Istanbul Friendly

Showing posts with label Lists. Show all posts

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!

Monday, 22 June 2015

Istanbul is not only a big city, but also in the middle of two continents. Moreover, it allows you to go many places. Most of the main roads in Turkey are fine. So, if you have time, you can visit some beautiful places around. Plane is not a viable option for both. You may try local buses, but I think it is better to rent a car. Many big car renting companies and local ones offer you different cars with different prices.

Let's take a look at some of the best places you can visit for a day or two.

1. Gebze - Ballikayalar Natural Park

This one is the nearest to Istanbul. Gebze, which was once a province of Istanbul, is only one hour drive away. You can come here with family and friends, have a picnic together, and walk around in nature. Ballikayalar also attracts climbers, because it has spacial rock formations. (Ballikayalar means "rocks with honey" in Turkish.)

Green and natural (Photo is just after winter)

Looks like Meteora.

2. Bursa - City Center - Uludag - Cumalikizik Village - İznik (Nicaea)

Bursa is a very special city. It was once the capital of Ottomans. There are many important mosques like Yesil Camii in its center. The center is also the origin of the famous Iskender Kebab. Cumalikizik is a village that is almost half an hour away to the center. The village offers you the beautiful view of traditional Ottoman houses, as well as home made marmalades and pickles.

The provinces of Bursa are also special. Inegol houses the second largest cave in Turkey, Oylat Cave. Oylat neighbourhood also have a highland and hot springs. Uludag is one of the favourite ski centers in Turkey. In my opinion, don't squeeze it inside your Bursa plans and stay there at least one night.

We should mention Iznik separately. Iznik, namely Nicaea, is very crutial in Christian History. Nicaean Councils took place here, and 7th council took place in Haghia Sophia Church. The church is converted into a mosque in 2011. It is still disputed that it should be a museum. There are also ancient ruins here and there of the city. The view of the lake is also nice.

Inside of the Iznik Haghia Sophia Mosque

Some ancient ruins.

3. Adapazari - Masukiye - Kartepe - Lake Sapanca

This route is also close to Istanbul, just a two hour drive. Adapazari is the name of the province. Masukiye is the beautiful neigbourhood of Adapazari. It is very popular among Istanbul residents. It is green and it has falls. Actually, many places around there have falls. Sapanca is another neighbourhood like that. There is also Lake Sapanca with a beautiful view. Just like Uludag, plan Kartepe separately in winter, because it has a more and more popular ski center. However, in summer you can add it to your Adapazari plans.

Sapanca has many small falls.

A cow at Sapanca

4. Edirne - Historical Tour - Selimiye Mosque

Edirne is almost four hour away from Istanbul. So, it's up to you to stay there or not. You may also visit other provinces like Tekirdag, and Kirklareli, which will be mentioned below. Edirne was also one of the capital cities of Ottoman Empire. So, there are important historical artefacts, such as Selimiye Mosque, of which architect is renowned Mimar Sinan.

5. Canakkale - Troy - Assos - Bozcaada

This is a very pleasant route and it may take more than a weekend. Canakkale takes almost seven or eight hours. Troy, Assos and Bozcaada are all at separate places. So, you'll need time. Troy is one of the most famous ancient cities of all times. Come here and imagine those times among the real remains. You can go to Troy passing Ezine, which has delicious cheese and cheese desserts. Assos is an ancient city in Behramkale neigborhood, which is also famous for its hotels and beaches. Assos is one of the biggest ancient cities in Turkey. It is also important, because the famous philosopher Aristoteles spent three year in Assos. Lastly, Bozcaada is one of the biggest and the most special islands in Turkey. You can go there with ferry from Geyikli. The island is well protected. Even nylon bags are forbidden. There are beautiful cafés, beaches, and red wine exclusive of the region.

Assos Ancient City with a beautiful Aegean view.

This Trojan horse is symbolic.

6. Kirklareli - Igneada

Kirklareli has many historical remains, but the most special part of it is the natural wonder, Igneada. Igneada takes three or four hours with car. It is one of the top places of ecological tourism. It has been a center of attention since ancient times. Unfortunately, as most national parks of Turkey, Igneada is threatened to be destroyed. So, at weekends activists gather to protest this distruction.

7. Bolu - Lake Abant - Yedigoller (Seven Lakes)

Bolu province can be visited in all seasons, because it has Lake Abant and Yedigoller! Both offer you picturesque views. Lake Abant is ideal for family trips and honeymoon, but the hotels around may be expensive. It is better to go Yedigoller with a car or a bus, because there is a long road to go and there is no hotels around. There are six natural lakes and an artifial lake at Yedigoller National Park. You can camp in the park.

