{"id":594,"date":"2015-04-01T23:03:06","date_gmt":"2015-04-01T23:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/?p=594"},"modified":"2015-06-19T18:20:14","modified_gmt":"2015-06-19T18:20:14","slug":"istanbul-within-the-safety-of-a-tour-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/?p=594","title":{"rendered":"Istanbul, Day Two Within the Safety of a Tour Group"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2014both sides, east and west\u2014could 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.<\/p>\n

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Visiting Istanbul from a safe distance, amongst the crowd of tourists!<\/p><\/div>\n

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Visible above the city were tall spires and minarets of the numerous mosques. One particular adamant tour guide told us that the history of Istanbul didn\u2019t matter until the thirteen century when the Ottoman empire encompassed Constantinople.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace. The last palace used by the Sultans ended when the Caliiphate was considered unacceptable to the Westerners.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The oldest side of the city with walls to protect inhabitants from invaders.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Dolmabahce Palace entrance used by everyone.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Inner gate into the palace.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The sultan’s entrance into the palace area.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Being a part of a tour group was far different from exploring the city on our own.<\/p><\/div>\n

This day’s perspective is quite different from yesterday’s. \u00a0Within the “wall” of other tourists grouped together we are directed by a guide as to where to go and what to look at. \u00a0Similar to yesterday’s rules we’re not allowed to photograph any areas inside the palace. \u00a0 I’m unwilling to take a chance photographing a few antiques.<\/p>\n

Again, we had to remove our shoes to walk on the worn carpets. \u00a0(Unlike the sultan, our feet are unclean.) \u00a0Our guide boasted about the largest crystal chandelier in the world and the magnificent ballroom that was never used for dancing (women weren\u2019t allowed outside their private areas let alone dance with a male in public). \u00a0He 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<\/em>. \u00a0 And, he added matter-of-factly, the very young girls were taken away <\/em>from their families (Christians included) to be “educated” and trained correctly<\/em> in the ways of Allah before being presented to the males. \u00a0 If perfect enough, the men chose them as wives otherwise perhaps as concubines.<\/p>\n

I am a Christian woman belonging to my Lord and Savior. \u00a0I shudder to imagine life as a little girl stolen away from her family, for a life within this prison–however beautiful in its appearance. \u00a0Today, outside this palace, women are still imprisoned in the name of Islam, under Sharia Law.<\/p>\n

I feel overwhelming gratitude. \u00a0This quest to “find God everywhere,” brought me to a city where seeking God is demanded through outward prayers six times a day. \u00a0But instead of worshipping a loving, kind Father God “Abba” drawing all men to Himself through his Son Jesus Christ,\u00a0I heard mumbled prayers over loud speakers for a god who encourages bloodshed against those who don\u2019t believe. \u00a0Just a few hundred miles, across the border into Syria, ISIS fighters slaughter innocents in the name of Islam–convert or die.<\/p>\n

How\u00a0did the early Christians remain strong in their faith when faced with both lions and Roman soldiers? \u00a0More so, how do those refusing ISIS survive torture and death today?<\/p>\n

Naively, I once imagined Istanbul as simply an ancient city\u00a0<\/em>with a very interesting albeit somewhat mysterious history but no more. \u00a0The landscape my ancestors viewed from their deck of their ship is similar to the one I’ve experienced. \u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

I am burdened for those who will never know Him. \u00a0I pray for those suffering. \u00a0God truly is everywhere but only the Holy Spirit can change the heart of man.<\/p>\n

I’m all too eager to leave this land of war, “dust off my sandals” and enter another country–the Ukraine. \u00a0Though 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. \u00a0It is not for me to know the answers. \u00a0I 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:<\/p>\n

Matthew 13:15, \u00a0“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.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dear Lord, open my eyes to see, ears to hear, and the ability to follow the path you’ve set before me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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… <\/p>\n

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