Istanbul, a must-be city in one's life[more pics on third page]

[img]http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/AssetsTurkey/Maps/IstanbulFmSpaceWLabels.jpg[/img]
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[color=Blue]do u see the map above? istanbul, a city of turkey, across over the europe and asia and it is a wonderful garden city in the world[/color].:P
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[color=Black][color=Blue]the information below from the net[/color][/color]:victory: (z'`*?m
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(S,O6?+Je0L(QQ [size=3][color=DarkRed]Istanbul[/color] is a cosmopolitan city built on two continents. The most recent population census shows that it has a population of about 12 million people, from which almost 65% are inhabitants of the Asian side. Fulfilling the residential role of the city, it doesn't present a lot to see historically. In contrast, the European side is the commercial and cultural center, further divided into two districts (the Old City and the modern downtown) by a narrow channel of water called 'the Golden Horn'. Below you will find some helpful details to make your stay easier when you are in Istanbul. x#m,cw;n9^B"_C9E
[color=Blue]words by mazy: there are only 15% area belongs to asia and 85% belongs to europe in istanbul. istanbul located south by mediterrnean sea and north by black sea. it may have earthquakes in turkey so you should take yourselves carefully:victory:  [/color]
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[color=DarkRed]Arrival [/color]/FbKf;L
Most countries' citizens require a visa to enter Turkey. For some countries this visa can be supplied directly upon arrival at the airport, for others it is advisable to pre-arrange it at a Turkish Embassy in the home country. Check with your local Turkish Embassy prior to departure.{%tS-e&U#I8fg+K


LTOJ,h:t [color=DarkRed]Climate [/color]6pAzq-g8R*~VW
The regional location of Istanbul is the second most humid region of the country, with an average humidity of 73%. The maximum that has been recorded is 41'C (105.8 'F) - 16'C (5'F).
;\^:E_E(Gx [color=Blue]words by mazy here:  it is wet and cold in winter and hot very much in summer, so you'd better choose november to june of next year for your trip there, but please do not travel there on july and august[/color]:P 2D7W7Kf%]C2w
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[color=DarkRed]Money[/color]9XdBS7f
The currency used in the Turkish Republic is the Lira - unfortunately one of the least valuable world currencies due to a poor economy. For that reason, many prices are quoted in USD (especially in the tourist areas). [color=Blue]Visa and Master cards are accepted generally everywhere[/color],[color=Blue](words by mazy: so, it is better for you to take some RMB or dollars than TL)[/color] although American Express or Diners Cards can pose difficulties. Travelers' Cheques are not easily cashed as most of the banks and exchange offices (doviz burosu) charge a sizable commission. It is advisable to use them as direct payment where possible, instead of cashing them. 1|/OUjNEjV;Or
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[color=DarkRed]Electricity[/color]#Vk6Z#b|
In Istanbul, electricity is supplied at 220 volts with plugs of two round prongs. As is not easy to find adapters in the city, it is advisable to bring your own for use of any extra electrical item.V.A+u"c zF

+\]Ec*jK+bl [color=DarkRed]Internet Cafes[/color]*ka'N1Lwh)x
It is very easy to find Internet cafes anywhere in the city with reasonable prices. A set time-related fee is charged for the use of the computer or the Internet, but use of scanners, printers etc. is usually extra.
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All taxis in the city (a total of 22,000 !) carry a meter. If the meter does not appear to be working, it is advisable to change taxis. The night fare commences after midnight.
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H1h I-@){GVb8S [color=DarkRed]Time[/color]
#D0w+{ }3k$Ad-G The whole country is in one time zone with a daylight saving period, so it is always two hours ahead of GMT. Daylight saving starts around April and ends around October.
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}3].aLKM)I [color=DarkRed]National Holidays[/color]
{W6p4Ygxr January 1st : New Years Eve, April 23rd : National Independence and Children's Day, May 19th : Youth and Sports Day, August 30th : Victory Day, October 29th : Republic Day. There are two other religious holidays, of which the times vary greatly, as they follow the lunar Islamic calendar of 354 days.
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mL6Z6X'E:My [color=DarkRed]Emergency Phone Numbers[/color]9f"l$T"H@n
Police 155. Traffic police 154. Ambulance 112. These numbers are toll free when you use a regular phone but if you are using a public or a cellular there is a charge.%h%\m]c!d#\

t7IN8_FR*@3L3QLo [color=DarkRed]Public Telephones[/color]