One of the lakes with a small cloud.

One of the lakes with a beautiful reflection.

8. Eskisehir - Odunpazari - Porsuk Cayi

Eskisehir is a province which is famous for Anadolu University, which is one of the top choices of Erasmus students. The city itself is very well cared for and only four hours away from Istanbul. Odunpazari houses are colourful and traditional Ottoman houses that look very lovely. Eskisehir City Park has an artificial beach, an articifial island, and real fish. Porsuk Cayi is the longest branch of Sakarya River and it feels like Venice with its gondolas. There is also Sazova Park, which is a paradise for children with its fairy tale buildings and scientific events.

Old Odunpazari houses are examples of traditional Ottoman architecture.

Porsuk Cayi looks like a small Venice.

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Photos are the witnesses of the moments. Especially old photos tell us much about the past. Istanbul is a fast changing city and the old photos show this apparent dramatic change. As for me, the nature and the architecture were better that days. There are lots of old photos of Istanbul, but I'll share some of the one I found from this link, in order not to lose track: https://eksisozluk.com/entry/49938046

I chose my best places for me, but you can check out other photos on the link.

1. Taksim Square

There are some interesting details in the pictures. You can see that the landscape is much better organized than today's meaningless grey area. You can also see Topcu Kislasi (Barracks), which has been demolished long ago and the government wanted to rebuilt again, demolishing Gezi Park. But the people didn't let the park go.

2. Galata Tower

There are again two things that draw attention. Firstly, Galata Tower doesn't have its conic roof. The first tower dates back to 528 (Byzantian times). In 1348, the Genoese built it with a conic roof. But there was two fires in Istanbul, and it was burned down and restorated. After the roof fly off after a storm, the authorities gave up and built an eighth storey instead. Today it has its roof. Secondly, you may notice the walls at the bottom. Unfortunately, you won't see any of them today. I wish I could say they built better things, but there are only tea houses.

3. Karakoy

Karakoy has changed much, too. The roads are wider, but somehow there are more buildings. The former tram line doesn't work, but there is a longer tram line. Today there is no tram to Tatavla. Tatavla is the former Greek name of Kurtulus district. The pier is pretty much the same, except the huge cruises today. Karakoy is the cruise stop of Istanbul.

4. Sultanahmet

Hagia Sophia is the controversial building of Sultanahmet. It was originally a church and it was rebuilt a couple of times. Then Mehmed conquered Constantinople and turned it into a mosque, covering the frescos. Today it is a museum, and I think so it should be. However, there are disputed again that it should be a mosque (as if Sultanahmet didn't already have a great Blue Mosque).

5. Ayvansaray - Edirnekapi

Ayvansaray is a neigbourhood that is famous for its traditional houses. It is at Edirnekapi, where you can visit Chora Mosque. Edirnekapi was one of the gates of Constantinople. Unfortunately most of the old houses and walls are almost ruins out of neglect. However, Chora Mosque is well preserved with its valuable frescos. Today it is hard to find the museum among the vast of buildings.

6. Kadikoy

Kadıkoy is fairly a newer settlement than the ones at the European coast. People must have thought there was nothing there, but it was a lovely coastal district. Today, it is one of the most crowded districts in Istanbul. And the nostalgic tram is reopened and still operating.

7. Uskudar

Uskudar is also at the Anatolian coast. The Maiden's Tower is still erect with its legends (and its unaffordable restaurant). Watching it and just stepping in is free. You'll see African people in one picture. Unfortunely, they were chosen as servants at that time. The mosque is still there, if you visit Uskudar today.

8. Prince Islands

Prince Islands had much more space and much more green when there was less settlement. However, Buyukada was always more crowded than other islands. The building below is still standing and you can still watch the similar view on the other photo. Today, you can visit all the islands easily. Authorities are planning to open two more islands, Yassiada and Sivriada, to settlement, but the residents of other islands and environmentalist are justifiably opposing.

Istanbul changes so fast that I am doubful about what I write on the blog is still there! I'll keep on writing anyway.

