My outfit choices became more intentional, and because I was traveling with a long time true Turk, my confidence for dressing like myself was illuminated. I felt like I had to, in order to practice and exercise my freedoms.

Of course amongst all that I was taking in everyday, I found that Turks are incredibly kind, stylish, accommodating, educated, and loyal to the future and success of Turkey. Thoroughly enjoyed my time here, a totally wild and different corner of the earth I previously had no real conception of. Shopping here was amazing. I can best describe my experience when browsing rugs. Sitting in a what felt like a cave in an inside corner entrance of the Old Bazaar, a small window let in light from the roof with carpets draped amongst chest height folded piles of rugs. Sipping Turkish coffee, my friends next to me smoking Turk tobacco, while I used hand motions to show him the YES pile, NO pile, and the MAYBES as he stood on another pile opening up rugs one by one. He was never pushy, just wanted to create the best possible experience for his customers. And it was! Shopping jewelry was the same, wonderfully easy with no pressure and gratefulness on both sides. If you ever make it to Turkey, definitely make the time to shop in Izmir, my preferred location! This includes boutique shopping as well!

Standing in the mirror in the Miami Airport, horror struck.

Rewind 10 hours and I had just come off a 12hr flight, arriving at 6am. I rented a car and drove to South Beach, supposedly where alluring people come to roller blade and lay out. Floating in the sea and taking in the sunshine, I relaxed, killing time the way Turks do; with coffee and a big fresh breakfast with many small plates.

I showered at the beach, changing out of my suit in the back seat of the car and drove back to the airport. Finding a quiet bathroom, I straightened up and prepared for another 13hrs of travel ahead. When I went to floss, my heart fell. I had a grayed out bottom tooth, and the other front three weren't far behind! The dark one even felt loose! I panicked, cursing my age. I had even experienced a difficult time reading the small print on the menu board earlier. What the hell is this?! I'm 33 years old, my eyes are going bad and my teeth are falling out. I called the dentist as soon as they opened after landing in Seattle and explained the situation. The next morning I lay in the chair getting an X-ray. The dentist rolled in, gloves on, looking anxious. It looked bad, real bad. But within seconds was laughing. Too much Turkish coffee and tea had stained my bottom teeth beyond recognition! After a few minutes of polishing, crisis averted. Holy shit haha. Back in the States with all my teeth, purchases, and a wealth of knowledge, I made it home.

Highly recommend a lengthy stay in Turkey, particularly near the Agean Coast :) 

 
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Turkish Coffee with Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique Virgin Mary's House
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique - Istanbul
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique in Istanbul
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique Istanbul
Cordova in Turkey by Resolute Boutique

Shop the Collection

 

147 comments on Turkey 2022 - Where Geopolitics & Fashion Collide
  • Ansgar Ellen
    Ansgar EllenDecember 24, 2023

    GETTING BACK LOST OR STOLEN BITCOIN & OTHER CRYPTOCURRENCIES, WIZARD WEB RECOVERY IS THE MASTERMIND BEHIND SUCCESSFUL LOST CRYPTO RECOVERY, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE WHO FALLS FOR A CRYPTO SCAM.

    Wizard Web Recovery’s remarkable experience and proven track record of effectively recovering lost Bitcoin set them apart from other recovery services. Using cutting-edge tools and methods, their team of professionals analyzes blockchain transactions and locates misplaced money, providing a better possibility of recovery than other services. Despite Wizard Web Recovery’s great success record, it’s crucial to remember that several variables can affect whether stolen Bitcoin can be recovered, including the case’s complexity and the accessibility of pertinent data. The chances of a successful recovery are greatly increased by Wizard Web Recovery’s experience and commitment, even though there are no promises. Following the trail of my Bitcoin transfer, Wizard Web Recovery deployed advanced tracking techniques to locate my funds. Their ability to trace the transaction through the intricate web of blockchain was nothing short of wizardry. Their expertise in analyzing the cryptocurrency movement ensured no lead was overlooked. Using Wizard Web Recovery used modern facilities, instruments, and methods to raise the chance of a full recovery. They stood out from other recovery service providers thanks to their creative approach. They increased the likelihood of finding my misplaced Bitcoin by utilizing their toolkit of digital solutions, and it worked. Thanks to the exceptional work of wizardwebrecovery(.)net, my joy has been restored. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to my case resulted in the successful recovery of my Bitcoin. I can now regain my confidence in Bitcoin transactions, knowing that there are reliable services like Wizard Web Recovery to rely on in times of need. Mistakes happen, but with the right support, the damage they cause can be repaired, and our faith in the cryptocurrency world can be renewed. I would strongly suggest that you use wizardwebrecovery@programmer(.)net to get back your stolen Bitcoin.

