Istanbul 19

May 29th

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Passing by the Dolmabahce Palace on May 29th enroute to Beyoglu, we came across an interesting looking parade. We had no way of knowing what was going on as we were the only foreign visitors around. We naturally had to follow to find out.

Security was tight. Just beyond this point all male spectators were being frisked and questioned by police. Any women and children, including Jean and myself were allowed to pass without hindrance.

After much waiting around a cavalcade of cars carrying armed security men swooped in and out hopped someone who could only have been a politician. He was warmly received by the locals but his speech dragged on so long we finally had to give up on seeing events through to their conclusion.

This friendly group of 'ancient mariners' were what all the fuss was about. They half told half mimed the information that they were going to haul the boat from the riverside across a major road and up to the football stadium What no amount of mime could get across to us was the reason why! We had a lovely time trying to fathom it out though.

The center of attention was, this gentleman. We later found out he represented Sultan Mehmet ll. aka the Conqueror. On this day in 1453 following a siege which lasted 54 days he and his men landed at this spot the sight of the very cove the last of the Ottoman's had filled to produce their gardens at the Dolmabahce (filled garden) Palace.

So why were our new friends waiting to drag a boat overland? Well, the Byzantine inhabitants of Constantinople had prevented the infidel Mehmet from attacking from the Golden Horn by blocking the entrance with heavy chain. He had his seamen drag the boats ashore then haul them by night, on rollers and slides into the Golden Horn - and the rest as they say 'is history'.

His son was Suleyman the Magnificent and I thank that other magnificent Suleyman (Cakir) of Cappadocia Tours for solving this mystery for us.

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