Najeb story about Istanbul

Once leaving the International Airport Kemal Ataturk, Istanbul, Turkey, Friday (15/04/2011) 22.30, Najeb began.

Taxi driver's body fat, "My weight was 110 pounds. But I am healthy," he said, as teacher of world history course. He was so aware of the history of his city, his country.

"You know, in the year 330 AD, Istanbul, uh it's called the Byzantine period, became part of the Roman Empire. Emperor Constantine, later known as Constantine the Great chose the town by the beach, right in front of the mouth of the Strait of Bosporus, the strait connecting the Black Sea and Sea Marmara-and make it as the capital of the Roman Empire. Byzantine replace Rome in Italy which he considers is not magic anymore, "he said.

Just a moment take a deep breath, Najeb continued. "Byzantium by Emperor Constantine converted to Constantinople, as the name suggests. What he means, his city of Constantine. At that time, the Eastern Roman Empire, to distinguish the Western Roman Empire centered in Rome, enjoying the glory. Flourished Christianity spread in all directions region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Building the church was built in everywhere, "he said.

"But, all that is to expire. The Roman Empire was replaced by the Ottoman Empire or maybe you are more familiar with the name of the Ottoman. According to history, the name was changed to Istanbul Constantinople, his name is today. Region of Turkey in his prime is not lost with the triumph of the Roman Empire. Even , may be more widespread. Just imagine, the area extending from Egypt who became the most southern region until in Hungary, in the north. On the west from Morocco to Iraq in the east, "continued Najeb.

Najeb suddenly opened the glass door of the car. I do not know for what purpose. Once the window opens, cold wind immediately rushed into the car. Najeb then immediately closed it again.

"Long story if I continue. Tomorrow's say you walk to see Roman and Ottoman heritage, until now still remain beautiful. Do not forget to come to the Blue Mosque. The mosque is so beautiful. There are many others. Do not forget to eat kebab as well, bath Turkish style, the way to the big market, there are many good things, beautiful craft ...," said Najeb shut like a tour guide only.

Kemal Ataturk

"Well, today may be regarded as the work of Kemal Ataturk. He was the father of our nation. It was he who unites Turkey with the birth of modern Turkey, if not wrong in 1923, replacing a faded empire, a group that lost the First World War ended the year 1917. Are not you ...," he said, not sure of his own words.

As already are written, Turkey is a country with two faces and the Asia-Europe-like repeat its history, had once been the capital of the Roman Empire. Now even so, Turkey still faces two: Europe and Asia. He continues to strive to become part of the European Union even though most of its territory is in Asia. As if Turkey does not want to lose that greatness is the greatness of the Ottoman or Roman Empire.

Although it can be said 99 percent of its population (about 70 million) is Muslim, secular life is rife. Entertainment Western model is easy to find, everywhere, because so many tourists from the West. Tourists from the East, like China, Japan, and Korea, is also abundant. Lively nightlife, complete with belly dance are looking tourists.

However, any face, many people say, Turkey became an example how to integrate the values ​​of democracy with Islam. Turkey is now the reference countries in the Middle East region who are grappling with the demands of change. Perhaps the way Turkey will be the choice of those countries, like Libya. In fact, amid the onslaught of NATO troops on Libya, Turkey offered to mediate settlement of heat.

"Well, this is Turkey. Congratulations to enjoy this beautiful Istanbul. Do not forget to watch belly dancing," Najeb said with a chuckle when I got in the hotel.