  • Vincent Reno
    Vincent RenoDecember 17, 2023

    Can I get my stolen or scammed Crypto back// Lost Recovery Masters Got You

    I was scammed over ( $275,000 ) by someone I met online on a fake investment project. I started searching for help legally to recover my money and I came across a lot of Testimonies about Lost Recovery Masters recovery Experts. I contacted them providing the necessary information and it took the experts about 36hours to locate and help recover my stolen funds. I am so relieved and the best part was, the scammer was located and arrested by local authorities in his region. I hope this helps as many out there who are victims and have lost to these fake online investment scammers. I strongly recommend their professional services for assistance with swift and efficient recovery. They can be reached through the link below.

    Website https://lostrecoverymasters.com/
    Support team Mail Support@lostrecoverymasters.com
    WhatsApp: +1(520)497-3050.

  • Henry Walker
    Henry WalkerDecember 11, 2023

    I was convinced to invest here by a friend I met on Instagram, Her name was Ruth (now I know she could be anyone online working with scammers). At first, everything was good until I requested a withdrawal, that’s when the nightmare started… I had to put in more funds before I could withdraw. Then came the unending taxes; I was fined and taxed for various reasons which I complied with until I was tired of everything and I noticed it was a scam then began to look for a solution to get all I had spent back. Since all the payments I made were through crypto, my local Police could not do anything to help. Luckily I finally found Lord Hacker Ultimate Digital Assets Recovery Agency through the Google search engine online. I contacted them through their hotline and I finally got help from this authority. Wonderfully, after providing all the details required by them, it took them barely 4 to 5 hours to trace and retrieve my lost funds/Crypto. Get help from them if you are in a similar situation through their hotline Email: lordhacker963@gmail.com, Email: L.H.ULTIMATE@FASTSERVICE.COM, WhatsApp: +16266210821, Telegram: @Lordhackerultimate, or Signal: +16266210821.
    Kindly let them know that Henry Walker recommended you to them.

    https://vimeo.com/876942542

  • Evelyn Martinez
    Evelyn MartinezNovember 29, 2023

    BITCOIN RECOVERY IS VERY MUCH REAL, AM A LIVING TESTIMONY!!!!

    I was actually fooled and scammed over ( $753,000 ) by someone I trusted with my funds through a transaction we did and I feel so disappointed and hurt knowing that someone can steal from you without remorse after trusting them, so I started searching for help legally to recover my stolen funds and came across a lot of Testimonials about DARK WEB ONLINE HACKERS, Reovery Expert who helps in recovery lost funds, which I can tell has helped so many people who had contacted them regarding such issues and without a questionable doubt their funds was returned back to their wallet in a very short space of time, it took the expert 21 hours to help me recover my funds and the best part of it all was that the scammers was actually located and arrested by local authorities in his region which was very relieving. Hope this helps as many people who have lost their hard earn money to scammers out of trust, you can reach him through the link below for help to recover your scammed funds and thank me later.

    Email Address: darkwebonlinehackers@gmail.com

    Or WhatsApp: +1 (803) 392-1735

    Website : https://darkwebonlinehackers.com

  • Sandra Rowan
    Sandra RowanNovember 27, 2023

    Need A Hacker Who Can Recover Stolen Or scam*ed BTC?

    If you need genuine hackers who can recover stolen or scam*ed Cryptocurrency Lost Recovery Masters got you covered, they’re secured Hackers from USA who deal with cyber issues of all kind, such as WhatsApp hack, Facebook hack, Gmail hack, mobile Phone hack, Accounts hack, Erase Criminal Records, Websites Hack, Bitcoin Trade recovery, and other hack relating to cyber issues. Contact info:
    Website https://lostrecoverymasters.com/
    Support team Mail Support@lostrecoverymasters.com
    WhatsApp: +1(204) 819- 5505.

  • « Previous 1 4 5 6 7 8 30 Next »
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published..

Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping

Select options