Istanbul — A Journey Through The Megacity | DW Documentary

Tradition, chaos, constant upheaval: This is Istanbul. Some 16 million people live in this crowded city on the Bosporus. For many, it is a center of creativity. For others, a place that swallows them up. At night, the major changes that the megacity is currently undergoing become apparent: The economic crisis is weighing on people’s minds and pocketbooks and poverty is constantly on the rise. Şevket is a cab driver. For more than 20 years, he’s been taking photo portraits of people living on the streets during his night-time journeys. His subjects now include entire families who no longer have a place to live. Towards morning, Şevket caters to people coming from the clubs, ferrying them safely home. Istanbul is famous for its party scene, but it is clearly feeling the effects of the prescribed Islamization. Şükrü is a choreographer who teaches dances that, as he says, bring out the feminine side. His students include men and women. In today’s Turkey, this kind of activity is increasingly difficult and can only be practiced in special, protected spaces. The film accompanies people who seek happiness in the city they love. Many want to preserve its former cosmopolitan flair.