Europe, Turkey
In September 2002 the Monkey fulfilled one of his longstanding dreams: visiting the magnificent Aya Sofia in Istanbul, Turkey. Words and even photos fail to depict the sense of wonder at this ancient, incomprehensibly enormous church/mosque/museum. A real treat.Istanbul’s greatest Byzantine remnant: Aya Sofia
Europe, Turkey
As the song says, it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople. But some of the city’s main attractions do derive from the days when, under its former moniker, this stunning city succeeded Rome as a center of influence and power. Here the Monkey looks at a few marvels from the age of Constantinople.Some remnants of Constantinople
Special features, Schlepp travels, United States, Belgium, Serbia, Turkey
Whenever possible, the Schlepps like to hit the road with their friend, the Monkey. In these photos from 2002 and 2003, a few of the Schlepps visit unique spots in Belgium, Turkey, the United States, and what was then Yugoslavia (now Serbia).Schlepp travels: Episode 3
Recommended reading
A Concise Historical Atlas of Eastern Europe
Dennis P. Hupchick and Harold E. Cox (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1996)
Any traveler knows the importance of a good map. This handy book provides a slew of historical maps that help illuminate the complicated contours of the various Balkan empires and states, providing a foundation for deeper understanding of Eastern European history.
The Balkans: A Short History
Mark Mazower (New York: Modern Library Paperback, 2002)
As the title says, a short history of the Balkan region. A helpful intro to this corner of Europe.
The Balkans: Nationalism, War, and the Great Powers, 1804-1999
Misha Glenny (New York: Penguin, 2001)
A rather epic undertaking by a former BBC correspondent for Central Europe, this book traces the tumultuous two centuries of the Balkan states’ struggles for independence from the Ottoman Empire, the emergence of pan-Slavic tendencies and their tribulations, and the reign of various regimes of the right and left during the 20th Century. A worthwhile read—don’t let its dimensions frighten you…
Rough Guide to Turkey
Marc Dubin and Terry Richardson (London: Rough Guides, 2010)
The Rough Guides are among the best of the general travel guides. The Monkey has been known to consult them on occasion….
Contact
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