{*@dH t$n*St There are three kinds of public phones: *aA8OM8Yp#[^9g
1. Token phones: For these you have to insert a special token that can be purchased from the post office. These phones are very hard to find and quite old-fashioned. "Z.J+C,oD#B}au
2. Card phones: These work with a special prepaid card that can be purchased from the post offices and most street vendors. There are three kinds - 30 units, 60 units and 100 units. It is advisable to purchase 60 or 100 units for making international calls. i'G5X.L+lzjs,M
3. Credit card phones: These work with all the major credit cards and they are available at the airport and all the major touristy sites. For international operators, here are the most common numbers: AT&T 0-0-8001 2277, MCI 0-0-8001 1177, US Sprint 0-0-8001 4477. [/size]
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hAF(_BW [[i] Last edited by  mazy at 2007-2-2 11:08 [/i]]

[img]http://www.istanbultravelguide.net/ist16.jpg[/img]
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!`z;lz;tc,dkp,c [[i] Last edited by  mazy at 2007-1-8 15:38 [/i]]

the special things to do & see in istanbul

[size=3][color=DarkRed]Breakfast in Ulus Park [/color]
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Ulus Park is located on one of the hills that faces the Bosphorus and the first suspension bridge. There is a restaurant in the park where you can enjoy an omelet and fresh orange juice, or a continental breakfast. Wb r Tx
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/mjp#n.sg kth? [color=DarkRed]Stroll through Akmerkez[/color] kr1pf|1Br
Akmerkez is a very big shopping mall, located near to Ulus Park. You can either shop or just sit down and observe the local people out shopping. `T;ynrpi

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Q)X2R|"^ [color=DarkRed]Visit Ortakoy area and have lunch [/color]j?t'[8i,vA2Jjt
Take a taxi from Akmerkez to Ortakoy. Ortakoy is an area which is full of restaurants, bars and art galleries. You can visit the art galleries, sit on a bench by the Bosphorus and gaze at the passing ships, or browse in the many small jewelry shops. There are many options for snacks, meals or just a coffee over a game of backgammon. s1b/}X0B
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(x;F:I,R!A%hvT\8ie Walk in the narrow streets of Beyoglu and Pera [/color]WW9o4C!_XD4G
Start walking from the entrance of Istiklal Street but be sure to get off the main street for some of the time - the pleasant side streets await discovery too. At the end of the Istiklal Street, you will see one of the oldest subways in the world, called 'Tunel', built in 1876. On the other side of it, you will find a cafe, called 'KV'. Stop by for a beverage. ~e&t,Rv|o

(V2yi%uMA|(h9v2ZHp [color=DarkRed]Watch the sunset from Galata Tower [/color]
"ty$Y2q x{ Ed Continue to Galata Tower which was built in the 15th century. Watch the sun set over the whole city from the tower.
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KD~UW\pP [color=DarkRed]Have dinner in Hamam Restaurant in Sarayburnu area [/color]D\af.mH Y1Y$Un
Go back to the Tunel area. Take the Tunel metro (consists of only 1 stop) to the Karakoy area. Walk across the Golden horn on Galata Bridge and see the fishermen. After you pass to the other side, take a taxi to Sepetciler Kasri. End your day by having dinner in 'Hammam' restaurant in Sepetciler Kasri. [/size]

dave's travel in istanbul

Turkey in the winter can be cold, very cold. However the cold and the largest snow storm in over 50 years did not stop me from spending as much time hopping from one tourist attraction to the next. Over a foot and a half of snow fell in Istanbul the week I was there, and western Turkey is simply not prepared to deal with this much snow. Snow plows were non-existent, everything ground to a halt and hotel rooms filled up with Turkish workers unable to leave the  
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\ Nfl%E'N~iy city centers after work. Traffic into the city was held to an absolute standstill. Depending on your perspective,  Istanbul was transformed into a wintry wonderland overnight. D^8n"` Q(hdj W.G9J

