Istanbul Friendly

Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

Thursday, 16 July 2015

Istanbul can be a stressful city. If you are living in Istanbul for a long time, you feel urgent need to massages. Of course, everyone who comes to visit Istanbul for whatever time can benefit from relaxing massages.

I've been a couple of massage parlours, all of which were downstairs of a city hotel. I haven't been to independent massage parlours, because I have a feeling that the quality will be better not to defame the hotel itself.

Talimhane hotels

There are many hotels at Talimhane, most of which looks luxurious. So, I had kept away from them, until my family bought me a massage from a discount web site. I made a reservation at an incorrect hotel. Then I met "Avantgarde Hotel". The massage was fine, the parlous was a little bit complex and crowded. Then I found the correct hotel: Ramada Hotel (Talimhane, not Pangalti). This time parlour was better and the massage was very good.

Both of the hotels above hire at least one East Asian masseuse. The prices were rather economic, compared to the services (massage, sauna, pool, herbal tea). I haven't tried other hotels yet, but I think the prices and the services won't change dramatically.

Almost all the city hotel like Talimhane hotels, Taksim hotels, Pera Hotels and Sultanahmet hotels have SPA centres inside them. If you are staying farther than the city centre, such as at Avcilar hotels or airport hotels, you should look for more elaborated SPA centres and fitness centres to make the most of your time.

Iskender Kebap

Istanbul has many choices about food. If you may not be into trying different tastes, you can eat something you know, such as global fast food. There are many people who don't trust the hygiene and don't try traditional food. But you don't need to worry much. You can look for the comments at web sites and mobile apps to be sure.

Don't forget that you are at a special taste stop. If I were you, I wouldn't go back without putting on some weight!

While you're walking in Istanbul, you'll see everywhere foods with different names. You're so hungry, but you don't know which is available for you. Okay then, we will introduce you some of our traditional foods, maybe with a couple of suggestions.

Chicken Shish Kebap

Kebap

When somebody says Turkish traditional food, probably the first thing that comes into mind is "sis kebap", doesn't it? Actually, "kebap" means meat food which is cooked by barbecue, wood oven and the like.

There are so many kebap types. The most popular ones are Adana Kebabi, Cağ Kebabi, Doner Kebap, İskender Kebabi, Kağıt Kebabi, Testi Kebabi, Urfa Kebabi. They are many differences between them, based on the ingredients and baking method. When they are cooked with skewers, they becaome shish kebaps.

Urfa Kebabi and Adana Kebabi are cousins. Keep this mind: Adana Kebabi is the spicy one. If you don't like hot, order Urfa Kebabi. I don't want to bore you explaining every single kebap, but if you wonder any of them, you can ask us, we will reply you gladly.

Lahmacun

Lahmacun, Etli Ekmek, Pide

I gathered these all in one title, because their main ingredient is "pita" bread. Lahmacun is a thin pita with ground meat, spices and some other ingredients on it. Some restaurants offer a vegetarian version of it with cheese on. Some people call it Turkish pizza, but you don't cut it in triangles like pizza. You roll it.

Now pita gets thicker. Pide is pita in Turkish, but it may mean two things. There is plain pide that is put under İskender kebaps or shish kebaps. There is the other pide with various ingredients. With eggs, with ground meat, with meat cubes (my favourite and mostly the most expensive), etc.

Etli ekmek (meaty bread) is a speciality of Konya. It looks like pide but it is closed and made with meat only. If you are a vegetarian, this doesn't have a cheese or vegetable option.

Pita used as bread

Pastries

Turkish kitchen cannot be thought without pastries. There are both salty appetizers and desserts with sorbet. (We'll mention desserts in another post.)

Phyllo is frequently used in Turkish kitchen. Sigara boregi is wrapped phyllo with cheese and parsley. Su boregi is layered phyllo with cheese or ground meat, and looks juicy. Kol boregi is wrapped and then twisted phyllo with cheese, ground meat, spinach or potato. Talas boregi has green peas with meat in it. There are probably hundreds of "borek"s, so let's stop with these popular ones.

Gozleme is a very thin phyllo wrapped usually with cheese, potato, spinach or yellow cheese, and cooked on a sheet metal. It is rather delicious and cheap.

Pogaca, acma and simit are the pastries you'll see on every baker's shop windows. Turkish people prefer to choose one of these and have breakfast with black tea. Pogaca is more salty, and can be plain, or stuffed with cheese or potato. Acma is a soft and oily bagel that is usually plain, or stuffed with olive, yellow cheese, or chocolate. Simit is a usually hard bagel that is usually decorated with sesame (there are different local simits). Simit isn't filled with anything, but it is very common to use it for making sandwiches

Manti is a pastry that is made by filling little dough pieces with ground meat and spices and cooked in boiled water. It is served with garlicky yoghurt and oily spicy sauce. It is very delicious, but be careful: it is a diet enemy.

