the gallery: men

On a recent trip to Istanbul, something that really stood out was the Turkish men. At first they looked rugged and stern but it seems that's just the outside. Apparently Turkish men are known to be very family-focused and comfortably in touch with their sensitive side (I understand it's not uncommon for two young male friends to walk arm in arm down the street). I love these four pictures, which, to me, all show a touch of sensitivity (or even femininity) and tell a little story...
This was taken in Galata just near closing time. I love how relaxed he is and the contrast of the yellow flowers against the beer crates and big, burly motor bike. 

I was waiting for Will (who was in line to buy Turkish coffee outside the Spice Market) when this man stood next to me. He had stepped aside his stall to enjoy his afternoon tea. Despite being a metal-wares seller and sporting spiky facial hair, he loves tea with the standard two white sugar cubes, stirred slowly and delicately in a dainty cup and floral saucer - like most of the other Turkish men we came across. 

This little angel had been screaming for the previous five minutes in Hagia Sofia. Her dad knew what exactly what to do, though, holding her gently until she eventually fell asleep.

This guy was great. We had just bought from him a bag of fresh pistachio nuts to snack on. He was so smily and friendly, I just had to have a photo of him. Well, he loved that idea, enthusiastically smiled and gave us a few free samples (apricots, dates...)! Before we left he dug out his brag book - full of photos of celebrity customers - and flipped to a photo of him with Sting - I love that he's in sunglasses and a cap! - and proudly asked "know him?!".

Do you know any Turkish men? What are they like? Tara Cain sets a theme each week for you, me, and anybody else who'd like to take part and share our pictures with each other in 'The Gallery' project. Photos: Heidi Adnum