Many people have come to Istanbul at different times and most of them have seen different faces of it. Istanbul, as a fast growing city, changes rapidly. Some values, many threes and more are lost, but it is becoming more and more popular. Are you curious about what famous writers wrote about Istanbul or Constantinople? Well, I was, and I made a little research. Here are the top nine of my findings:

1. Edmondo de Amicis - Constantinople

I read this recently and I strongly recommend it. Edmondo de Amicis came to Istanbul in 1870's with his painter friend Enrico Junk. He describes everything about Istanbul in detail. There details contain both pozitive and negative memories. He has such a sweet tone of voice that it is impossible not to be mesmerized. Turkish edition comes with the engravings of Cesare Biseo. (The photo above is one of Biseo's works.)

2. Hilary Sumner-Boyd and John Freely

Hilary Sumner-Boyd had given lectures at Bogazici University for 35 years and she prepared this book with John Freely, who is also a renowed lecturer and an Istanbul lover. (John Freely has indeed lots of books about Istanbul. It was hard for me to choose one.) He still gives lectures at Bogazici University. Unfortunately I missed the recent one. His daugther Maureen Freely was born in Istanbul and is also a famous writer. By the way, this book is full of beautiful Istanbul photos.

3. Philip Mansel - Constantinople: City of the World's Desire

Philip Mansel is an English historian and writer. In this book, he narrates Istanbul's history between 1453 (the conquest of Constantinople) and 1924 (one year after the Turkish Republic founded). I haven't had the chance to read it, but people who read it say that it has a fascinating narrative.

4. Gérard de Nerval - Journey to the Orient

Journey to the Orient, or Voyage to the Orient is a famous work of Gérard de Nerval, who is a French poet and writer. This book was published in 1851 and contains many cities of the Eastern world, including Constantinople. He was an adventurous and a curious person. He wanted to soak into the orient and I guess he managed to do so.

5. Alphonso de Lamartine - History of Turkey

Lamartine is one of the most influential people in Istanbul. He was a writer, poet and a politician. He has a so-called saying: "If you have to look at the world once, just look at Istanbul." Well, Istanbul has heard him. There is a Lamartine Street at Talimhane. When I was writing Ihlamur Pavilion, I found out that he was a fan of Ihlamur Gardens, before the pavilions were built.

6. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu - Turkish Embassy Letters

Finally, a woman in our list! Lady Mary is an English aristocrat and a writer. Today, she is widely known with her letters from Turkey, as the wife of the Britich Ambassador. He is described by Billie Melman as "the very first example of a secular work by a woman about the Muslim Orient" (Wikipedia).

She definitely loved Turkish dresses.

7. Théophile Gautier - Constantinople

It looks like poets and writers has always loved Istanbul. Gautier is a French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist and a critic of art and literature. He wrote this book in 1853.

8. Jorge Luis Borges - Atlas

Atlas is the collection of the travel articles of Jorge Luis Borges. He travels with his wife, after he goes blind. So the articles are totally written in a different sense of view. Istanbul takes only two pages in Atlas, but those lines are totally unforgettable. He thinks three days aren't enough to get to know Turkey. He also recommends his readers to visit there again and again.

Thursday, 23 April 2015

Between mid-April and mid-May is the time of judas trees for Bosphorus. Their pink blossoms decorate almost every part of each coast. Here are some best parts of Bosphorus where you can find the most pinkish-greenish scenes.

1. Arnavutkoy

Arnavutkoy is a beautiful neighbourhood at Besiktas. It is on the Bosphorus. You can either walk along the coast or climb the slopes. The view is wonderful either way. Arnavutkoy is perfect for unforgettible shots, so get your camera ready!

2. Bogazici University

Bogazici University is a university in Istanbul, probably with the best view. When I was studying there and after my graduation, the south campus could be visited by everyone who wants to enjoy the view. But the last couple of time I went there, they wanted me to show my student ID. (I think it is related with the control mania going through the whole country.) Anyway, you can enter the university either from Rumelihisarustu (upwards) or from Rumelihisari-Bebek (downwards). I prefer to enter from Rumelihisarustu and go out from Bebek.

3. Rumelihisari

Rumeli Hisari is the fortress on the Rumeli side. Rumelihisari is the name of the district. There are beautiful fish restaurants along the coast. You can also have the most scenic breakfast of your time. Turkish breakfast is very rich. Even the meanest breakfast has many varieties.

4. Asiyan

Asiyan is a little bit sad place, because there is a graveyard where precious names from Turkish literature sleep their forever sleep. Istanbul lover Orhan Veli is one of them and you can see his statue on the street side of the graveyard. (You can read a translation of his most famous Istanbul poem.) If you walk upwards the Asiyan Street (or down from Bogazici University), you can reach Tevfik Fikret Museum. The other names in the graveyard that you may be familiar with translated works are Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar, Edip Cansever, Attilâ Ilhan, Tezer Ozlu and Onat Kutlar.

