Istanbul
From Turkey Travel Guide
(+90) 216 (Asian side)
Istanbul (Turkish:İstanbul) is a city in the Marmara Region of Turkey. İstanbul is not the official but the cultural and economic capital of Turkey. For centuries, Istanbul has been viewed as a bridge linking East and West, a city literally connecting Europe with Asia over the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul is a city of contrasts, ranging from multi-million dollar apartments overlooking the Kanyon Shopping Mall in Levent to still-inhabited old wooden Ottoman houses lining the Bosphorus and in the back streets of poorer neighbourhoods. Although corner markets and supermarkets can be found in all areas, weekly Bazaars still dictate the shopping routines of many Istanbulites,while modern clubs and bars sit alongside historic sites like the Galata Tower on Istiklal Caddesi. As Europe's biggest city, with a population estimated at 13-20 million people, and an area of over 1, 800 square kilometers, there's a lot of Istanbul to explore. In 2010, Istanbul became, along with Pecs, Hungary, and Essen, Germany, one of the European Capitals of Culture.
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[edit] History
Istanbul’s history goes back to 300 thousand years ago. The city has gone through so many wars and been rebuilt many times over the centuries. Today’s Istanbul city was founded by Byzas the Megarian in the 7th century BC. Named as Byzantium, the city became a trade centre for the next thousand years. In 193 AD it was conquered by Emperor Septimius Severius and suffered serious damage. Rebuilt by Emperor Severius and regained its prestige as a commercial centre. In the 4th century, Byzantium was selected as the new capital of Roman Empire by Constantine I and renamed as Nova Roma which became Constantinopolis in the late eras. The rebuilt city became an international commerce, culture and diplomacy centre. After living a golden age under Emperor Justinyen’s reign, the city was conquered by the Crusaders in 1204. It was destroyed again and lost its popularity. In 1261 Byzantium took over the control of the city but they were not strong enough this time and the city was conquered by Turks in 1453. After a 53-day siege, Ottoman Emperor Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror proclaimed that the Constantinople was now the new capital of the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Mehmed began to rebuild the city and tried to form a cosmopolitan society where Muslims, Christians and Jews had religious freedom as well as equal social rights. He created Grand Bazaar and revived economic activity. He enriched city with various architectural monuments, such as a new palace called Topkapı Palace and mosques like Fatih Camii. The reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, from 1520 to 1566, was considered the greatest of all the Ottoman leaders. By then Istanbul hosted great artistic and architectural developments with the works of famous architect Mimar Sinan.
By the end of World War I, the city was occupied by troops and the once-great empire was collapsing. Turkish Republic was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who was considered as a hero after War of Independence. By then the capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara and the city remained as the commercial and cultural centre only. By the beginning of 1970’s, so many people from Anatolia migrated to the city and the population began to increase. As of today, Istanbul is one of the world’s most populated city and an international commerce and cultural centre.
[edit]
Located in the north-west Marmara Region of Turkey, the city covers 39 districts of the Istanbul province. The Bosphorus Strait between Marmara and Black Sea seperates the city into two continents as Asia and Europe. Istanbul covers an area of 1,830.93 square kilometres.
[edit] Weather
Istanbul’s weather can not be easily predicted but the climate can be considered as mild. City’s inhabitants experience all four seasons; a short Spring with temperature surprises, a sunny Summer, a long Autumn with temperature decrease and a cold Winter with rain and snow. The weather is somehow sunshine dominant even during cold Winter days.
(°F)
(48)
(49)
(53)
(62)
(70)
(79)
(83)
(83)
(77)
(68)
(59)
(51)
(°F)
(38)
(38)
(40)
(47)
(54)
(62)
(67)
(67)
(61)
(54)
(47)
(42)
(inches)
(3.3)
(2.6)
(2.3)
(1.8)
(1.2)
(1.0)
(1.0)
(1.3)
(1.4)
(2.9)
(3.5)
(4.0)
[edit] Getting there
[edit] By plane
Istanbul has two airports; one located in European side, Istanbul Atatürk International Airport and the other one located in Asian side Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Atatürk Airport is 20 km far away from the city centre and there are various options for transportation from the airport. You can either take a cab or the express bus service called “Havaş” which is run by the airport service. It departs every half an hour and costs cheaper than the taxi if you need to go to Taksim. If you do not mind time and do not have big luggage to carry around, you can also take the city bus called IETT bus ( line 96T) or metro to the city centre. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on the Anatolian shore of Istanbul at Pendik, Kurtköy and is 50 km far away from the city centre Taksim. Taxi option is available but quite expensive if you need to go to central Istanbul. You can take the train or IETT public transportation. Also Havaş services are available from the airport.