2Sy(e$s BS/kFm K%{ You know you are in Istanbul when you see the great domed mosques their pointed turrets rising between the buildings and the multitude of minarets. If you see Istanbul for the first time at night, its a glittering magical foreign city. The main city of Istanbul with approximately 15 million people has the unique distinction of sitting on two continents. The Asian side is referred to as Anatolian Istanbul and the European side is merely called European Istanbul. These 'sides' of Istanbul are separated by the Sea of Marmara which runs into the Bosphorus which is a channel of water that physically divides Istanbul. The straits of Bosphorus run into the Black Sea - which is located only about 1 hour from Istanbul by car.w{ }4l%~'L.g+@
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Turkey is one of the most historically significant countries in the world - its home to many famous historical figures - some real, some biblical and some mythical. Turkish history starts with a tour of Istanbul. Must see historical attractions include the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. If you enjoy historical attractions and big cities then spend at least a week in Istanbul if your schedule will permit it, otherwise you can cram the highlights of Istanbul into about 3 full days.2f&xQjN2ND

;e9N*DZ'j There are many car rental companies in Istanbul and you can certainly rent a car to find your way around the city. The streets tend to be narrow and quite crowded at times. Turkish drivers have their 'own' way of navigating the roads and it can be quite perturbing and downright dangerous to those who have no experience driving with a certain amount of "chaos". I don't recommend renting a car for Istanbul driving. I would say rent it when you are ready to leave for other parts of Turkey and if you must rent before you leave, keep it at your hotel parking lot and utilize public transportation. As mentioned above driving in and around Istanbul is somewhat sketchy due to the poor/crazy drivers as well as a severe lack of parking. bk:m$Dd2D%d

6g1MF7X[ VI_ There are two main bridges that cross the Bosphorus connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. They are the mighty Bosphorus bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. For those people without a car, using water taxis is the best and cheapest way to cross between the two sides. Water taxis are regularly scheduled from several ports one each side of Istanbul.
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||1o Zw ]8s,eS Dolmus's (minibuses) run on set routes with set prices. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Istanbul has its own tram, metro and underground trains. Taxis are my least recommended choice of transportation unless they are used for relatively short distances. The reason for this is they are *very* expensive. For example a 25 minute ride to the airport cost approximately $40 and that was in the low season.
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Istanbul can be quite cold in the winter and usually has periods of a light snowfall. Heavier snowfalls are rare. Istanbul can have rain and can be warm in the summer. You should also know that for tourists Turkey is primarily a summer destination. Outside of Istanbul (which is fine to visit year round) in the winter time many hotels and restaurants close down especially those located in towns near water. There are just no tourists in the winter to support their business. The weather can be very bad in the winter and because of snow and rain towns east of Istanbul are often very isolated and hard to reach. Some years finds most of Turkey east of Istanbul covered in snow.
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y(o1?1SDQ IW There are many individual districts in Istanbul. When you refer to certain main attractions you preface by saying they are in such and such district. Sultanahmet located on the Golden Horn is one of the most well-known districts as it contains many of the "must see attraction". It is Istanbul's main historic district and if you spend even a little time in Istanbul you will wind up here. The Golden Horn is the term used to describe the Sultanahmet area and vicinity as this area is situated on a "horn" shaped section of land. `)}2F5{
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Beyoglu is located across a waterway from The Golden Horn mentioned above, and is a very trendy popular area with young Turkish and upscale tourists. The heart of Beyoglu is definitely Taksim Square which is a hub bub of activity and often the scene for demonstrations.   N8kD Bxgv(h;VPg
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the article from:
8Q&Mt_m [{b7C!t_x [url]http://www.davestravelcorner.com/articles/istanbul/index.htm[/url]

