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Istambul
City Guide
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Istambul City Guide
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Official name: Istanbul (formerly Constantinople).
- Language: Turkish (official), arabic, kurdish.
- Religion: Roman Catholic 87.8%
- Currency: New Turkish LIRA (YTL)
Istambul Sights and Museums
WHAT TO SEE - Hagia Sophia: Dating from the sixth century, originally a basilica constructed for the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. A masterwork of Roman engineering, the huge 30 m diameter dome covers what was for over 1000 years the largest enclosed space in the world. The basilica was looted in 1204 during the fourth Crusade, and became a mosque in the 15th century when the minarets were added. It was turned into a museum in 1930's. Don't miss the excellent mosaics, including those in the gallery, reached by a stone ramp to the left of the entrance. Entry approx $12 (currently 10 Lira which is probably cheaper than $12- as of August 2006).
- Topkapi Palace: The imperial enclave of the Ottoman emperors for three centuries. Lavishly decorated with four courts of increasing grandeur. In the second court in the entrance to the Harem (admission extra) and the State Treasury, housing a weaponry display. The third court has the Imperial Treasury (admission extra). The views from the Fourth Court over the Bosphoros are spectacular (approx. $10).
- Basilica Cistern: This giant underground cistern built by Justinian in 532 to provide water to the city in cases of siege, and later consacrated as a basilica, is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Istanbul. A wooden walkway winds between the pillars, and lights and piped music add to the eerie atmosphere.
- Grand Bazaar: Istanbul's grand old bazaar with an estimated 4400 shops lined along covered walkways. It is said to be the world's oldest shopping mall, covers several blocks and features a labyrinth of side streets to keep you lost for the better part of a day. The shops seem organized around their wares, e.g. the silver jewelers are clustered together, the carpet shops are clustered elsewhere and the shoe shops are bunched together somewhere else.
- Turkish delight of Lokum (as the locals call it) is also a good buy since you're in Turkey. It is advisable to buy it fresh rather than in pre-packaged boxes and to get a variety of flavours rather than the stereotypical rose-water or lemon flavours bought abroad. Pistachio in particular is very good.
- Don´t forget to visit also the: Sultanahmet Mosque, Galata Whiurling Dervish Hall, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hippodrome, Istanbul Archeological Museum and Mevlevi Monastery.
- When in Istanbul you just cant past the opportunity to enjoy a bath in the famous hamam (turkish baths). We recommend you these ones: Suleymaniye Bath, Cagaloglu Bath and the Cemberlitas Bath.
Istambul Entertainment
EVENTS - Turkey's Holy Month, Ramazan, sees much of the city's population fasting during daylight hours, although most restaurants and cafes remain open for those choosing not to participate and for non-Muslims. The festival of Seker Bayrami marks the end of Ramazan and is when the inhabitants of Istanbul embark on a frenzy of socialising, with an emphasis on the sweet tooth. It's one of the citys busiest times; a three-day national holiday when businesses close and public transport is heavily patronised.
- An equally busy time for Istanbul is during Kurban Bayrami, Turkey's most important religious holiday. The four-day festival celebrates the almost-sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham on Mount Moriah and results in hotels being heavily booked and a dearth of space on public transport.
- As the lunar Hejira year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Muslim events happen 11 days earlier each year.
- Other special events include the Istanbul Film Festival in April, May's Conquest of Constantinople celebrations, June/July's International Istanbul Music Festival and International Istanbul Jazz Festival and September/October's International Istanbul Biennial.
Istambul Transports
TRANSPORTS - Istanbul has a decent public transport network, which you'll appreciate once you get the hang of pre-buying tickets (try an Akbil pass instead, if you're in town for a few weeks), jumping on half-moving vehicles and avoiding armpits in tram jams. And if it all gets too much, a mad taxi driver is always ready to race you to your destination - and you won't pay too much for the thrill, either. But all public transport slows to a crawl around peak hours; this is the time to take to your feet. Walking is the best way to see Istanbul - though the ferries rate a close second.
- The main bus station, the International Istanbul Bus Station, or more simply, the otogar, is 10km (6mi) west of Sultanahmet at Esenler. Both city and private buses run services in Istanbul.
- The suburban trains are a bit decrepit but reliable and inexpensive, running from Sirkeci station. Istanbul's metro is under construction, though some lines are already in service; it's inexpensive, with frequent services. There are several tramlines to choose from if you want a ride with a view.
- Istanbul has a large fleet of yellow taxis. It's an easy matter to rent a car; it's navigating the thing through the insane traffic that might prove to be difficult. Save it for leaving town.
- Ferries and catamarans can take you along the Golden Horn or up the Bosphorus - an hour-long ferry ride is cheap and fun.
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