Five random ways in which Istanbul is like the Minnesota State Fair

August 25, 2015 · by · in Istanbul · Leave a comment

I often think of the sorts of things I might be doing if we were back in Minneapolis. At this time of year, that answer is pretty simple: Going to the State Fair.

I’ll be missing out on this quintessentially Midwestern phenomenon this year, but I’m trying to convince myself it’s for the best. After all, my arteries are thrilled and the reverse culture shock might be a bit much.

Fortunately for me, this week I’ll be briefly visiting Istanbul, another chaotic, magnetic place that has similar-enough features to create a State Fair-like experience on the other side of the globe:

HEADS CARVED OUT OF BUTTER

butter-collage

Minnesota State Fair (left). Istanbul (right).

HUMAN TRAFFIC JAMS
Crowds of people at the Minnesota State Fair.

Minnesota State Fair. Photo credit: Drew Geraets (Flickr)

İstiklâl Caddesi

Istanbul. Photo credit: Alex Berger (Flickr)

CORN ON THE COB STANDS
Corn-cob-stand

Minnesota State Fair (gotta love the “ice cold pop” sign too). Photo credit: Bernard Pollack (Flickr).

Istanbul-corn

Istanbul

ABUNDANCE OF SUGARY CARBS
Mini donuts

Minnesota State Fair. Photo credit: Sharyn Morrow (Flickr)

Tulumba

Istanbul. Photo credit: Robyn Lee (Flickr)

LIVESTOCK ON THE STREET
A friend of ours has even encountered chickens on the metro. Straight out of Borat.
Cow on the street.

Minnesota State Fair. Photo credit: Steve Baker (Flickr)

chicken-istanbul

Istanbul

 Didn’t expect any of this to happen, but I’m loving it.
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