[edit] By train
There are two different railway transportations to Istanbul; one is from Europe and the other one is from Middle East. There’s an old station in Sirkeci, close to Sultanahmet which is a terminal for international trains from across Europe, including the famous Orient Express in the history. Here’s a list of international trains to and from Sirkeci:
Train connection between Turkey and European countries is provided mutually with the Bosphorus Express serving between Istanbul-Bucharest (Romania) -Istanbul everyday. There’s a daily train service between Istanbul-Thessalonica (Greece)-Istanbul. Connections between Istanbul-Sofia (Bulgaria) and Istanbul-Belgrade (Serbia) are available with Balkan Express and Bosphorus Express. Further information on daily schedules and price lists are available at Turkish State Railways’ official website [1] If you arrive in Sirkeci Train Station and need to get to the Asian side, you can use the ferry across Bosphorus. Here’s a list of international trains to and from Haydarpaşa Train Station which is also an old historical terminal: Weekly trains are serving between Haydarpaşa-Tehran (Iran) and they consist couchette cars. There’s one more train service with 1st class couchette cars available once a week between Van-Tabriz-Van. Railway connection between Iran and Syria is carried on by a passenger train, passing by Turkey and serves between Tehran-Damascus once a week.
[edit] By car
[edit] By bus
[edit] By boat
[edit] Getting around
Akbil: The most convenient way to get around in Istanbul is by purchasing an Akbil (akilli billet, or smart ticket), a reloadable metal button loaded onto a plastic key fob which you can attach to your keychain. Purchasing an Akbil will save you time and money. Many buses require the use of an Akbil; if you don't have one, you must pay the driver, who will lend you his for an extra 25 cents above normal fare. Discount - Using an Akbil will give you a 50% discount (normally 75 cents) on any second trip taken within 90 minutes of the first voyage.
[edit] By car
[edit] By public transport
Tram Istanbul has an extensive array of public transportation options. For most tourists, the most convenient method of public transportation will be the T1 tram line which passes connects Sultanahmet with Kabatas (for the funicular to Taksim), Yusufpasa (for transfers to the M1 airport line) and the Grand Bazaar. Each trip on the tram costs 1.50TL one way. As the trams carry a large number of commuters, they can get very crowded, especially at rush hour.
Bus Istanbul also has a large number of public buses traveling throughout the city. Bus schedules and departure places can be found on the IETT website [2]. Each bus trip costs 1.50TL one way unless it is exceptionally long trip or the bus crosses on of the Bosphorous bridges. It can difficult to navigate with the bus unless you have a rough idea of where you're going, but drivers will generally be able to help you find your stop if you ask (although few of them will speak any English).
Ferry Ferry boats cross the Bosphorous at several places in the city as well as running Bosphrous tours during the summer months. Istanbul's municipal ferries are operated by IDO, with the routes most commonly used by tourists including Kadikoy-Eminonu, Uskudar-Eminonu, and Kadikoy-Haydarpasa-Karakoy. A trip across the Bosphorus takes around 20 minutes by ferry and each ride costs 1.50TL. IDO ferries also connect Kabatas and Kadikoy with the Prince's Islands.
[edit] By foot
Istanbul is an enormous city but many of the main sights are clustered in a few areas, making walking a practical option in many of neighborhoods most likely to be visited by the casual visitor. Walking is the best way to explore Sultanahmet and one can get from Sultanahmet to Eminonu by walking downhill or go from Sultanahmet to the Grand Bazaar by walking west if the trams are too crowded and you don't mind walking for around 20-30 minutes at a time. Taksim's main street, Istiklal Caddesi, is pedestrian only (in theory anyway) save for the antique tram, so walking here is really the only way to travel!
[edit] By bike
Biking is not advisable for the casual visitor as Istanbul drivers are quite aggressive and not used to seeing bikers on the road. The only safe areas to bike around in are on the Prince's Islands (you can rent bikes once you reach the islands) and the pedestrian coastal areas near Moda on the Asian side.
[edit] Neighborhoods
- Adalar (Princes' Islands)
- Balat
- Bebek
- Beylerbeyi
- Beyoğlu
- Fatih
- Galata
- Kadıköy
- Kabataş
- Sarıyer
- Sultanahmet
- Şile
- Üsküdar
[edit] See
Istanbul is a unique city where Eastern culture meets Western culture and there are so many places to see in this big metropolis. The region around Sultanahmet, also known as Old Town, hosts historical monuments and great architecture. Here’s a must see list in this area: Süleymaniye and Sultan Ahmet ( also known as Blue Mosque) are impressive creations of both Turkish and Islamic world with classical Ottoman style. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is a must see museum which was built as an Orthodox basilica in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian. In 1453, when the city was conquered by Ottoman Turks, it was converted to a mosque. Now it is one of the most impressive museums in the world with its magnificent mosaics. Topkapı Palace is one of the world’s largest and oldest palace which was the official residence for Ottoman Sultans for about 400 years. With its famous harem and exotic buildings full of treasures, the palace is a complex of four main courtyards. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with thousands of shops inside. It’s well known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices, handcrafts and carpets. Beyoğlu (Pera District) is another major area to visit, mostly famous for shopping and entertainment life. The fish restaurants in Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı) are famous for food and entertainment. Dolmabahçe Palace offers a beautiful view of Bosphorus with its gardens by the water. It was built as a second residence to the Sultan Abdulmecid mid 19th century. The founder of Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has died in this palace on November 10, 1938 at 9.05 am and now it’s a museum. You can also take the ferry for a lovely Bosphorus tour or go to the Princes' Islands which are more pleasant during nice weather. Riding the phaeton in these islands are lots of fun. Anatolian side of Istanbul is residential area only. There are nothing interesting as historical meanings but Baghdad Street (Bağdat Caddesi) is famous for shopping and brand stores.
