Istanbul Friendly

Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Not all of us have much time to spend in a city. Istanbul, is both luckily and unfortunately is a complicated city with lots of sights. However, I'll offer you a one-day-route that will make possible for you the say "I visited Istanbul".

So, let's begin.

First stop: Historical Peninsula

Before we start the tour: Choose your hotel wisely. Sultanahmet hotels have many choices, but you can try Beyazit or Laleli, which are also close so that you won't spend much time on the way to Sultanahmet.

If you try to visit every single of the museums at Sultanahmet, a whole day wouldn't be enough for you. So, if you aren't into archaeology, you may not insist to visit Istanbul Archaeological Museums (though, I would never recommend you to skip it). Both Istanbul Archaeological Museums and Topkapi Palace take at least three hours with even fast pace.

Keep in mind that Istanbul is a very crowded city with locals and tourists, so you may have to wait in the long queues. Basilica Cistern is one of the places you should visit, and it takes really short time, but it has a limited capacity that causes long queues.

Don't skip Hagia Sophia ever. It also won't take much of your time. You can add your tour Sultanahmet Mosque, or the Blue Mosque, as you probably know it. If you have time, you can add Hagia Irene to your plan.

Don't forget to walk former Hippodrome arena. There you have three columns to see: Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and Walled Obelisk. And a fountain: German Fountain.

If you are lucky and you managed to visit those places until 2 or 3 o'clock. You may hurry to see the Museum of Great Palace Mosaics, and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

Second stop: Istiklal Street

You shouldn't be too late for Istiklal Street, because there also museums and churches to visit there. I suggest you to start from Galata, so you can finish your tour on Taksim Square. Then if you should get going, you'll be only five minutes walk to Havatas buses, which takes you to either Ataturk International Airport, or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.

If you have time and energy, you can walk down from Sultanahmet, passing from Gulhane, Sirkeci, Eminonu, and Karakoy. You can stop by the New Mosque and the Egyptian Bazaar at Eminonu. The Grand Bazaar will take longer when you walk, but if you are staying at a Beyazit hotel, you may put it first on your list before Sultanahmet.

You can also directly take the tram to Karakoy. Then if you take the historical Tunnel, you'll miss Galata Tower and the Mawlawi House Museum. The way up to the Istiklal Street from Karakoy is a little bit steep. You can also walk down after the Tunnel, but you'll have to walk the half way again. Choose how you like it.

Istiklal Street is mainly famous for its restaurants and bars that obviously get better after evening. So, you don't have to hurry to eat and drink something. Sights first! Then, you'll relax.

Just walk slowly in order not to miss the obvious sights. There are many sights on side streets, but we'll focus on the main street for the sake of time. The Church of St. Mary Draperis will be on the right and it won't take much of your time. You also need to hurry to see the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, which is on your way on the right. You should plan accordingly.

Istiklal Street is also famous for its passages, so you may see a couple of them. Hacopulo Passage is one of the most famous and cosiest passages around. So, you may take a tea break there, and may be you may find some souvenirs.

Asmalimescit, Algerian Street, and the Flower Passage are beautiful places, but you may only take photos of their facades, and return later for food and drink. You may finish your tour with Holy Trinity Church and Taksim Square (and maybe additionally Gezi Park, if you're interested).

P.S.: If you have to days, you may try this solution: for one day Sultanahmet and for the other day Istiklal Street. Have fun!

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

The entrance of Topkapi Palace

Istanbul celebrates Ramadan Feast, as it happens to be at Turkey in general. Ramadan Feast is the end of the one-month-fasting and Muslims celebrate it for three days. Ramadan Feast is also called the candy fast, regarding to the colourful candies given as gifts. However, conservative people don't like that name. So, try to call it Ramadan Feast just in case.

At Ramadan Feast, many places are closed, including some museums. Some places are only closed at certain days or at certain hours. I'll write when some of the important museums of Istanbul are open during the Ramadan Feast so that you can make your plans accordingly.

Istanbul Archaelogy Museum (main building)

16th July, 2015 - Eve (half day holiday)

17th July, 2015 - 1st Day of Ramadan Feast

18th July, 2015 - 2nd Day of Ramadan Feast

19th July, 2015 - 3rd Day of Ramadan Feast

Hagia Sophia Museum

Topkapi Palace: It opens at 13:00 on 17th July. It is open on 18th and 19th of July.

