“On October 29, 1923, the Turkish constitution was amended and Turkey became a republic. This formally declared the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. Republic Day is celebrated throughout Turkey every year. Also, there is a fireworks show in the Bosphorus.”
Most of the sights of Istanbul, we would come to learn, are also closed on Republic Day. We chose to spend this day rug shopping, as the rug shop and the bazaar the shop was in were open. However, it did prove interesting getting the rugs back to the Asian side of Istanbul (where Alexander’s apt is) from the European side (where the rug shop is). Because of the fireworks, the ferries stopped running early, and we ended up having to take a (fairly expensive) cab ride to get home. This was certainly one of our most adventurous days!