Stuffed vegetables (Dolma)

Stuffed vegetables are very popular in Turkey. If they are cooked with olive oil, they are eaten cold. If they are cooked with sunflower seed oil or some other oil, it is eaten warm. Warm ones usually contain ground meat. Most popular vegetables for stuffing are bell pepper (with different colours, paprika, zucchini, eggplant, tomato and potato.

Stuffed grape leaves (yaprak sarması) actually isn't a dolma in Turkish kitchen; it is a wrap. You can eat it hot (with ground meat) or cold with olive oil and no meat. I prefer the one that is cooked with olive oil, but try both. It is delicious in every way.

Vegetable Dishes

In Turkish kitchen almost every vegetable is cooked in two basic ways: with olive oil to be eaten cold, and with another oil or butter to be eaten warm and usually contains meat or ground meat.

French beans are no exception. In my opinion, they are the most delicious when cooked in olive oil.

Maybe I should write a new article only for eggplant, because it is a fixture of Turkish kitchen. There are almost a hundred different eggplant dishes. From main course to meze (appetizer for alcoholic drinks), from stuffed to mashed.

Spinach and purslane are two of the most popular herb dishes. They are usually served with yoghurt. Yoghurt is also an important part of Turkish kitchen.

Okra, architoke and celery are other popular vegetables used in meals.

Meatball (Kofte)

A meatball is basically a piece of ground meat mixed with other ingredients like spices, eggs, stale bread, and given round, oval or rectangular shapes with hands (there are machines to do that, but hands are more appreciated).

There are innumerable meatballs, including the local ones. Some popular meatballs are icli köfte, cig kofte, kadınbudu kofte, Tekirdag koftesi, Inegol kofte and Akçaabat koftesi.

Dried Beans

That is not actually a speciality of us, but it is very famous in Turkey. Dried bean is used mainly at two dishes in Turkey: as main course and as a salad (or meze, the appetizers eaten with alcoholic drink, especially raki).

We say to bean salad "kuru fasulye pilaki", in short the dried bean is boiled and added carrot, potato, onion, garlic, carrot in it. It is eaten as cold. It goes well with ayran.

I think one of the best places to eat dried bean as a main course is the restaurants next to Suleymaniye Mosque. There you'll both enjoy the meal and the view.

Other legumes that are consumed frequently in Turkey are cranberry beans, green beans, chickpeas (both as a dish and a dried nut), lentils (both main course and soup).

Afiyet olsun! (Good appetite!)

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

Sirkeci neighbourhood is at Fatih district. Its neighbours are Sarayburnu (Topkapi Palace) and Cagaloglu. It is also very close (ten minute upward walk) to Sultanahmet and Eminonu.

Sirkeci has always been important through history. This is mostly because of its proximity to the Ottoman porte and to Topkapi Palace. It was like the port of Ottoman porte.

In 1885, the Orient Express was put into service, and then in 1890, Sirkeci Station was opened. Today the railroads are being renovated for the speed train, so the station is like in a hibernation state. (You can still take beautiful photos!)

Sights in Sirkeci

Along with the Sirkeci Station, there a couple of things to do in Sirkeci. First of all, don't miss the Great Post Office (Büyük Postane), the biggest and the most historical post office of Turkey. The post office is still operating and it is very close to the Egyptian Bazaar and the New Mosque at Eminonu.

There are many buffets and restaurants in Sirkeci, where you can try traditional fast foods. Sirkeci is also famous for the shops focusing on cameras, lenses and other stuff. There are many old houses on the streets, if you are interested.

If you are in urgent need of such things, you can buy them from those shops. However, prices aren't cheaper than other countries, because Dollar is expensive in Turkey.

How to go to Sirkeci

You can go to Sirkeci with ferry from Uskudar and Kadikoy. Marmaray and Kabatas-Bagcilar tram have also Sirkeci stops.

Actually if you have a full day and don't have much time, you can add it to your route. Start from Sultanahmet, when you're finished walk down to Sirkeci, then straight to Eminonu, Karakoy, Galata and finally Istiklal Street.

Marmaray entrance/exit is just on the right.

Monday, 29 June 2015

I have an urge to escape

I've always loved to play room escape games on web or on mobile. Finding secret objects, solving puzzles, racing against time... And one day I learned that I could really be the one who is trying to escape the room!

Room escape games are very trendy in Istanbul. I knew only a couple of them, so I searched for them at the Internet. You'll have to make reservations in advance and ask for the prices.

ISTrapped

I guess this is the first room escape game in Istanbul (but not the last). I, my sister and a friend of hers tried this, and liked it very much. I won't give any spoiler, only two adjective to define it: mysterious and nostalgic. I think you should try it at least once. It is in an old beautiful building at Asmalimescit, close the Tunnel and Istiklal Street.

Escapist

I haven't been to Escapist (yet). It is very close to my office, so I see its plate almost everyday at Trump Towers Mall. This one is the biggest room game in Istanbul. You have six options here: company, secret experiment, on the trail of past, sacred treasure, the key of Agatha, abandoned.