Saturday, 28 February 2015

Istanbul is a global capital with its characteristics, but old Istanbul has much more distinctive futures as a blend of the East and the West. This list brings you some of the sweetest melodies of Istanbul between 1930's to 1960's.

1. Istanbul'un Kizlari (Istanbul Girls)

Dario Moreno's Istanbul Kizlari compliments on all the girls in Istanbul, but he insists that one of them is special. Dario Moreno is a famous singer, guitarist, pianist and actor, born in Aydin, Turkey, with Jewish descent. I think all of his songs are very good, but I had to choose the ones about Istanbul.

2. Istanbul pas Constantinople (Istanbul not Constantinople)

This song isn't an example of old Istanbul songs, but it is about old Istanbul and all the covers are good. Dario Moreno has also covered the song but I will share two other versions. First the nostalgic one:

And the newer one:

3. Uskudar'a Giderken (While Going to Istanbul)

This song is about a woman who songs a love song to her love who works as a clerk at Uskudar. The famous Turkish classical music performer Safiye Ayla has a silky voice, as you will hear below.

3. Yangin Olur, Biz Yangina Gideriz (When There is Fire, We Go to Extinguish It)

This song is interestingly the anthem of Ottoman fire brigades. The version I will share is a recent one, but the melody is still catchy.

4. Bayan Bana Bak (Madame, Look At Me)

This song is a canto song, sung by a man and a woman. The man flirts with the woman, the woman feigns reluctance (in the end, she is convinced). The video is also remarkable, as a 2001 French animation film.

5. Kiz Sen Istanbul'un Neresindensin (Girl, Which Part of Istanbul Are You From)

This song is about a man who is taken guesses about his lover, such as which part of Istanbul she is from (and he almost counts every district), whether she is married or single. I will share the version that famous Emel Sayin sings. (Emel Sayin is a famous, talented, elegant and beautiful Turkish classical music performer.)

6. Kadikoylu (From Kadikoy)

This is also a love song written to a woman from Kadikoy. One of the best versions is the one sung by Deniz Kizi Eftelya (Mermaid Eftalia), who was especially famous at Galata cafes. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk also liked her songs after a performance and she gained reputation.

7. Bir Tatlı Huzur Almaya Geldik Kalamis'tan (We Came to Take Some Serenity From Kalamis)

This song is quite famous, if the place is a raki table (which song on this list isn't, though?) It is a serenade for Kalamis, which is on the Anatolian coast. Here we listen the song again with the voice of Emel Sayin.

8. Ada Sahillerinde Bekliyorum (I'm Waiting on the Island Beaches)

This song has some rumours about it. One rumour is that it is about a woman who is waiting for her lover to come back (from the waters he was lost?). Another rumour is that the woman wanted to open up to her lover and she wrote this song with the help of the residents of the island. The island is one of the Prince Islands, probably Buyukada, the biggest one. However, Sadiye Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdulhamit told that it was written for her by Ali Namik Bey, because he felt that she was becoming distant. Hamiyet Yuceses is one of the names who sings this song at best.

9. Biz Heybeli'de Her Gece Mehtaba Çıkardık (Every Night At Heybeli We Would Go For Walk In the Moonlight)

This song is a little big like the classical Turkish version of "Those were the days my friend". A couple of friends remember their good old days on Heybeli Island. Heybeli is the second biggest island of Prince Islands. Munir Nurettin Selcuk is one of the best performers of this song. If this song doesn't make you grab a bottle of raki, almost nothing will.

Friday, 20 February 2015

Looking for something to watch for the weekend? Here is a list of movies that totally or partly take place in Istanbul. (Images are fromWikipedia.)

1. Tink Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is like a hall of fame: Tom Hardy, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, John Hurt. This movie is a really good spy film (and more than that). It is also different than the other movies I'll tell you, because you'll see the steamboats instead of Sultanahmet and other touristic places.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1340800/

2. Argo (2012)

Argo has won an Oscar and some other awards. It is an exciting semi-political film. You'll openly see the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. But the places that are shown as Iran are also from a district of Istanbul, Bakirkoy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1024648/

3. From Russia With Love (1963)

From Russia with Love is one of the James Bond movies that takes place in Istanbul. There is one of the best James Bonds, Sean Connery, beautiful women and fierce enemies, together with Istanbul. You'll see again the favourite historical bazaars and mosques.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057076/

