Two cities at global cross-roads, Dubai and Istanbul. We visited Istanbul in 2013 and Dubai in 2015. I thought a comparative post on these two great metropolises would be fun and identify which has the edge ....
City Scape
Off the plane, or off the river on a cruise, both cities showcase their skylines. Dubai comes across like Hong Kong would (or perhaps Shanghai, from what I have gathered). Tall modern building shooting into the sky. From anywhere in the vicinity the Burj Khalifa sticks out like a desert plant (after which it is designed).
The word enchanting comes to mind, when one thinks of Istanbul. The series of mosques atop the hill that overlook the Bosphorus light up at dawn or dusk in a way that is unparalleled around the world.
Edge: Istanbul
Landscape
Each city offers a view that is unique. Just an hour or two drive away from Dubai you get to the desert. What an experience!
The Sultans of the Ottoman Empire ruled from atop the hillock at the Topkapi Palace for over 400 years. They enjoyed a nice view too!
Edge: Dubai
Dancescape
Deep in the desert we attended a camp in Dubai and saw fire dancers and belly dancers entertain a crowd of hundreds. Everyone was into the dancing.
The 'whirling dervish' ceremony is quite unexpected. One expects some sort of entertainment. But what one does not expect is to be 'entranced' along with the dancers.
Edge: Istanbul
Stop & Shop
The Dubai Mall is super-sized, high-end and a destination on its own. It is the second aquarium in the city in addition to the one in Palm Jumeirah. We bought some dates there recommended by our friend and were outstanding!
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is gloriously serpentine and easy to get lost in. If you did not go there with the intent of buying anything, you will end up buying something. If you went there with the intent of buying, then good luck!
Edge: Even
Moviescape
The Bhurj Khalifa is now a global icon, assisted in some small part by Tom Cruise's shooting adventures atop it for Mission Impossible.
Long before Tom Cruise, Sean Connery made the Blue Mosque famous in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Edge: Dubai
Escape
We escaped from the modern suit and tie and tried out the garb of the Sheiks and the Ottomans.
Edge: you be the judge!
Overall
These two cities were outstanding to visit. If they are not on the bucket list they should be. The the people, the energy & dynamism, the history are all quite remarkable. I have not commented on other relevant topics such as food, freedom of press, economic drivers, for reasons of brevity.
Overall, if I were to rate Dubai vs. Istanbul, I would state the following:
From today's vantage point, Istanbul offers a rich history of the ancient past and the recent past until modernity that is global and vibrant. A city hard to compete with on this count.
On history, Istanbul has the edge.
However, if one were to ask what does a modern, global city look like built on sheer will and ingenuity, that stands apart from troubles that beset the world and what the 21st century 'might' offer, then ...
Dubai has the edge.
City Scape
Off the plane, or off the river on a cruise, both cities showcase their skylines. Dubai comes across like Hong Kong would (or perhaps Shanghai, from what I have gathered). Tall modern building shooting into the sky. From anywhere in the vicinity the Burj Khalifa sticks out like a desert plant (after which it is designed).
The word enchanting comes to mind, when one thinks of Istanbul. The series of mosques atop the hill that overlook the Bosphorus light up at dawn or dusk in a way that is unparalleled around the world.
Edge: Istanbul
Landscape
Each city offers a view that is unique. Just an hour or two drive away from Dubai you get to the desert. What an experience!
The Sultans of the Ottoman Empire ruled from atop the hillock at the Topkapi Palace for over 400 years. They enjoyed a nice view too!
Edge: Dubai
Dancescape
Deep in the desert we attended a camp in Dubai and saw fire dancers and belly dancers entertain a crowd of hundreds. Everyone was into the dancing.
The 'whirling dervish' ceremony is quite unexpected. One expects some sort of entertainment. But what one does not expect is to be 'entranced' along with the dancers.
Edge: Istanbul
Stop & Shop
The Dubai Mall is super-sized, high-end and a destination on its own. It is the second aquarium in the city in addition to the one in Palm Jumeirah. We bought some dates there recommended by our friend and were outstanding!
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is gloriously serpentine and easy to get lost in. If you did not go there with the intent of buying anything, you will end up buying something. If you went there with the intent of buying, then good luck!
Edge: Even
Moviescape
The Bhurj Khalifa is now a global icon, assisted in some small part by Tom Cruise's shooting adventures atop it for Mission Impossible.
Long before Tom Cruise, Sean Connery made the Blue Mosque famous in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Edge: Dubai
Escape
We escaped from the modern suit and tie and tried out the garb of the Sheiks and the Ottomans.
Edge: you be the judge!
Overall
These two cities were outstanding to visit. If they are not on the bucket list they should be. The the people, the energy & dynamism, the history are all quite remarkable. I have not commented on other relevant topics such as food, freedom of press, economic drivers, for reasons of brevity.
Overall, if I were to rate Dubai vs. Istanbul, I would state the following:
From today's vantage point, Istanbul offers a rich history of the ancient past and the recent past until modernity that is global and vibrant. A city hard to compete with on this count.
On history, Istanbul has the edge.
However, if one were to ask what does a modern, global city look like built on sheer will and ingenuity, that stands apart from troubles that beset the world and what the 21st century 'might' offer, then ...
Dubai has the edge.
6 comments:
Very nice
It’s funny, whenever I see the Istanbul skyline I think of that Bond movie. It left an impression of the city being dark, decadent and dangerous. I suppose since the rise of Erdogan, it may only be dangerous today.
As for the native dress… I’d go with the Bedouin garb… and a large harem in the shot would have cinched it!
nice comparison
I feel that istanbul has mystery and it looks like a page from the old comic/story books and Dubai is absolutely new place with new architecture .
Pat and I enjoy your posts and travel.
This is terrific….especially of you in costume. You make a very impressive Sheikh and an even more impressive Sultan. Dubai is now on my list. Thanks.
Great pics and story.
It was a close contest.
I think the Ottoman along with the Young Turk wins the war with the Sheik.
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