Istanbul. A special world city in normal times … extra special in late Ramadan. First time experiencing fasting, iftar and Ramadan prayers here. Three nights and three storied, legendary mosques – Süleymaniye, the Blue Mosque and the new and huge Çamlıca Masjid. Thanks Zafer-Bey, CEO and Baskan of TWF and the ever reliable Murat, Khazanah alums, for having us, and to meet the impressive team at TWF; stay the noble course, InsyaAllah. And my dear brother Atilla, hosting iftar not once, but twice! Time still to squeeze in the streets, the galleries, the Bosphorus, the new airport, SALT Galata, cats of Istanbul, Hamdi, and the peerless Hagia Sophia and more! Huzun, contemplative and still shimmering even after, or more so, after 2000+ years; one of a handful of eternal cities! MasyaAllah. Alhamdullilah 🙏🏽🙌🏽 🐈 🕌🌷  

31 May 2019