ISTANBUL

 Istanbul is a city of wonders far exceeding what words can tell! That's why we thought you might want to take a closer look at this spectacular city divided into two continents by the Bosphorus. 130 wonderful photographs of historical sights, brigdes, houses, specialty stores, the Bosphorus and of course the mesmerizing Istanbul twilight will tell you more than a thousand words.

Istanbul is an old old city, you can see the remains of many ancient civilizations and their culture in harmony with Turkish culture. The old versus the new, the traditional versus the modern is a conflict a visitor often observes. The city is full of contrasts, and colorful views,
So enjoy one of them:
The diverse ethnicity of the city, is another point which is worth examinig. The Minorities sum up to a majority and build up an enormous population. The natives of the city are very typical, you can easily identify them from the look in their eyes. take a look at the good old days.

HEALTH :
  There are no serious health risks associated with travel to Turkey. No vaccinations are required for entry. Tap water is heavily chlorinated. Bottled water, bottled sparkling mineral water or carbonated mineral water are also abundant.In the hospitals mentioned below, you are offered an excellent service and consultation with English speaking doctors.

HOSPITALS :
For emergencies the town hospitals are open 24 hours a day and most of the duty doctors are bilingual. An ambulance service may be requested from hospitals for emergencies.
 

PHARMACIES : 
There are a large number of pharmacies (Eczane) in the town, open during business hours. In each area there is a pharmacy open 24-hour  for emergencies. To learn which pharmacy is on duty, check with your tour operator, the notices posted on the pharmacy windows or call information on 118. All medicine is available, yet strong painkillers, tranquilizers, and some other medicine require prescription.

TRANSPORTATION :
  You can come to Istanbul by air, sea, highway or railroad. If you decide to use your own car, your driving license will be valid. An International Driver's Permit is a good idea.
Once you are in Istanbul, there are many ways to travel in the city.
You can take a bus, taxi, mini-bus, shared cab (dolmus) or the tram to reach your destination by land, however if you prefer to enjoy the screams of seagulls along with a cup of tea, then you can take the ferries or the seabuses

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? Now, let's walk through the Nuruosmaniye gate of the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) as we breathe in some history. You can not take your eyes off of shop displays filled with many gorgeous merchandise from jewellery to leatherwear, to carpets.
Now, let's walk down to the wonderful aroma of the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). This is definitely going to make you feel like you are walking through history. A small antique piece can easily be reached at Cukurcuma, Horhor or Sisli. Although walking in this city is like walking in time, different shopping centres 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 19^th century buildings in Nisantasi and Tesvikiye, or in elegant stores in Bagdat Caddesi.

This is Istanbul…a city where you can derive joy from shopping.

SHOPPING AREAS :

CUISINE :
 The Turkish cuisine, which is one of the richest in the world, appeals to the eye as well as the palate. Turkish food that is found today in Istanbul is truly a living synthesis of Eastern and Western cultures. In addition to the many restaurants that serve traditional and international menus to satisfy the varied tastes of their guests, many nightclubs, cafes and bars offer fine menus along with a wide range of entertainment choices

Kebab is a typical South Eastern Turkish food. It is a kind of a food group which means; meat down with charcoal or wood fire. The recepies can be with vegetables or very hot pepper, again depending on the region. Raki is a traditional alcoholic beverage made with anise and grapes. It is called "Lion's Milk" by the locals, so give this combination a try in one of the many kebab houses in Istanbul.

You may finalize this feast, with the unique taste of Turkish coffee
"Afiyet olsun" (Good Apetite

NIGHTLIFE :
But you' ve got to come and explore yourselves.

Entertainment; Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The International Arts and Cultural Festival is held each year in June and July with famous artists coming from all over the world. These performances are held mostly in the Atatürk Cultural Center. Those enjoying classical music can hear it at Cemal Resit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, film, concerts, exhibitions and conferences all share the cultural palette of the city. Istanbul also has a rich program of light entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to the famous belly dance. Istanbul is an international gambling city with many casinos. Alongside these are modern discos, cabarets, and jazz clubs in the Taksim-Harbiye district. In Sultanahmet, there are a number of restaurants in restored Byzantine and Ottoman buildings which offer a unique setting for an evening out. Kumkapi, with its many taverns, bars and fish restaurants, is another attractive district. People have been meeting for years in Beyoglu district`s Çiçek Pasaji for snacks and seafood specialties. Also in this district, the narrow Nevizede street, near Çiçek Pasaji, is the best place in Istanbul for eating Turkish specialties and drinking raki. On the Bosphorus, Ortaköy is the best place for nightlife in Istanbul, with its nightclubs, jazz clubs, fine seafood restaurants and bars. In Eminönü, don`t miss an opportunity to see the fishermen dressed in traditional Ottoman clothes on their Ottoman-style boats where you may board and taste their famous delicious fried fish.

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