Istanbul, Day Two Within the Safety of a Tour Group

The second full day we chose to see Istanbul via passenger ferry with other tourists on the Bosphorous. Though I dislike tour groups, seeing the shores of this city—both sides, east and west—could be safely done from a luxury bus and open air ferry. With only two days to see this city, and needing to experience as much as possible, this was the best (and safest) possible solution.

This day’s perspective is quite different from yesterday’s.  Within the “wall” of other tourists grouped together we are directed by a guide as to where to go and what to look at.  Similar to yesterday’s rules we’re not allowed to photograph any areas inside the palace.   I’m unwilling to take a chance photographing a few antiques.

Again, we had to remove our shoes to walk on the worn carpets.  (Unlike the sultan, our feet are unclean.)  Our guide boasted about the largest crystal chandelier in the world and the magnificent ballroom that was never used for dancing (women weren’t allowed outside their private areas let alone dance with a male in public).  He explained the misconceptions surrounding “harems”, proudly discussed the advantages these women enjoyed, and how they had opportunities to become wives of either the sultan, his leaders or other highly esteemed men within the sultan’s inner circle.   And, he added matter-of-factly, the very young girls were taken away from their families (Christians included) to be “educated” and trained correctly in the ways of Allah before being presented to the males.   If perfect enough, the men chose them as wives otherwise perhaps as concubines.

I am a Christian woman belonging to my Lord and Savior.  I shudder to imagine life as a little girl stolen away from her family, for a life within this prison–however beautiful in its appearance.  Today, outside this palace, women are still imprisoned in the name of Islam, under Sharia Law.

I feel overwhelming gratitude.  This quest to “find God everywhere,” brought me to a city where seeking God is demanded through outward prayers six times a day.  But instead of worshipping a loving, kind Father God “Abba” drawing all men to Himself through his Son Jesus Christ, I heard mumbled prayers over loud speakers for a god who encourages bloodshed against those who don’t believe.  Just a few hundred miles, across the border into Syria, ISIS fighters slaughter innocents in the name of Islam–convert or die.

How did the early Christians remain strong in their faith when faced with both lions and Roman soldiers?  More so, how do those refusing ISIS survive torture and death today?

Naively, I once imagined Istanbul as simply an ancient city with a very interesting albeit somewhat mysterious history but no more.  The landscape my ancestors viewed from their deck of their ship is similar to the one I’ve experienced.  The Caliphate is openly practiced (convert or die); various Islamic tribes still kill one another in the name of Muhammed; and males dominate every area of life.

I am burdened for those who will never know Him.  I pray for those suffering.  God truly is everywhere but only the Holy Spirit can change the heart of man.

I’m all too eager to leave this land of war, “dust off my sandals” and enter another country–the Ukraine.  Though it too is in the midst of a war it didn’t chose, I’m ready to experience it and find God where He reveals himself.  It is not for me to know the answers.  I just need to remember it is God who sees everything; knows who we really are; yet, in spite of all our sins, He is ready to forgive…if we just come to him:

Matthew 13:15,  “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”

Dear Lord, open my eyes to see, ears to hear, and the ability to follow the path you’ve set before me.