Basilica Cistern: It opens at 13:00 on 17th July. It is open on 18th and 19th of July.

Hagia Sophia Museum: It opens at 13:00 on 17th July. It is open on 18th and 19th of July.

Istanbul Archaelogy Museums: It opens at 13:00 on 17th July. It is open on 18th and 19th of July.

Chora Museum: It opens at 13:00 on 17th July. It is open on 18th and 19th of July.

Dolmabahce Palace: It opens at 13:00 on 17th July. It is open on 18th and 19th of July.

The gate of Dolmabahce Palace

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.

This chart is from Wikipedia.

Turkish is an Ural-Altaic language. I'm not going to tell about its details, but it may seem hard from the perspective of Indo-European languages in terms of suffixes. Learning a new language always has some difficulties of its own. Here, I will mention some of the basic phrases you may need in Istanbul and in Turkey general. Luckily, there are many people who know English and the ones who don't know any foreign languages are eager to help tourists with body language. Just follow the gestures and mimics.

I will give you a small dictionary. You can find the special letters and their pronunciation above. I'll also write some of the word pronunciation below, but not all. When you get the logic, you'll be able to read. Turkish is usually read in the way it is written. Don't bother about the suffixes and sentences. A couple of words will probably help you to implicate your intention.

Hello --> If formal, merhaba (mehr hah bah). If informal, selam (seel um).
How are you? --> If formal, Nasılsınız? (na suhl suhn uz). If informal, Nasılsın? (na suhl suhn). More informal, Naber? (na berr)
Thank you. --> Teşekkür ederim (teh shek uer eh der eem), but you can shorten it like Teşekkürler (teh shek uer lerr).
You're welcome --> Rica ederim or Bir şey değil can be used, but they are hard to memorize. It will be ok if you bow or smile.
What is your name? --> If formal, Adınız nedir? (ad uhn uhz ne deer). If informal, Adın ne? (ad uhn ne)
My name is... --> Adım (ad uhm)
Nice to meet you. --> Memnun oldum (mem noon oll doom)
Please --> Lütfen (Luet fen)
Yes --> Evet (eh vet)
No --> Hayır (Hah yuhr)
Excuse me / I'm sorry --> There are many Turkish words for these, but if you say "pardon" just like in French, it will cover all of those. When you want to apologise, when you want your way, when you want to draw attention of a waiter, just say pardon.
Good bye --> If you're the one who is going, say formally Hoşça kalın (hosh cha kaluhn) and informally Hoşça kal (hosh cha kal). If you are the one who is staying, say Güle Güle (guele guele). If you don't want to memorize this, just say bye and many people will understand it.
Welcome--> If formal, Hoş geldiniz (hosh gel din iz). If informal, Hoş geldin (hosh gel din).
I can't speak Turkish --> Instead of trying to remember "Türkçe konuşmuyorum", you can say no Turkish just in the Turkish way.
Do you speak English? --> Instead of trying to remember "İngilizce biliyor musunuz?", you can say "English?"
Look out! --> Dikkat (dik khat). You will probably hear it from the locals when you don't realize the crazy drivers coming directly to you. (Istanbul = traffic)
Good morning. --> Günaydın.
Good afternoon. --> Tünaydın.
Good day. --> İyi günler (e yee guen lerr). This is very common and you can use it throughout the day when both arriving and leaving.
Good evening. --> İyi akşamlar.
Good night. --> İyi geceler.
I don't understand. --> Anlamıyorum.
Where is the toilet? --> Tuvalet nerede? (too va let ner eh de). To sound nicer, locals usually ask it like "Lavabo nerede?". Lavabo means sink and I don't thinks it sounds nicer.
Now --> Şimdi (shim di)
Later --> Sonra
Before --> Önce
After --> Sonra, as well.
How much...? --> Ne kadar? You don't need a complete sentence, just show the thing.
What time is it? --> Saat kaç?