Tuzak

European coast is always faster to adopt novelties, but Anatolian coast keeps up with them soon. Tuzak is a room escape game at Kadıkoy. It is very close to the bull statue. This time you aren't trying to escape from a room, you are trying to escape from a hotel, Hotel California.

Numara13

It is claimed to be one of the best and the most spooky room escape games in Istanbul. Its story is based on a real story, which makes it more interesting.

Defuse the Bomb

This is slightly different from other room escape games. I guess it feels like you have a part in a TV series. I don't know what happens, if you cannot find the bomb!

Saturday, 27 June 2015

Istanbul Aquarium is a recreation area at Florya. It is very close to Ataturk Sea Kiosk. There are many fish, other sea creatures and sea plants in the tanks of the aquarium.

There are sixteen themes in Istanbul Aquarium: the Black Sea, Bosphorus, Dardanelles, the Aegean Sea, Suez Canal, the Red Sea, Global Warming, the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar, East Atlantic (sunken ship), Middle Atlantic, West Atlantic, Panama Canal, Pasific, Nautilus (submarine), rain forest.

At rain forest, there is more than fish. Poisonous frogs, snakes and giant rodents are also there. There I saw piranha for the first time!

The aquarium may take 5-6 hours, if you examine the fish carefully. So, make your plans accordingly. There are also cafeterias, children entertainment rooms, cinema salloons and many more.

Where is Istanbul Aquarium?

The bus line 73F, but it operates seldomly. There was a train line, but it is closed due to the Marmaray construction. A seabus service is planned on the port, but therere is nothing yet. Then, you have the right to ask "How will we go to this aquarium?"

The best way we found is that: We got on the Yesilkoy "dolmuş" from Taksim (the yellow ones), The dolmuş passes from very behind of Florya. So, we took a taxi from Yesilkoy, which is very close to Florya, about five to ten minutes. You can repeat it on the return. Both the aquarium and Yesilkoy is nice, so you won't regret your time or money.

* The photos may look strange. Most of them were taken behind glass at slightly dark conditions without using flash.

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Attention please! Istanbul Pride 2015 will take place on 28 June, Sunday. It will start from Taksim Square, and after a walk along Istiklal Street, it will end at Tunnel Square.

Istanbul is one of the cities in the world, where LGBTI week is celebrated. On 21 June, Trans Pride took place on Istiklal Street.

On 28 June, everyone will come together in peace, will sing and shout for LGBTI rights and against homophobia.

I will be there on 28 June, but in case, I will share a couple of pictures from Istanbul Pride 2013, which took place just after the Gezi Park Protests. So, it was carrying the soul of both LGBTI and Gezi Park. At that time, the participation was the highest of all Prides.

Sunday, 21 June 2015

Istanbul itself is a big city and it takes so much time to get to know it. I have been living in Istanbul since I was born, but I learn new things every day, as I walk around to find something to write here. However, we pass over its proximity to some other countries, such as Greece and Bulgaria.

It may not make a big difference for European visitors, but other visitor from more distant countries may like this opportunity. Especially if you are an expat or Erasmus student, you can try a couple of the suggestions below.

Plane

Istanbul has two big airports: Ataturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Both host many flights of Turkish and international planes around the world. You can find economic tickets, if you book your ticket early enough.

Suggestion:

From Istanbul, you can fly to every capital city and some other cities of Balkans and East Europe. You can fly to Thessaloniki, Athens, Sofia, Varna, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Tirana, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Skopje, Pristine, Budapest, Prague and Bucharest. Many of these countries don't want visa from Turkish citizens, but you should act accordingly to your passport.

Bus

There are some bus companies that will take you to many of the cities above. If you cannot find cheap plane tickets, you can try the bus. Their ticket fees don't change frequently. For example, Thessaloniki bus is 150 TL for a long time, and so is Varna bus. I think 8-10 hours of bus trip is fair.

Suggestion:

As I mentioned above, Greece and Bulgaria are the best destinations for bus trips. You can go to Thessaloniki, Kavala, Xanthi, Komotini, Alexandroupolis, Athens, Skopje, Ohrid, Plovdiv, Sofia, Varna. There are buses to Hungary and even to Germany, but they will definitely take more than 10 hours. You may take the bus to go to ferries which I will explain below.

Ferry

Ferry is a lovely option, but if you're staying at Istanbul, you should go to ports either by plane or by bus. There are many local flights, so it won't be hard for you to find one. There are also many local bus services.

Suggestion:

Greek Islands! You have many options. You can go to Chios Island from Cesme, to Lesvos Island from Ayvalik, to Kos Island from Bodrum, to Samos Island from Kusadasi, to Rhodes Island (and Simi Island, but it is more complicated) from Marmaris, to Meis Island from Kas. Turkish citizens can get their visas on the island, but you should search for the visa policy of your country.

Car

Renting a car may be a good solution. In Istanbul, you can find many car rentals, including the international ones.

Suggestion:

All of above! You should learn the international driving license policies concerning your passport. Greece has cancelled the the international driving license for Turkish citizens, but I don't know the situation of other citizenships. Ferries have room for cars, but they are small ferries. So, you'd better book you ticket online before your trip.

