Let us start with the premise that Istanbul is the greatest city in the world. For those not already familiar with its history, it spans millennia. Originally settled by the Greeks, strategically on the strait that connects the Black Sea to the Aegean/Mediterranean, it has had many incarnations; known by various names such as Constantinople and Byzantium over the years. These days there may be some press about the occasional and unfortunate attack, but historically that region always been familiar with conflict, whether the latest menace came from the Scythians, Hellenes, Romans, Persians, Crusaders, Ottomans, or Allied forces.

Spooky Subterranean Istanbul – nice and cool in summer though

The astute reader will raise objections – why not Rome, Paris, Shanghai, or New York? They might all stake their claims, but for me Istanbul is far more powerful as a metaphor for engineering career principles. So let’s situate ourselves there, at least psychologically. Here’s why.

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