Splendid Sunset in Istanbul

Every now and then, I truly get lucky and end up in the right spot at exactly the right time to capture a beautiful photo.

This happened to me when I visited Istanbul last month. My friend and I started walking along the sea side from Bostancı toward Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city.

It was after 6 p.m., and the sunlight was waning. Sunset was just around the corner. This perfect time, called the golden hour, occurs right around sunset and sunrise. The light tends to be softer and warmer which makes for wonderful photos.

As we walked along the Sea of Marmara, I noticed the golden yellow and orange hues appearing in the sky.

The sun’s rays reflected off the sea as we passed the boats docked at Suadiye. The bustling city appeared to be (finally) quieting down.

As we rounded a bend, I quickened my pace because I could see the sun rapidly dipping down into the sea. I told my friend I was running up ahead to get some photos.

I clambered over the wall onto the large rocks along the sea. I saw a few lone fishermen in the distance still trying their luck at getting some fish for dinner. And that was when I saw what was probably the most splendid sunset I had EVER seen in Istanbul. There was simply something special about this sunset.

The brilliant colors were outstanding. I kept taking as many photos as I could, trying to quickly check to make sure I had the right settings. I didn’t want to lose this moment.

The fishermen continued to fish, perhaps oblivious to this beautiful sunset.

Boats and gigantic shipping containers were off in the distance in the sea.

Seagulls silently flew overhead.

I watched as the sun set below the horizon, leaving behind a warm, fiery red glow in the sky.

It’s funny I had to leave Istanbul in order to return and see the best sunset in more than three years.