Help! --> İmdat! (Im daht) or Yardım edin! (yard um ed in)
Go away! --> Git! or more harshly Defol!
Stop! --> Dur! (door)
Thief! --> Hırsız! (huhr suhz)
I'm lost --> Kayboldum. (kahy bohl doom)

Doctor is doktor, police is police; you can say them as you say in English. I didn't write the long emergency sentences. Don't try to remember Turkish sentences, scream for the words or show the situation. I hope you'll never need those!

Where is ... --> ... nerede? (Taksim nerede? etc.)
Left --> sol
Right --> sağ
Here --> burada
There --> orada
Straight --> düz
Forwards --> ileri
Backwards --> geri
Taxi --> taksi
Breakfast --> kahvaltı
Lunch --> öğle yemeği
Supper --> akşam yemeği
Chicken --> tavuk
Beef --> sığır eti
Fish --> balık eti
Cheese --> peynir
Fruit --> meyve
Vegetable --> sebze
No meat --> Etsiz olsun.
Yellow cheese --> kaşar
Water --> su
Salt --> tuz
Wine --> şarap
Beer --> bira
Expensive --> pahalı
Cheap --> ucuz
Rent a car --> araba kiralama
Gas station --> benzinci, benzin istasyonu

If you have a smart phone and Wi-Fi, you won't have much difficulty If you don't have those, but you have chance to show the word, you won't probably need to memorize it, such as colours, foods, drinks and numbers. Let's finish this article with some common signs.

Open --> Açık
Closed --> Kapalı
Entrance --> Giriş
Exit --> Çıkış
Push --> İtiniz
Pull --> Çekiniz
Toilet --> Toilet/WC, sometimes only man and woman illustrations
Men --> Bay
Women --> Bayan
No entrance --> Girilmez

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/

Thursday, 29 January 2015

Istanbul may not be the heaven on Earth, but it isn't that hell either. The thing I realize about Istanbul photos that they are mostly from more traditional and conservative sides. The number of women are few or none.

This photo is from Istiklal Street at time time of Gezi Park events. I didn't take close-up photos in order not to include them in any blacklists. The men and women were all together. Istiklal Street has always been and is still so.

All photos below are really gorgeous, but will you notice something missing?

http://www.buzzfeed.com/marietelling/istanbul-is-so-beautiful-it-actually-hurts#.wfd13pZbN

The answer: women! Istanbul can sometimes be a hard place for women, but we are not missing from the public sphere. And we are trying not to.

Those photos were from 2014. These photos are from 1971. Thankfully, there are more women present.

https://yadi.sk/d/uRHhhe8BdSsXW

Here is an older aerial shooting from British Pathé. It is from 1967. On the Galata Bridge, the guy says that there are no women. Today if you walk on the bridge, you won't probably see any women fishing, but there are many women walking, including tourists. That part of Istanbul is usually crowded, and despite a couple of words from some tackless men, it is quite safe.

I accept that recent years have been harder and harder, especially for women, but there is no reason to think that women, especially single women are invisible. You should always be careful, of course. However, except some notorious places, Istanbul is just like other metropoles.

Wednesday, 7 January 2015

One of the first things that a traveller checks is probably the weather. Luckily, the weather in Istanbul usually isn't harsh. Keep in mind that humidity lasts for four seasons, because it is surrounded by Marmara Sea and Black Sea. If you are disturbed by humid weather in some way, take proper precautions, then everything will be allright.

Spring

Spring is my favorite season in Istanbul. Trees start to blossom, the sky is bright blue and the air is fresh. The typical spring scene in Istanbul is the pink blossom of judas trees all around. Especially the view from Bosphorus is spectacular. Spring is ideal for long walks along the European or the Anatolian coast. The angle of the sun is the best for photography. By this time, don't forget to visit the Prince Islands. The weather is usually warm and it doesn't rain much (particularly due to global warming, the spring period is getting shorter).

Summer

Summer is the time of sea! Istanbul hava some beautiful beaches (some of them aren't so clean, beware). You can try Kilyos, Sile and the Prince Islands. In my opinion, Kilyos beaches are the best, given the golden sands and the services. (You can see a relatively old photograph from Kilyos). The Prince Islands are in Marmara Sea, whereas Kilyos and Sile are in Black Sea. Marmara Sea has more dirt, but Black Sea can get crazy from time to time (thankfully, not frequently in summer). The weather is getting hotter every year. The experts say that it is half tropical now. Be careful about your time under the sun, especially if you have a light skin.

