Istanbul

My husband, Yosi Asseo, was born and raised in Istanbul. His Sephardic Jewish heritage connects him back to 1492, when the Ottoman Empire opened its doors to this persecuted minority. We have been going back at least once a year for most of our marriage, as we wanted our son Daniel to connect to his heritage. I have only learned a few words of Turkish but somehow manage to shop.

Yosi and Daniel buying dried fruit treats at the Spice Bazaar
Up until recently, only horses and buggies were allowed in the streets of Buyukada, an island in the Sea of Marmaris that houses the Asseo summer home
Sunset on the Bosphorus
The best fish in the world. My favorite is Kalkan, a flat fish that is a pricey but delicious treat
Istiklal Caddesi in the old Pera district
By the Ortakoy Mosque
Buyukada donkeys