Train

There is also the train option, but it is a little complicated right now. The railroads are being renovated for a long long time. You have first to go to Cerkezkoy, which is almost two hours away from Istanbul. For now, direct bus trips are more logical. If there is any change, I'll update the info.

Istanbul is a very special city in many ways. Besides its historical treasure, it is situated on a special territory. Istanbul, like Rome, has seven hills. Moreover, it is half on Asia, half on Europe. Changing continents may be a big deal for many people, but not for Istanbulites.

If you visit Istanbul, you can easily go from Asia to Europe or from Europe to Asia. Here are the different ways you can try.

Ferries

I think ferries are the best way to change continents. Blue sea, blue sky and seagulls. Sometimes a lovely wind and beautiful clouds. You'll really enjoy your time in there. And this pleasure costs less than 1 Euro and almost 1 Dolar (one-way).

There are actually different kinds of ferries. There are bigger ones and smaller ones. The only difference along with their designs is their destinations. You can go from Kadikoy to Eminonu, Karakoy or Kabataş. You can go from Uskudar to Besiktas or Eminonu. You can check the schedules online or just there. These ones are really frequent.

There are some ferries that stop at beautiful Bosphorus ports, such as Bebek, Ortakoy, Arnavutkoy, Rumelihisari, Anadolu Hisari... This destinations are both useful and touristic. But these ferries aren't as frequent above. So, make your plans accordingly.

You can also use sea buses that will take you from Kadikoy to Bakirkoy and Avcilar, a very long destination shortened compared to the road. But this one is closed and lets you to enjoy the view less.

Bridges

Bridges are the second best way to change continents, unless you aren't on them at working hours. Istanbul has a heavy traffic jam at those hours. Apart from traffic, you'll be fine. The view on the bridge is near bird's eye and very panoramic. Prepare your cameras, because the shortest part of your road trip will be on the bridge (the traffic jam usually subsides just on the bridge).

You'll see different parts of Bosphorus, according to the side you sit on the bus. One-way ticket fees change due to the bus you are in, but it will be a little highter than 1 Euro at most. So, you can go back and fort to see different parts of the view, or combine your trip with one way ferry.

Subway

This is, for me, the less interesting way to change continents. It seems interesting to go from underground, but you don't see a single view. This subway has a special name: Marmaray. However, if you are in a hurry, this is quite useful. As a tourist, the most useful stops for you will probably be Uskudar and Sirkeci (this one is very close to Sultanahmet).

Sunday, 3 May 2015

Polonezkoy Cherry Festival 2015 will be held in 13-14 June. Polonezkoy is a beautiful green district for people who wants to escape the city. It is in Beykoz and takes only half an hour with a private car. But the parking lots may be occupied at the time of the festival. Try coming early, you won't get bored, I promise.

I've been to the festival once and it's really fun. Polish folklore groups sing and dance buoyantly with their colourful dresses. After they give a break, girls and boys give the audience cherries from baskets. It was really a lovely scene, even if I couldn't event get one cherry, my favourite fruit!

You have almost one month. You are not late to make plans!

Wednesday, 8 April 2015

Istanbul Tulip Festival 2015 will be held on 11 April-3 May 2015 at Goztepe 60. Yil Park and Emirgan Park. If you're interested, plan accordingly. Don't miss it!

Not only this park, but also many places will be full of colourful tulips during the spring. Istanbul is also famous for its judas trees. Just a walk on the Bosphorus coast will provide you spectacular views.

Where is Goztepe 60. Yil Park?

This is fairly a new park. I didn't even see it yet. As I see it, Istanbul still didn't meet its real park. (There is more concrete than greens.) Anyway, there is plenty of space for hundreds of tulips. It is near Bagdat Street. You may walk from Goztepe, or simply take a taxi from where you will come.

Where is Emirgan Park?

I think this park (actually woods) is much better and natural. You should visit here, even if you cannot catch the tulip festival. From Taksim or Besiktas, you can get on a bus. After only 15-20 minutes, you get off at Emirgan stop and walk a little. That's all. If you like, taxis are always available.

There are some other places you can see tulips, but the main events will take place at these two parks. You may listen to traditional music, what artists do paper marbling (ebru) or calligraphy, or buy some tulips. The whole programme is here, but it is unfortunately in Turkish:
http://www.ibb.gov.tr/sites/istanbuldalalezamani/Pages/FestivalProgrami.aspx

Sunday, 29 March 2015

I'm Listening to Istanbul

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;