[img]http://www.davestravelcorner.com/articles/istanbul/Anatolia-Side-Istanbul.JPG[/img]
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my colleagues will go to istanbul next month:')

Reply #6 yjfyjf999's post

good news
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g;zH+S%IB[&Ap maybe i will be there in the new year too:P

really:o
Au5t$W5q:E`^zD0^ mazy you are the best

Reply #8 yjfyjf999's post

it is different. %u9Pt'g P0X_
maybe i will be there for travel more than business.:L

travel:o
8tm4F BWWYn'u istanbul :o
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5b `,B-G$Y$` it is impossible for me in the future:')

[quote]Originally posted by [i]yjfyjf999[/i] at 2007-1-17 13:27&?f F6?C!Q
travel:o
-}Vt'_W{ g1Q\? istanbul :o oa'A0M
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it is impossible for me in the future:') [/quote]YEJ VJ
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nothing is impossible.:P

I think it is a very beautiful city. I like it!

Reply #12 tortoise's post

thank you for your post and if you can share something more with us i will thank you again:P

mazy, a good person! hehe:victory:

I have some clients in Turkey. And they often tell  me something about it. Nice country and people.

I will ask them to send me some pictures and then loadup.:P

Reply #16 annyblank's post

really?y*kwUrTS0x;^\g!S
great!$hJ#g i.^)b+A&Z.oh
:P

anny:victory:
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X"Fw~ yg have not seen you many many days:victory:

[quote]Originally posted by [i]yjfyjf999[/i] at 2007-1-23 11:40uZ7x Q g7XOX
anny:victory: 1o6u0[+QzOz
have not seen you many many days:victory: [/quote]:jYOAE)@
me too. Hope everything is ok for u.

what a nice day!)MZ9p/X,E%~fB.D
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morning anny:victory:

I think I will be there soon.(rl O^KEL
We will visit the exhibition there in May,;`:_'P
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is it hot then? Mazy?:o

Reply #21 bacon999's post

really?{6@bG;UWq
great.
4w"S|9\ qT3H+C4\ it is better to be there in may and it is not hot.RN4T/]6K9m5X8Z7kh

ZVYb#Db~6H2w [[i] Last edited by  mazy at 2007-1-24 13:47 [/i]]

[quote]Originally posted by [i]mazy[/i] at 2007-1-24 13:42J'x$[-o&mv'J5_
really?
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it is better to be there in may and it is not hot. [/quote]
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xBF#Y.m-W/{+pgH#K This is the best news I have got today, beside new orders from my foreign customers. :lol :victory:

Reply #23 bacon999's post

i want to tell u more about your tour, but it is difficult for me to say it in english.;P

[quote]Originally posted by [i]mazy[/i] at 2007-1-24 14:19
SY9{hob |Do&U i want to tell u more about your tour, but it is difficult for me to say it in english.;P [/quote]

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1d-zliu#BOhIC Maybe you can tell him in Chinese in Chinese FOB.;P

[quote]Originally posted by [i]bacon999[/i] at 2007-1-24 13:51
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P&}%Li D-Q| This is the best news I have got today, beside new orders from my foreign customers. :lol :victory: [/quote]{#Hy[:R(Z
Good. Looking forward to more news from you. Hope you get more orders from exhibition.bj-x&g-T2Yof
PS mazy: the same to you, cute girl. Good luck in 2007. God bless you! :P

Reply #26 annyblank's post

are u better now? oYF,hd-Q
keep yourself healthy anytime.:P

[quote]Originally posted by [i]mazy[/i] at 2007-1-24 14:37
vD;?u1f6r| C9f.dm are u better now?(hv/H+s%Tb-Ot
keep yourself healthy anytime.:P [/quote]X'l)QsvS2z

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?D yes. not very bad now! Many thanks for your regard.
"Klq#wUJ qyH I will have a rest later. Also please take care yourself.:P

Reply #28 annyblank's post

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have another rest today?WL;?&o#~5F?(h6^2@
ok, i see.:hug:

OMG:o :o 2F7`FF
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i know mazy is a girl just now:P :$