M A Andrew Black and White Photography Blog

Istanbul is an ancient city that contains some truly stunning architecture. Over the years, the influences of Christianity, Islam and the Ottoman empire have helped sculped the  city into a unique place. The pictures here show the Blue Mosque – so named because of the Izmir blue tiles used in the construction of its roof,  The Haghia Sophia – one time church, one time mosque and Haydarpasa train station. At this train station, which sits on the Asian side of the Bosporous, you can catch trains to  Baghdad.

The old city of Marrakesh is lined by an interminable ochre wall. It’s only once you find a break in this barrier that you are able to swap Old Testament type alleys and derbs for wide European style boulevards. Strangely, it’s not long before you yearn to be back within its snaking confines once more.

Marrakesh is a city that shocks and surprises. The old part of town is just that – old. Almost biblical, the feel of this side of the city contrasts starkly with the wide, planned out avenues of the French quarter. Walking around here, you could easily be forgiven for thinking you were in LA or suchlike.

Koutoubia Mosque Minaret, Marrakesh, Morocco