Wednesday 1 July 2015

At The Turkish Market

At the Turkish Market implies that there is only one, when in fact there are several. This one, however, is the largest, the oldest, and therefore the most famous. In my book, it's on the Top Ten List of things to do for any tourist visiting Berlin. Alas, only few do, which, let's face it, is not just a curse, it's also blessing for I'm sure if all those marketeers started to cater to tourists this Berlin institution would lose at least some of its fascination. That said, the most common languages heard at the market are Turkish and English, but that's because the market is located in a neighborhood which, traditionally, is an immigrant stronghold (the Bermuda Triangle between Kreuzberg and Neukölln, an area which has come to be dubbed as Kreuzkölln), although its ethnic composition has changed in recent years from Arab-Turkish to international. 

Kreuzberg and Neukölln are home to people from 187 countries and well over 100 religious congregations. All that is reflected in the market and visiting it is an experience in itself, and one that is truly not to be missed! Though the market is a feast for any eye, it goes without saying that its smells and its soundtrack are also very much part of the experience even though that doesn't come across on photos ... 






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