Caddebostan was on the sightseeing list I received from a classmate who had lived in Istanbul for five years. The list included many hidden gems that only locals know about, and this beach was one of them. To get there, I took a couple of bus rides from the bustling tourist areas, eventually arriving in what felt like an affluent residential neighborhood. Around me, Istanbulites were unwinding after a long day, a stark contrast to the overwhelming crowds I had left behind. As I stepped onto the promenade, I realized that the sunset had already begun.
I took out my camera and snapped a photo—perhaps like any overly eager tourist trying to capture everything in sight. As I walked past a couple gazing at the sunset, I found myself wondering what they were talking about. Traveling solo in Caddebostan, surrounded by groups of people, I felt a pang of loneliness and instinctively reached for my phone, hoping to distract myself. I started reading a Wikipedia article about a Byzantine emperor whose magnificent palace once stood in Constantinople—modern-day Istanbul.
The article detailed the life of Romanos IV Diogenes, his decisive defeat at the Battle of Manzikert, his capture by Alp Arslan, and his eventual return to Constantinople. His fate, like many deposed Byzantine emperors, was grim—blinded and removed from power. His defeat was a turning point in history, as it opened Anatolia to the nomadic tribes led by Alp Arslan, forever altering the region’s demographic and cultural landscape. Yet, despite the historical significance, the narrative didn’t captivate me. I wasn’t sure why I had chosen to read about this emperor to pass the time.
Putting my phone back in my bag, I resumed my walk, turning once more toward the glowing horizon. I decided to embrace the beauty unfolding before my eyes instead of losing myself in the story of a fallen ruler. The golden light of the setting sun soothed me as I made my way toward the bus station, ready to return to Beyoğlu, where my Airbnb awaited.”
-Casey
Casey Kim of caseykimexplores.com is an adventurous soul with a passion for exploring the world and sharing captivating stories. With a keen eye for hidden gems and a love for immersing in diverse cultures, Casey aims to inspire others through engaging travel narratives.
