About Istanbul

HOST CITY - ISTANBUL

Istanbul – 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; there, 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.theguideturkey.com

CLIMATE OF ISTANBUL

The inhabitants of Istanbul enjoy all four seasons. The characteristic weather here is a somewhat cooler version of the Mediterranean climate: a short spring, ideal summer temperatures, a long autumn with blue skies, and a rainy winter... The Bosphorus dons the purple of the Judas-tree groves in the spring. The parks and gardens are decorated with tulips and other flowers.

SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise for carpets, leather goods, jewels, gold and fashion. If you prefer to do your entire shopping in one roof, head for one of the city’s modern shopping malls, which offer a variety of international and Turkish brand goods.

Shops are open, in general, from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday; The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar open their gates at 8:30am and close at 7pm. Big shopping malls open from 10am to 10pm seven days a week. Shops do not close for lunch.

TAXIS

Available at taxi stands or hailed on the street. All are yellow with a taxi sign at the top and have meters.
Turkish Cuisine is one the best in the world. You will find many restaurants which serve Turkish and International cuisine. There are also a lot of fast-food possibilities. An evening on the shores of the Bosphorus to taste fresh fish with Turkish wine is always recommended.

EATING OUT

The Turkish Cuisine is said to be one of the best in the world. Istanbul has many alternatives to offer from the world. Chinese, Mexican, Japanese and traditional Turkish cuisine. You may choose from modern and elegant restaurants or smaller ones filled with local color and flavor.

TIPPING

Although a service charge is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one's own discretion is appreciated.