4. Skyfall (2012)

Skyfall is another James Bond movie with Daniel Craig and good soundtrack. It also takes place in Istanbul and the choice of places doesn't change. You'll see artifacts around Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Karakoy, etc.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/

5. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Murder on the Orient Express is adapted from the famous Agatha Christie novel. Agatha Christie had stayed at Pera Palace Hotel. Her stay had been as mysterious as her novels. She said that the secret of her lost days in England. Later, a key was found under the floor of Room 411. Another key was also found under the floor of 511. And this mystery hasn't been solved yet!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071877/

6. Topkapi (1964)

Topkapi is all about a theft at Topkapi Palace. (It is full of valuable things, after all!) You'll also watch the deceased actor, Peter Ustinov. The cast is quiet amusing and the movie itself grabs the watchers. For nostalgia lovers!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058672/

7. The Accidental Spy (2011)

The Accidental Spy is a movie of Jackie Chan. The special thing about the movie is that my father witnessed its shooting! He used to work at the Spice Bazaar (or Egyptian Bazaar- Misir Carsisi) then. He told that everyone involved were very hard working and rigorous, taking care of every detail.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0271946/

Sunday, 18 January 2015

There is only one month left before the Valentine's Day. If you don't have any plans, or are planning to visit Istanbul for the day, we have some destination suggestions to make the best of your time.

1. Buyukada

Buyukada is one of the Prince Islands. Actually it is the biggest one. It is rather calm at week days. At weekends, you can escape the crowd by visiting the upper part. You have three transportation choices: coaches, bikes and feet. Coaches may sound romantic, but the horses are working unfortunately too hard and the prices are somewhat high. You can rent a bike, but it is hard to bike upwards. My favourite choise is walking. You can enjoy the air, the blue sea, old houses, flowers and trees.

And Buyukada hotels...I have stayed at three different hotels at different times. If you don't want to walk much, pick a hotel that is near the port. If you have courage to climb a slope, then you can find hotels with an overview of the Marmara Sea. The one I stayed was restorated old mansion with a spectacular view and a great breakfast.

2. Taksim

Taksim would be a good choice for city lovers. If you like liveliness, that's the place. Istiklal Street is the street that never sleeps, so it won't take you long to find pubs and restaurants. Taksim Square is the most probable candidate for being the center of Istanbul. There you can use buses or the metro.

Taksim hotels are mostly beautiful and central. However, being central may bring the price up. Compare the hotels and distances. Istanbul usually have a heavy and sometimes unexpected traffic jam, so staying in the heart of the city can be advantageous.

3. Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the old city of Istanbul. Sultanahmet seems to me as a more religious place, but of course, it is highly touristic and there are many luxurious hotels that accept couples without any question. You can add a sightseeing tour to your romantic day.

Sultanahmet hotels, like Taksim hotels, can be also expensive, and again compare the prices. There are also hostels and pensions that may be lovely and cosy.

4. Bosphorus

The views from Bosphorus can turn an ordinary day into a romantic one. Bosphorus refers to a long coast, so you have many options both on the European side and the Asian side. The picture below is from Arnavutkoy. On the European side, there are Bebek, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy, Tarabya, Istinye, Yenikoy, Rumelihisari, Baltalimani, Sariyer; on the Asian side there are Kuzguncuk, Beylerbeyi, Cengelkoy, Kanlica.

Bosphorus hotels vary by styles and prices. The idea is usually that if you are close to the coast, the prices are higher. It isn't hard to walk to the coast, so you can try hotels that are somewhat inside. You can stay at Besiktas hotels or Kadikoy hotels. They are close to Bosphorus, and have more options for backpackers or students.

5. Polonezkoy

Polonezkoy, previously Adampol, is in Beykoz. In the end of 1800's, Polish exiles settled in here. Polish traditions are still continued, and in the spring they have a cherry festival. Poloneykoy is one of the most natural places you can find in Istanbul. That is partly because it is far from the center. Public transportation may be tricky, so if you can, renting a car is a better solution.

Polonezkoy hotels are just inside this serene atmosphere. It is one of the best romantic places of Istanbul. I haven't stayed overnight here, but based on the unique environment of the district, I don't think the hotels and pensions will disappoint their visitors.

Quick tip: It is better to book a hotel from a trustable website than randomly book one when you come. You won't probably have a problem to find a room, but some hotels want marriage licence. If you don't have one, they don't accept you as costomers.(It happened to me once, and it is one of the most irritating things in the world.)