At first there blows a gentle breeze
And the leaves on the trees
Softly flutter or sway;
Out there, far away,
The bells of water carriers incessantly ring;
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;
Then suddenly birds fly by,
Flocks of birds, high up, in a hue and cry
While nets are drawn in the fishing grounds
And a woman’s feet begin to dabble in the water.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.
The Grand Bazaar is serene and cool,
A hubbub at the hub of the market,
Mosque yards are brimful of pigeons,
At the docks while hammers bang and clang
Spring winds bear the smell of sweat;
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.
Still giddy since bygone bacchanals,
A seaside mansion with dingy boathouses is fast asleep,
Amid the din and drone of southern winds, reposed,
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;
Now a dainty girl walks by on the sidewalk:
Cusswords, tunes and songs, malapert remarks;
Something falls on the ground out of her hand,
It’s a rose I guess.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;
A bird flutters round your skirt;
I know your brow is moist with sweat
And your lips are wet.
A silver moon rises beyond the pine trees:
I can sense it all in your heart’s throbbing.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

Orhan Veli Kanık

Translated by Talât Sait Halman (1982)

* You can listen the poem from this video:

Tuesday, 23 December 2014

Turkey has a wide range of traditional drinks and they taste really good. Some of them you can drink any time in the day and some of them are better at special occasions. Here are the most famous traditional drink and some tips about the best places to try them.

1. Turk Kahvesi - Turkish Coffee

This is one of the most famous drinks in Turkey and it is world wide known hard coffee. It is traditionally served with a little coffee cup and a little glass of water. On the plate of the cup is placed a piece of lokum (Turkish delight). Less traditional places may place a piece of chocolate or cookie. The reason for the dessert is that the coffee may be bitter and it serves as sugar. But you don't only have "no sugar" choice; you may order "middle sugary" or "very sugary". The coffee is cooked in a cezve, a coffee pot (traditionally in a copper one, but that is not always the case), or on hot ash. The best coffee should have a thick layer of foam on it.

You can drink delicious Turkish coffee around Misir Carsisi (Egyptian Bazaar) and Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar). You can also buy fresh coffee from Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi and make your coffee yourself. Bebek Kahvesi at Bebek is also very famous and has a beautiful sea view.

2. Cay - Tea

When you say tea in Turkish, you will be served boiled black tea with the colour red. The tea glass is described as "slim-waisted" (it was recently and interestingly chosen as the best whiskey glass by a website) and the tea colour is described as "rabbit's blood" (it sounds fierce, but the best tea is must be such vivid red). Tea lovers are divided in two: The ones who claim that real tea must be sugar free and the others who think it doesn't matter. Try both ways to decide.

There are many places to drink delicious tea, but the little tea houses are generally the best. There are many at the coasts. Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi houses a cosy one. One of the most famous and crowded tea houses in Istanbul belongs to "Mustafa amca" at Hazzopulo Pasaji. That passage hosts many tea houses and all of them are crowded at any time of the day and the week.

3. Ayran

Ayran is my favourite soft drink along with lemonade. It is made by adding adequate quantity of water and mixing both with a little salt. (I tried ayran two times at Varna, Bulgaria. I guess it was made from buttermilk and tasted sweeter.) Some restaurants ask you if you like "open ayran" or "closed ayran". If you can't trust the hygene of the place, prefer "closed ayran" which is packaged. However, there are some restaurants that you shouldn't miss "open ayran". "Open ayran" is mixed at the restaurant and is served with an extra added "kopuk (foam)".

You can find closed ayrans at any market, but open ayran should be tried at particular places. What comes to my mind is Buket Lahmacun & Kebap at Mecidiyekoy. (Its "lahmacun"s are a different story). Open ayran is usually served in glasses, but this one serves it with copper bowl and you drink it with a small ladle.

4. Boza

Boza is an interesting drink. It is so thick that it may be eaten with a spoon. Not everyone likes the taste, but the ones who love it, love it till the end. It is made from corn semolina, water and sugar. It is usually referred as a winter drink, but if you came to Istanbul at another season, you can surely try it. Beware that boza gets spoiled in 6 or 7 days, so drink it fresh. There are also bottled bozas, but I don't think they taste as good.

Until quite recently, especially at winter nights, boza seller would wander at the streets and would call out: "Booozaaaa!". There are still boza sellers, but they are much less in number. The most famous place to drink boza in Istanbul is Vefa Bozacisi. It is almost the one and the only name about boza. Vefa Bozacisi was opened in 1876 and as you would guess, it is a witness of important historical events that took place in Istanbul. It is at the beginning of Unkapani Manifaturacilar Carsisi and at the corner of Vefa Lisesi. There you can also try "şıra" which will be explained below.

5. Şıra

Şıra is unfermented grape or sometimes apple, and it almost tastes like non-alcoholic wine. It contains a high quantity of fructose, so it is rather sweet. It is dark red in colour. It is usually served with Iskender kebap and other kinds of kebabs.

You can find şıra at restaurants and they also found bottled at markets.

6. Salgam Suyu - Turnip Juice

Turnip juice is a specialty of Cukurova Region, but it can be found all around Turkey. It is red, cloudy and sour. It may be bitter or not. Bitter taste is usually given with a special pickle juice. Turnip juice is generally served with black carrot and drank with kebab, as well as raki and appetizers.

It is found at traditional restaurants. You can also buy it bottled from markets.

