b'CoastsISTANBUL:Love at First SightThis captivating Turkish city sits at the crossroads of history and straddles two continents. By Parik LaxminarayanCEO & Co-FounderTourist boat on the Bosphorus in IstanbulIstanbul is an enigma. At different moments, it left me wondering whether I was in Europe, Asia, or North Africa. I am fascinated by places that are somewhat confusing, challenging, and mysterious. And Istanbul was all this. Capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires for over 1,500 years, it has tremendous historical significance. It was the center of trade, politics, and religion, and during the Ottoman era, also a center of science, culture, and arts.Geographically, Trkiye is at the center of the world. Partly in Europe and partly in Asia, Istanbul straddles two continents and, because of its long history, is a true melting pot of various cultures and civilizations from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Travelling from the airport into the city, my first impression of Istanbul was of a very organized city with European infrastructure. But when I got to the Old Town, I saw a lot of street life and street food reminiscent of Asian cities. 26 \x1a BE ENCHANTED'