Autumn

Autumn feels like a sad season, because everything starts to fade away. However, it is also a feast of colours: greens, browns, reds, yellows, oranges... Although it may be rainy from time to time, you can take fantastic photos and walk along the coasts. It isn't chilly almost until the end of October, so feel free to wander around. If warm weather disturbs you, autumn will be a better option for you.

Winter

Istanbul doesn't have harsh winters, so you can conveniently do a city tour. The prices will fall down after autumn, which means you have a chance to make a cheaper holiday. It is true that Turkey is having hard times recently, but I must admit that I see more and more tourists, including winter. Every season has its beauty and Istanbul is no exception!

Thursday, 4 December 2014

There are many tips about Istanbul. Here some of them I remembered at first thought.

Is Istanbul Tap Water Drinkable?

Here's one of the first things I search for before I go to a city. As for Istanbul, don't drink tap water. Use it just for cleaning. You can buy table water from markets at very reasonable prices.

Is the Traffic Jam Really Bad in Istanbul?

Traffic is one of the first things that requires to keep your eyes open. Unfortunately in Istanbul, everyone is in a hurry, especially the drivers. Unlike other cities in Europe, etc. pedestrians don't have priority at traffic, although they should. The tip here is that: Look both at traffic lights and the cars. Wait for all the cars to stop. And don't trust the pedestrian crossing, because most drivers are unaware the meaning of it. Try not to argue drivers about this, because some of them may be unexpectedly aggressive.

Should I Bargain Whenever I Buy Something?

Bargain with the seller when you like to buy something, especially a traditional carpet, etc. They may take the prices a little high, so there is almost always a chance for a discount.

Are There Some Tricks I Shouldn't Fall For?

Don't believe in shoeshine boys when they drop their brush and offer to shine your shoes. Try to say no, if you don't want to pay high prices. After they shine your shoes, you don't have much chance to refuse to pay money.

Is Istanbul Safe?

Istanbul and especially central places, don't pose danger to women or men. But people aren't the same and you can come across strange people at any part of the world. If you feel like you're being followed, try to find a crowded place or walk in a market and stores like that. If the person is too close, you may try to turn back suddently and start to scream. These people are usually very coward and the dwellers are usually helpful.

I don't mean to scare you and I've never been in such situation, but carry a couple of cigarettes and 1 liras with you in case a thinner addict asks you. They don't mean to do harm, they may be furious about being rejected. So be prapered. As I said, it is rare but being cautious won't hurt you.

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Cats of Istanbul is one of the first things you'll realize, even before the sights. Cats are a characteristic of Istanbul. You can see cats at any corner and at any street. Most of these cats are very friendly (as our blog is) and let you to stroke their heads and backs.

If you visit Istanbul you are lucky in two ways: you'll see the judas trees bloom and new kittens walk around. Every spring I feel like going crazy when I see those cuties. I visit particularly Nisantasi Demokrasi Park for feline reasons.

I have dozens of photos that I had difficulty to filter out. Some cats are more friendly, some cats run away. But what they have in common is that they are all so photogenic! So, unfortunately I can only share a few of them.

1. Nisantasi cats

These are my favourites. As I mentioned above, there are always new cats wandering every spring. Nisantasi residents are very nice to cats. Cats here have specially built residences, I would say "feline villas". They are never hungry thanks to generous people who bring cat food every day.

You can see these comfortable cats at Nisantasi Demokrasi Park, at the yard of Harbiye Military Museum and Cultural Center Commend and at the streets. Some kittens are taken home by the dwellers.

A cat selfie?

2. Bosphorus cats

By Bosphorus cats I actually mean Bosphorus University cats. Most cats are under the care and protection of academicians. The cats wanter in and out of the faculties. It's very common to attend a lecture with a cat on the chair next to you :)

Bosphorus University is founded on a vast area and has a garden covered with grass. If I were a cat, I would deem it the heaven on earth. The students are also mostly cat lovers. They share their foods and spend times with the cats.

You can come across these cuties everywhere, but unfortunately some people are hard on the cats and most drivers are careless of them (and of other animals, and humans). You can take a wounded cat to a veterinary or if it is extremely afraid, you can make it feel safe.