7. Salep

Here comes the drink of drinks of wintertime. Salep is a very delicious hot drink. It is made from the tuberous root of the orchide. The powder is mixed with milk and sugar. Proportions and freshness is vitally important for the best taste. It is served in a cup with some cinemmon sprinkled on it.

I think the best salep is the one you buy from the herbalist and do at home. The salep of the restaurant chains Kahve Dunyasi, Mado, Sutis and Saray Muhallebicisi are all right. However, I won't suggest you the moderate prices this time. For salep is an expensive drink, you should pay more to drink a real one.

8. Raki

Raki is the traditional alcoholic drink. It is served with its bottle, a bottle of water, two glasses for each person and a little bucket of ice that you put with tongs. You or your friends at the table serve raki. Most people don't feel more than the half of the glass, because it is a very hard drink. You fill the rest of the glass with water and the other glass with water (if you like, turnip juice can be served instead of water). The drink looks milky. After all, it's nickname is "lion's milk".

Apart from other drinks, raki has a special culture. There are many unwritten rules and written books about it. From the way you hold the glass to the topics you talk at the table, everything is included in this culture. But don't worry and enjoy your drink. Nobody will criticise you for trying raki.

Qualified raki brands are available at markets and meyhanes (Turkish traditional pubs). Mezes (appetizers) have a great importance. They may include mashed aubergines, mashed chickpeas, spiced yoghurt, and so on. The more you try, the more you'll discover unique tastes. Most meyhanes at Taksim, Kumkapi and Kadikoy are good at raki tables. But try to check the menu and prices first.

9. Sarap - Wine

For red wine, there are three kinds of grapes that come to mind first: Okuzgozu from East Anatolia, Bogazkere from Southeast Anatolia, and Kalecik Karasi from Ankara. There are also local white wines.

10. Bira - Beer

There are not many local beer brands in Turkey, compared to Europe. But the famous brands are available at markets, package stores and pubs.

Thursday, 18 December 2014

3D movies began with Avatar and it became an exciting branch of cinema. This week the last part of legendary Hobbit trilogy, Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, has come out. All the fans are so excited. In case you are in Istanbul, you are lucky. There are many movie houses in Istanbul.

3D movie houses have different formats, such as IMAX and XPAND. IMAX is available only at Istinye Park and Marmara Park. Here is the list of them:

European Coast:

Beyoglu Atlas
Beyoglu Cinemaximum (Fitas)
Nisantasi CityLife (City's AVM)
Osmanbey Gazi
Mecidiyekoy Maximum (Cevahir)
Sisli Cinemaximum (Trump Towers)
Mecidiyekoy Profilo AVM
Zincirlikuyu Cinemaximum Zorlu Center
Levent Cinemaximum (Kanyon)
Levent Saphire Cinema Pink
Levent Ozdilek Cinetime
Etiler Akmerkez Cinema Pink
Istinye Cinemaximum (Istinye Park) IMAX
Deniz Private Cinecity Etiler
Fatih Cinemaximum (Historia)
Bakirkoy Cinemaximum (Marmara Forum)
Bakirkoy Cinemaximum (Capacity)
Bakirkoy Carousel Cinema Pink
Atakoy Cinemaximum (Atakoy Plus)
Florya Cinemaximum Aqua
Florya Cinefly Flyinn
Bayrampasa Cinemaximum (Forum Istanbul)
Eyup Cinemaximum (Vialand)
Gungoren Cinemaximum (Kale)
Bagcilar Site
Bagcilar 212 AVM Cinemarine
Esenler Espri Site
Bahcelievler Metroport Cine Vip
Maslak TIM
Yesilkoy Airport Cinemas
Deniz Private Cinecity Trio Atasehir
Yenibosna Starcity Site
Atasehir Novada Avsar
Sefakoy Sinemay Armoni Park
Esenyurt Cinemaximum Akbati
Beylikduzu Cinemaximum Marmara Park IMAX

Anatolian (Asian) Coast:

Altunizade Capitol Spectrum
Kadikoy Cinemaximum (Nautilus)
Kadikoy Rexx
Acibadem Cinemaximum (Akasya)
Göztepe Avsar Optimum
Caddebostan Cinemaximum (Budak)
Kozyatagi Avsar Kozzy
Umraniye Cinemaximum (Meydan)

Transportation in Istanbul is rather developed. You can reach almost everywhere with public or private transport. We have tickets and tokens but we prefer "Akbil". Akbil is a practical and electronic ticketing system which is cheaper than the individual tickets and helps you to save time.

Istanbul always have a traffic jam, but it is important to avoid working hours, 7 to 9 in the morning and 6-8 in the evening. At those times both the traffic jam is heavy and everywhere is too crowded. Here are the public transport means you can use:

1. Metro

Metro is one of the most comfortable vehicles in Istanbul. The only downside is that sometimes it is so deep underground that you have to walk much. They are frequent, you won't wait long.

