| About
Istanbul |
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Istanbul
is now getting ready for a new century with
comprehensive projects concerning environmental
issues, new housing, additions to the subway
system, emphasis of sea routes in
transportation, and new international congress
centers. International talks are continuing in
order to eliminate the dangers which the giant
ships crossing the Bosphorus pose for the
environment. Cultural activities, tourism and
commerce will continue to play an important role
in the life of the city. Nevertheless, there is
still much to be done to solve problems such as
population growth, traffic congestion,
preventing unauthorized constructions, and
conserving the remaining wooden houses. Plans
are also being discussed for a third crossing of
the Bosphorus.
Istanbul has a colorful and vibrant everyday
life that goes on side by side, or under the
shadows cast by, the Roman, Byzantine and
Turkish monuments, which are constantly repaired
and preserved with meticulous care. With 10
million inhabitants out of the national
population of 65 million, Istanbul is the most
crowded city in Turkey.
It is also the heart of the country with respect
to imports and exports, entertainment, culture,
education, shopping, tourism and the arts. Over
one half of the populace lives on the European
side of the city. People living on the Asian
part and commuting daily to work use the
suspension bridges or ferryboats.
Istanbul has always been a most popular visiting
place for travelers and now it is preparing for
its rendezvous with the 21st century. Its new
ports and marinas facilitate arrival by the sea.
For visitors who prefer air travel, the existing
modern airport has been enlarged and a second
airport is under construction on the Asian side.
By a lucky coincidence the maintenance and
repair projects realized for the 75th year of
the Republic of Turkey in 1998 turned into a
blessing for the initiatives to get Istanbul
ready for the 21st century.
Istanbul is now a city with adequate supplies of
energy, no major infrastructure problems, clean
air and seas, unproblematic transportation, a
sufficient number of five and four-star hotels,
and minimized traffic jams. In addition to the
neat covered bazaars, a new development for the
city is the large, modern and luxurious shopping
malls that include outlets for well-known
international brands.
After the dynamic and crowded tourist season
that lasts from spring to autumn, it is now
becoming fashionable to visit and to shop in
Istanbul during the tranquil winter months,
particularly due to the sales in such large
centers.
Istanbul is becoming even more colorful with
expanding social, cultural and commercial
activities. In addition to traditional Turkish
restaurants, there are now increasingly more new
restaurants offering Far Eastern or other
specialties, and the latest films are shown in
the new cinemas equipped with all comforts.
World famous pop stars give concerts in stadiums
filled to top capacity; opera, ballet and
theater shows continue the year round;
internationally renowned orchestras, choirs and
jazz masters appear at seasonal festivals; and
musical, folk dance and theater shows play to
full houses. Such shows take place in historical
locations such as Hagia Eirene,There are
sufficient numbers of nightclubs, restaurants
with live music, discotheques, and bars in
Istanbul to satisfy those interested in
nightlife. Folk dance groups and belly dancers
perform in some nightclubs.
The Liitfu Kirdar International Congress and
Exhibition Palace that was reorganized in 1998
has immediately reached full capacity. New and
even larger congress halls are under
construction. The closed fair areas at
international dimensions always attract visitors
with their very popular activities.
The heart of the Turkish press beats in
Istanbul. Both the printing facilities of the
large dailies and new university campuses are
now such large complexes that they can no longer
fit into the city fabric and have to move to the
outskirts. University, state and private
hospitals have attained high standards and can
offer international services.
There are sufficient numbers of nightclubs,
restaurants with live music, discotheques, and
bars in Istanbul to satisfy those interested in
nightlife. Folk dance groups and belly dancers
perform in some nightclubs.
In the summer months restaurants, clubs and
discotheques move to the open locales and their
number increases. They are particularly crowded
in weekends
Known in previous incarnations as Byzantium and
Constantinople, the ancient city of Istanbul has
over the past few decades grown a healthy
cosmopolitan skin. Turkey had an economic good
time in the 1980s that led in turn to resurgence
in national tourism, and before you could say 'Masallah',
the thoroughfares of Istanbul were crowded with
new restaurants, hotels, cafes and cultural
institutions. The feel-good optimism was dashed
by a devastating earthquake in 1999 but the city
has since recovered some if its equanimity.
In the Sultanahmet district in the heart of the
old city you can stroll around Ottoman mosques
or pretend you're a sultan about to embark on
renovations in the Topkapi Palace, while in the
sweetshops of Beyoglu you can track down your
Turkish delight. And don't miss a cruise across
the Bosphorus.
Most travellers have a trouble-free time in
Istanbul, but bear in mind that there are
occasional bombings in the capital, usually
targetted at Turkish police - best to avoid
political gatherings and demonstrations wherever
possible. The Turkey-Iraq border area should
also be avoided.
Istanbul
Facts
Area:
98 sq mi (254 sq km)
Population: 15 million
Country: Turkey
Time Zone: GMT/UTC+2 (+3 in summer)
Telephone area code: 212 - European Istanbul;
216 - Asian Istanbul
Istanbul
Orientation
The
Bosphorus, the strait flowing between the Sea of
Marmara and the Black Sea, creates a natural
north-south divide in Istanbul - European
Istanbul comprises the bulk of the city to the
west, while Asian Istanbul is to the east.
European Istanbul is itself divided by the
Golden Horn (Haliç) into the old city to the
south, and Beyoglu and other modern districts to
the north.
The Old City is where you'll find all the main
sights, such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque
(Sultan Ahmet Camii), Aya Sofya (Sancta Sophia),
the Atmeydani (Hippodrome) and the old city
walls. The 21st-century version of Istanbul is a
short walk north across the Galata Bridge, and
is exemplified by bustling Taksim Square, the
eye of the city's commercial storm. Buses, trams
and the developing metro system, not to mention
footpower, will get you around the two main
parts of the city - ferries can run you between
them as well as across the Bosphorus to the more
suburban Asian Istanbul.
The ever-growing tourist trade means there's
plentiful accommodation in Istanbul, although
you'll need to book ahead for the better places
during peak months and over the main public
holidays. There are clusters of budget places in
the Sultanahmet district of the old city. If you
want to spend a bit more, head for the luxury
hotels of Harbiye and along the Bosphorus. For
cheap, ready-made Turkish food, try one of the
ubiquitous hazir yemek small restaurants.
Istanbul now has more upwardly mobile eateries
than ever before, with chic new cafe-restaurants
catering to many tastes.
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