Istanbul, with its rich historical and cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, is widely regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is Turkey’s most populous city and serves as its cultural and financial hub. In 2010, Istanbul was one of three European Capitals of Culture. Situated on both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait connecting the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, the city bridges the gap between Asia and Europe, both geographically and culturally. With a population estimated between 12 and 19 million people, Istanbul is also among the largest cities in Europe and globally.
Positioned at the meeting point of two continents, Istanbul is defined by the Bosphorus, which runs through its core. The city showcases a unique blend of Asian and European influences, contributing to its diverse character. Economically and culturally, Istanbul acts as a vibrant intersection, where Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and North Africa converge.
Having served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul holds immense historical significance. Its remarkable natural beauty and a wealth of historical landmarks, including mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, and bazaars, captivate visitors from around the globe. While embracing modernity, Istanbul remains proud of its past, confident in its present, and optimistic about its future. The city effectively preserves its historical treasures while meeting the demands of 21st-century residents and tourists alike, ensuring a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Located in North Western Turkey, Istanbul’s weather is more European than Asian and can be considered as mild Mediterranean climate.
Please visit the link below for the current weather forecast for Istanbul:
Turkish State Meteorological Service (https://www.mgm.gov.tr/)
TRANSPORTATION IN ISTANBUL
Transportation in Istanbul is provided via bus, ferry, taxi, minibus, subway,tram, light railway.
Bus: Public and private buses are very popular. Those buses operate frequently to different destinations in the city. You can read the name of the place you would like to go, on the sign on the side window in the front. Foreign currency is NOT accepted. You can purchase the tickets from the ticket offices next to the stations. Sometimes you can find tickets in little corner convenience shops. There are different types of tickets such as Akbil, Istanbul-Kart in the smart-ticket offices in return for a certain amount. For the long distance you may need to use the double-deckers buses with double tickets.
General knowledge for bus lines in İstanbul:
You can use the link below to use the application of how to go from one point to another with the bus lines.
https://nasilgiderim.iett.gov.tr/en/
Ferry: The ferries work between European stations (Eminonu, Besiktas, Karakoy) and Asian Side (Kadikoy, Bostanci, Uskudar). If you like to see the Asian Side, you can simply take the ferry from Besiktas to Kadikoy every 30 minutes, 15 past and 15 to. For further info, you can ask for a brochure at the ferry stations.
Minibus : Minibuses are small buses which do not have a specific time table. They begin operating at 06:00 am in the morning and finish about 01:00 am You pay cash to the driver and the fee changes depending on the line.
Tram: Trams are new and very convenient in the touristic areas. There are ticket offices at the tram stations.
Subway: The “Istanbul Metro” is very convenient if you want to see the downtown and commercial centers in the city. You can purchase the tickets from the ticket offices next to the stations. There is metro station in the Ataturk Airport which takes you to the city.
To see the Istanbul metro map, please click the link:
https://www.metro.istanbul/YolcuHizmetleri/AgHaritalari
VISA INFORMATION
If you’re visiting Turkey as a tourist or on business, you can now get an e-visa online before you travel. Republic of Turkey Visa Application system: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ through the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website. An e-visa costs $20 and you can pay using a credit or debit card. General information about Turkey Visa, please visit the website at http://www.mfa.gov.tr/general-information-about-turkish-visas.en.mfa and http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
PLACES TO VISIT IN ISTANBUL
Basilica Cistern: Built by Justinian I in the 6th century, this cistern, the largest in Istanbul was built to supply water to old Constantinople. The sunken palace as it is also known is held up by 336 marble columns. The cistern was later put to use to provide water to Topkapi Palace and its surrounding gardens.
Blue Mosque: Known in Turkey as Sultanahmet Cami, the Blue Mosque is named so due to its stunning array of blue tiles that decorate its interior. The Blue Mosque is certainly the most famous mosque throughout the world and was built to rival the Hagia Sofia between 1609-1616.
Bosphorus: The famous straight that forms the boundary between Asia and Europe and links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, makes it one of the most important straights in the world. The Bosphorus is the narrowest straight that is navigated for trade routes and it approximately 31km long. As Istanbul is situated on both sides of the straight it makes the city one of the most sought-after cities by Empires have gone by.
Chora Church: Is one of the world’s most impressive Byzantine structures. The name Chora refers to the church’s location outside of the old city walls. The church was in operation until after the invasion of the Ottoman Empire and was converted to a mosque in 1453. In the year 1958, the building was made into a museum (Kariye Müzesi) and the magnificent mosaics and frescoes were once again uncovered and are on display to the public.
Grand Bazaar: First opened in 1461, Grand Bazaar or Kapal?çar?? as it is known in Turkish is one of the world’s largest souks. The covered market has 61 streets accessed via 4 main gates, over 3000 stores, 5 mosques and 6 fountains. After being destroyed and repaired numerous times the Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions. Here you can find the streets filled with souvenirs, Turkish carpets ( halı ), ceramics, leathers, and gold to name a few.
Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya): Thought to have changed the history of architecture due to its dome roof, the Hagia Sofia was built in 537 and was the world’s largest cathedral for almost a thousand years. The cathedral was turned into a mosque under orders from the Ottoman Empire but was turned into a museum in 1935. The museum houses amazing mosaics, impressive marble pillars, and the famous domed roof.
Hippodrome: Famous from the time of Constantinople under Roman rule the Hippodrome actually dates back AD 203 during the Byzantine Era. The area was a large circus in the old city and was the center for many sporting events such as chariot racing. What remains of the Hippodrome are three large columns, The Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and The Walled Obelisk.
Topkapi Palace: The royal palace of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for 400 of their 624-year reign, Topkapi Palace is one to be admired. The Palace was not only the residence of the Sultan and his family but was an important center for the empire. Made up of four courtyards the Palace was also the headquarters for the government housing the mint, treasury, and archives. Topkapi Palace was also the best educational institution during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.