Metro lines available in Istanbul:
- Yenikapi-Ataturk Havalimani
- Yenikapi-Kirazli
- Yenikapi-Haciosman (among it stops are Taksim, Osmanbey, Mecidiyekoy and Levent)
- Kirazli-Olimpiyat-Metrokent
- Kadikoy-Kartal

With the new Yenikapi line, it is possible for us to go from Taksim to Ataturk International Airport with transfers.

Marmaray is the newest "phenomenon" in Istanbul, but it is actually a metro, too. It goes under the Marmara Sea (but you don't see any scenes). Its stops are Ayrilik Cesmesi (near Kadikoy), Uskudar, Sirkeci, Yenikapi, Kazlicesme.

2. Metrobus

Here comes the most exciting!? transport in Istanbul. It is an adventure, if you want to sit. Be ready to actualize the "Survival of the fittest" principle. Joking aside, it is convenient (apart from working hours, of course.)

Metrobus lines in Istanbul:
- 34 Avcilar-Zincirlikuyu
- 34A Sogutlucesme-Cevizlibag
- 34C Beylikduzu-Cevizlibag
- 34G Beylikduzu-Sogutlucesme
- 34Z Zincirlikuyu-Sogutlucesme
- 34U Uzuncayir-Zincirlikuyu
- 34AS Avcilar-Sogutlucesme
- 34BZ Beylikduzu-Zincirlikuyu

A view from Mecidiyekoy. You can see the metrobus stop in the middle, then the bus stop. At the right of the road, the stairs going down takes you to the metro. The green area ahead is the sum of Armenian Catholic Graveyard and Italian Jewish Graveyard.

3. Tram

Tram is also quite convenient. But again, beware of the working hours. Then, beside from being crowded, it may stuck a little bit in the traffic jam.

Tram lines in Istanbul:
- Bagcilar-Kabatas (among its stops are Sultanahmet, Gulhane, Beyazit, Laleli and Aksaray)
- Taksim-Tünel Nostalgic Tram
- Kadikoy-Moda (also nostalgic)
- Topkapi-Habibler

4. Bus

Buses are very colourful in Istanbul, but their colours don't mean anything. Just look at the numbers. There are many local buses (too many to write here down). You can find the stops and schedules here: http://www.iett.gov.tr/en

Esenler Bus Terminal (Esenler Otogari) is the biggest bus terminal in Istanbul. Here, there are buses going to every province in Turkey. If you are going to get on transfer vehicles from Taksim, they usually take you to the closer Alibeykoy Bus Terminal, which was renewed recently and looks better than Esenler Bus Terminal. At Anatolian coast, you can go to Harem Bus Terminal and Salipazari Bus Terminal.

5. Minibus

Here is one of the most trickiest vehicles. Minibuses in Istanbul are almost equal to rollercoasters. No akbils and don't try to make jokes about it. Minibuses are usually blue. They take you to shorter distances and to smaller neighbourhoods. No akbils in minibuses and don't ever ask the drivers about it. Minibuses are blue in colour.

6. Dolmus

Dolmus is a yellow vehicle, bigger than taxis and can have 6-7 passengers. Dolmus lines accept no akbils, only cash. It is a comfortable vehicle, but it is more expensive than buses and others (still cheaper than taxis).

Dolmus lines in Istanbul:
- Kadikoy-Taksim
- Kadikoy-Nisantasi
- Kadikoy-Sisli
- Kadikoy-Bostanci
- Bostanci-Sisli
- Bostanci-Taksim (two types of this, one goes from "minibus" street, the other from the coastline)
- Bostanci-Pendik
- Sogutlucesme-Bostanci
- Uskudar-Kadikoy
- Uskudar-Baglarbasi
- Baglarbasi-Kadikoy
- Uskudar-Beykoz
- Uskudar-Baglarbasi-Erzurum Sitesi
- Uskudar-Cekmekoy
- Uskudar-Acıbadem
- Kadikoy-Cekmekoy
- Kadikoy-Beykoz
- Aksaray-Taksim
- Kocamustafa-Taksim
- Bakirkoy-Taksim
- Bakirkoy-Sisli
- Yenibosna-Taksim
- Besiktas-Harbiye
- Cevizlibag-Topkapı
- Cevizlibag-Taksim
- Topkapi-Taksim (Have in mind that this "Topkapi has nothing to do with "Topkapi Palace)
- Eminonu-Sisli
- Eminonu-Taksim
- Tesvikiye-Taksim
- Yesilkoy-Taksim

You can find the lines and fares here: http://www.saridolmus.com/tarifeler

7. Train

There is no inner city train lines nowadays. The railways are being rebuilt for the high speed train. Some speed trains started to operate, but their destinations are out of Istanbul. There used to be a Haydarpasa-Gebze line.

8. Funicular

Funicular lines are used as connections and they don't take more than 3-4 minutes. Taksim Tunel funicular line is the world's second oldest underground public transport. It is nice to be there at least once. Kabatas line begins 10 m below the sea, you'll see the signs about it.

Funicular lines in Istanbul:
- Taksim-Kabatas
- Karakoy-Beyoglu (Tunel)

9. Telpher

Telpher lines are also short, but they are rather scenic. They are touristic, but fare are the same as the public transport.