[edit] Do
Take a day trip to the Polish village Polonezköy.
[edit] Events and Festivals
Istanbul offers hundreds of special events throughout the year. The international music, film and arts festivals are major events, attracting professionals from all around the world. Most of the festivals are held during the summer time when outdoor conditions are more available.
Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts [3] organizes international film festival, international music festival and international jazz festival once a year, as well as international theater festival and biennial every two years.
Founded in 2001, the !f Istanbul AFM International Independent Film Festival [4] is Turkey’s first and only festival dedicated to independent cinema. Every February, it hosts independent filmmakers from around the world.
Turkey's national holidays and festivals, such as; April 23 National Sovereignty and International Children's Day, October 29 Turkish Republic Day, August 30 Victory Day, May 19 Atatürk Remembrance, Youth and Sports Day are celebrated with events. Religious festivals Ramadan (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast) lasts for three days and Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice) lasts for four days.
[edit] Eat
Istanbul is a great place for restaurant dining with different options for any kind of budget. Turkish cuisine's delicious tastes are offered with a rich variety of sidewalk cafes or upscale restaurants. Famous Sultanahmet Köftecisi offers traditional style meatballs (grilled meatballs of lamb) with great taste. Another famous place for roasted and grilled meats is Hamdi Et Lokantası which has a wonderful view of Eminönü, Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn. This restaurant's kebaps and variety of meze (hors d'oeuvres) are delicious tastes. The cheapest seafood in the city is under the Galata Bridge in Eminönü, where you can have a delicious traditional fish and bread sandwich. Kumkapı Restaurants offer excellent fish dishes with entertainment. In Beyoglu, there are basic eateries, smooth restaurants, trendy bistrots, cafes, and pastry-shops for every taste. Hacı Abdullah restaurant is a great symbol of Beyoğlu’s history with Ottoman style. Another great restaurant with delicious Anatolian dishes is Galata KivaHAN which is located at Galata Tower area of Beyoğlu.
[edit] Drink
Turkish rakı is the most famous traditional alcoholic drink. It's non-sweet, anise-flavored drink which is similar to Greek ouzo and French pastis. When mixed with ice or water, it turns milky white and that's why Turks call it lion's milk. As for non-alcoholic drinks, traditional Turkish tea and coffee are very popular drinks. Ayran is a yogurt based drink. Sahlep and boza are also non-alcholic popular drinks during winter time.
[edit] Sleep
[edit] Budget
[edit] Mid-Range
istanbul!place apartments - holiday apartments with elegance and character in the historical district of Beyoglu.
[edit] Upscale
[edit] Work
[edit] Learn
TÖMER Language School [5] is one of the leading institutions in Turkey. It's a part of Ankara University and has a total of 10 branches around Turkey: Ankara Kızılay, Ankara Tunalı Hilmi, İstanbul, İzmir, Bursa, Antalya, Alanya, Trabzon, Samsun, and Denizli.
[edit] Keep connected
[edit] Internet
[edit] Phone
Phone code for Istanbul is +90 (212) for European side of the city and +90 (216)for the Asian side.
[edit] Post
The post office on İstiklal Street, Beyoğlu PTT is the most convenient one for tourists. It's located at Tomtom Mah. Yeniçarşı Tosbağa Sok. No:22 in Beyoğlu and the phone number is +90-212- 243 3343.
[edit] Safety
Istanbul can be a very dangerous city and for emergency you can dial 155 or +90-212-635 0000 for police department. (Istanbul Emniyet Mudurlugu [6] )
[edit] Stay Healthy
Florence Nightingale Hastanesi [7] is located in Şişli with phone number: +90-212-224 4950.
Haydarpaşa Numune Hastanesi [8] is located in Haydarpaşa, Kadıköy and its phone number is +90-216-345 4680.
Metropolitan Florence Nightingale Hastanesi [9] is located in Gayrettepe with phone number +90-212-288 3400.
İstanbul Memorial Hastanesi [10] has the phone number +90-212-314 6666.
Haseki Hastanesi [11] -Phone# +90-212-529 4400.
Kadıköy Şifa Hastanesi [12] -Phone# +90-216-449 2222.
Alman Hastanesi [13] -Phone# +90-212-293 2150.
International Hospital İstanbul [14] -Phone# +90-212-663 3000.
Amerikan Hastanesi [15] -Phone# +90-212-311 2000.
[edit] Books
[edit] External links
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