About Istanbul

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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