Tephers in Istanbul:
- Macka-Taskisla
- Eyup-Piyer Loti

10. Taxi

Taxis are one of the most expensive vehicles of transport. No akbils of course. We all need taxis at some time. Most taxi drivers do their job decently, but as a tourist, don't forget to take a look at the taximeter. Some taxi driver don't want to take you in for short distances. There is a complaint line for those problems. There is also a mobile app that helps you to call a taxi. By the way, in Istanbul taxis are yellow.

11. Steamship (Vapur)

No traffic, no cry. If you are not seasick (like me) this is the heavenly vehicle that offers you beautiful scenes, gives you the chance to meet seagulls and does those without entering traffic jams.

Steamship lines in Istanbul:
- Kadikoy-Eminonu
- Karakoy-Kadikoy
- Karakoy-Haydarpasa
- Uskudar-Eminonu
- Uskudar-Besiktas
- Kadikoy-Kabatas
- Halic Line
- From Bosphorus-To Bosphorus
- Sariyer-Anadolu Kavagi
- Kucuksu-Besiktas
- Cengelkoy-Istinye
- Kadikoy-Sariyer
- Kucuksu-Istinye
- Kabatas-Kadikoy-Adalar-Bostanci
- Bostancı-Adalar

There are also short and long Bosphorus tours. Don't confuse them with the touristic tours that begin from Eminonu. Touristic tours accept cash and they are more expensive than cityline steamboats.

12. Motorboat

Motorboats are faster and also more courageous than steamboats. Courageous, because they are the last thing to be cancelled in case of fog and other extreme weather conditions. Quick tip: If the weather is fine, sit upstairs and feel the air.

Motorboat lines in Istanbul:
- Eminonu-Kadikoy
- Karakoy-Kadikoy
- Karakoy-Uskudar
- Bostanci-Adalar (It may take you to particular islands, so check if your island is included)
- Kartal-Adalar (Prince Islands)
- Yesilkoy-Adalar
- Cinarcik-Kadikoy-Eminonu
- Eminonu-Cinarcik
- Eminonu-Esenkoy
- Eminonu-Kocadere
- Esenkoy-Kadikoy-Eminonu
- Kadikoy-Cınarcik
- Kadikoy-Esenkoy
- Kadikoy-Kocadere
- Eminonu-Armutlu
- Kadıkoy Armutlu

13. Ferry

Ferries are frequently used in Istanbul, especially by the car owners.

Ferry lines in Istanbul:
- Eskihisar-Topcular
- Sirkeci-Harem

Speed ferry lines:
- Yenikapi-Bursa
- Yenikapi-Bandirma
- Yenikapi-Yalova
- Pendik-Yalova

14. Seabus

Seabus is a little more expensive than steamships and motorboats, but it is definitely much more faster. If your focus is time, then this is your vehicle on sea.

Seabus lines in Istanbul:
- Bostanci-Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Bakirkoy
- Bostanci-Kabatas
- Adalar
- Bosphorus
- Maltepe-Bostanci-Kabatas-Bakirkoy
- Bostanci-Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Bakirkoy-Avcilar
- Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Armutlu-Bursa
- Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Bursa
- Bostanci-Yenikapi-Marmara-Avsa
- Kartal-Yalova

15. Sea Taxi

It's expensive for backpackers and students. If you have money and have really really no time, it may be very helpful. One of its advantages is that it can go anywhere on the coast, even to small piers. No akbils.

16. Seabird

It's kind of a fantasy transport (actually charters) and it needs reservation. If you have enough time and if you are a backpacker or student, you can find cheaper alternatives for the destinations it will take you.

17. Airplane

Istanbul has two big airports: Ataturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Ataturk International Airport is one of busiest airports in Europe. Sometime it takes several minutes to find an available spot and land. Sabiha Gokcen Airport is relatively smaller, but it is also cheaper in terms of food and drink.

There is also a private airport, Hezarfen Airfield. It hosts big music events and youth festivals.

As mentioned above the metro goes to Ataturk International Airport with a couple transfers. There are public buses to Sabiha Gokcen Airport from Kadikoy. But if you like, there are inexpensive Havatas buses that takes you to both airports. Their terminal is at Elmadag, in front of Point Hotel.

18. Coach

Motor vehicles are forbidden at Prince Islands, so the vehicle at Buyukada, Heybeliada and Burgazada is the couch. However, because of the ruthless treatments to the horses, I recommend you not to use them. I always walk or rent a bike instead. There is no motor vehicle, after all!

You can also travel by rental car, by your car, by motorbike, by bike and on foot. But you should be extra careful when you are travelling by bike or on foot. Unfortunaly, majority of Istanbul drivers have nothing to do with traffic rules and most of them don't count bikes, even motorbikes, as transportation means.

Life is also hard for pedestrians. Crosswalks are usually ornaments, so don't trust them. Don't even trust the traffic lights, because the vehicles, especially taxis think it is possible to avoid them in order not to stop for a few more seconds.