My First #Islamic #Funeral

Gönül’s father died at noon on a Monday. Ideally, the family would have liked to have had his funeral the very same day, as this is the preferred way in the Islamic faith. However, at least one mourner had to fly to Turkey from Switzerland, and so it was arranged for 5pm on the Tuesday.

Cultural Conundrums #1

In Istanbul, a huge land reclamation project is nearing completion. A section of the Marmara Sea is being replaced by a park. I crossed a six-lane highway to take a look. After the highway are a pavement and a sliproad and then a café. I walked around the back of the café. There were people sitting, under sunshades, enjoying the view. It comprised a large green area, trees, and beyond that the sea. I was very confused. Why?