It was a long day of wandering. And I learned quickly that
fast befriending Turks, even those that are innocuous in their gestures
of friendship, are, in all likelihood, drawing you to their carpet
casbahs. Exiting is challenging.

So, you simply go. That works.

I met with a art dealer who struck me from the very opening of the encounter.
I found his shop walking into the Old Bazaar — but more interestingly,
I connected with his little display in the hotel lobby. It’s sophisticated offerings — 18th / 19th century calligraphy. We sat and talked about Istanbul, the written word, calligraphy, the Ottomans, sipping tea, as darkness fell over the city.

I will go back…There is much to study in these offerings.