One City Two Continents
Istanbul is a two-part city, divided by the Bosphorus, one part lying in Europe and the other in Asia. It is a natural gateway offering a friendly welcome with genuine hospitality. The city has been an imperial capital for Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empires, all of which is reflected in the beauty of its many museums, churches, and great mosques. It is a metropolis proud of its rich history and unrivalled natural beauty. With a population of over 10 million it is the biggest city in Turkey.
Although, not the capital, Istanbul remains the heartbeat of Turkey! Local cuisine is excellent and of a great variety, from the simple village kitchen to the most refined tastes of the imperial Ottoman Cuisine. A visit to Istanbul could not be concluded without attending one of the many cabarets offering traditional folk music and exotic belly dancing. Finally shopping is not only an excellent deal but also a lot of fun. Busy, modern shopping malls offer all the great brands of the world. Take a stroll through the traditional covered bazaars of the city; where, tastefully created by that extraordinary blend of cultures and handed down through generations, rugs and flat weaves (kilims), ceramics, copperware, embroidery and objects in gold and silver, all of stunning beauty await the enthusiastic shopper.
If you require further information on Turkey and Istanbul you can visit the following websites:
www.turizm.gov.tr &
www.tourismturkey.org
Climate
Istanbul's climate is generally mild. Avarage temperature in June is about 28°C.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options include the limited Metro (stations at Taksim - Osmanbey - Gayrettepe - Levent - 4 Levent), a large bus fleet, the light rail system departing from Sirkeci station in the historic Sultan Ahmet district, and numerous ferryboats that criss-cross the Bosphorus from the main terminals at Eminönü, Karaköy and Beşiktaş. Also not to be missed is the historic tramway that shuttles up and down the pedestrian-only İstiklal Caddesi in Beyoğlu and the 19th century funicular subway, Tünel, located at the end of İstiklal Caddesi.
Taxis
Taxis are a dependable means of public transportation available at all times of day and night. Taxis are yellow and have a "Taksi" sign. Taxis charges are determined officially. Taxis have a Taximeter that works when the customer gets in the car. Taxis have two charges tariffs, daytime and night. Night tariffs starts at 24.00 and end at 6.00 a.m. Night time is more expensive than daytime.
Eating Out
Turkey is well known for its diverse range of dishes, mostly due to regional variation. Istanbul has become a melting pot of both local and international cuisines. The Ottomans’ contribution to world cuisine is magnanimous. The word “kebab” is synonymous with Turkey, and a vast selection of kebabs can easily be found everywhere. Fresh fish is traditionally eaten at restaurants by the Bosphorus accompanied by meze (Turkish hors d’oeuvre) and the local aniseed-flavor raki (national drink). Vegetarians are also well catered at special restaurants.
In an effort to broaden culinary horizons, more and more western-style cafes, bars and continental restaurants are popping up all the time. One may as well find many Japanese, Chinese, Indian, French, Italian, German, Russian, American, Mexican or fusion cuisine restaurants around the city.
Shopping
Here is Istanbul….While getting the most out of shopping, does not this metropolis city impress you with the contrast of modern with traditional? Walk through the Nuruosmaniye gate of the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) as you breathe in some history. You can not take your eyes off of shop displays filled with much gorgeous merchandise from jewellery to leatherwear, to carpets. Or walk down to the wonderful aroma of the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı). This is definitely going to make you feel like you are walking through history.
Although walking in this city is like walking in time, different shopping centers dispersed throughout the city can make you reach the contemporary designs. You can find the elite boutiques of the world famous name brands under the 19th century buildings in Nişantaşı and Teşvikiye, or in elegant stores in Bağdat Caddesi.
This is Istanbul…a city where you can derive joy from shopping.