It was a day rich with experiences in Istanbul. First stop: the Dolmabahce Sarayi (Palace). As the largest palace in Istanbul it housed the last of the Sultans (six of them to be precise) from 1856 to 1922, and served as the seat of the government during that period. This 485,000 square foot palace is the definition of opulence. Crystal chandeliers and staircases, gold leaf almost everywhere that it could be affixed to something, and rich furnishings and appointments dazzle the eye at every turn; the main hall is home to the second largest chandelier in the world, it simply boggles the mind. Now a museum it serves as a reminder of how quickly things move from usefulness to relic. "Things" I am saying, not people. In stark relief to this grand palace was the image of a lone soldier that caught my eye as we waited for entrance to the palace. He was making his way around the outer grounds, no doubt walking his "beat." In the traditional uniform of the palace guards employed in the service of the Sultan when the palace was the bustling center of earthly power for the Ottoman Empire, now this guard roams quietly through the grounds of a museum. There is no one here to guard, nothing to defend against (save perhaps the occasional obnoxious tourist), no mission really - other than to serve as part of the environment. His rounds displayed a rather casual gait without much purpose or attentiveness. It is a symbol for me of how often we may find ourselves guarding that which doesn't really have much value. Yes, the Dolmabahce Sarayi is filled with "valuable" things (at least by the monetary standards of the world) but it does not possess the heart and soul and life beat of important, critical work. The image of this is a call for each one of us to always seek to spend our precious, and all too brief life energies on that which can bring life and hope and peace to others. Beware of hollow commitments to what is not of real value; may our journeys be purposeful, our steps be marked by the definition of the truly important work that is ours today: to treat others with the kindness, respect, and love with which we would want to be treated.
Our next stop was the 500 Year Jewish Museum, then the Military Museum, and finally a wonderful dinner with a business leader and a Mayor of Istanbul (pictured right) in the home of the business leader. More on that remarkable dinner tomorrow. It was indeed a rich and rewarding day, the journey building awareness and new friendships which give definition and purpose to life. Peace to all.
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