Category: Travel

Forbes India Magazine – My Istanbul

by Forbes India

Discover the rich heritage of a city that has been the capital of three empires

My Istanbul

Image: Thierry Monasse/ Corbis

stanbul is a city that I discovered by chance. My business first took me there in the year 2002. Since then, Istanbul beckons frequently. The city is soaked in a rich heritage owing to the fact that it has served as the capital of three empires — Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

Recommendations

I like to stay at Swissotel, Taksim, because of its exceptional location, great interiors and good service. I also like Park Hyatt Istanbul Maçka Palas which is housed within a stunning 1920’s Art Deco building.

The cafes along the Bosphorus are an excellent way to spend the evening; have a drink and observe street culture at the same time.

Though I am a vegetarian and am more than happy with the fresh Mediterranean salad preparations and mezes, I am told the kebabs are a must try.

Tips

Istanbul offers an eclectic mix of architecture and cuisine. The two distinct picturesque parts, the European and the Asian, can be experienced here on a ferry ride through the Bosphorus. To try the famous Turkish Bath would be an interesting experience.

Getting Around

Travel in the city is reminiscent of India with its many traffics snarls. However, taxis are not very expensive, and therefore, a convenient way to travel. One can hail a taxi on the street, however I like to pre book. The city also has a network of trams, underground tubes and ferries.

Shopping

The city is also a great place for fashion and textile. The Istiklal street in Beyoglu area starting from Taksim square has a good mix of international and homegrown labels. I also like to visit the Ipekci street which has upscale brands like LVMH and McQueen among others. The Grand bazaar is also a great place that I try and visit. It is a bazaar as we know and has anything and everything that appeals to the senses, ranging from porcelain and silver, to antiques and rugs. The place itself first opened in 1461, so you can imagine the history attached to it.

via Forbes India Magazine – My Istanbul.

This article appeared in Forbes India Magazine of 20 January, 2012

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January 12, 2012
Turkey wants more tourism, cultural exchanges with India

New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Stating that India has strong relations with Turkey, Turkish ambassador Burak Akcapar Monday said tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries need to be boosted.

‘Our countries have had strong bilateral relations for a long time but the tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries needs to be boosted,’ said Akcapar at an event organised by the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) to announce the Indian Travel Congress being held at Istanbul March 11-13.

The year 2011 marked the diamond jubilee of India’s cultural ties with Turkey.

‘Turkey offers many opportunities for the Indian tourist,’ said Akcapar, adding ‘it presents a unique amalgamation of East and the West’.

‘Turkey is an attractive tourist destination which provides everything that Indians look for in an overseas travel experience but it is not very popular here. Our conference will help boost Turkish tourism,’ said TAAI general secretary Sunil Kumar R.

Around 50 tour operators from Turkey and neighbouring countries are expected to attend the conference.

©Indo-Asian News Service

January 10, 2012
30 million tourists visit Turkey in 2011

Addressing Turkish ambassadors in Ankara, Turkey’s Culture and Tourism minister Ertugrul Gunay said that despite political turmoil the country witnessed more than 30 million tourists in 11 months of 2011, exceeding their expectations, Zaman reported.

Gunay was glad to announce that for the first time Turkey has registered 30 million tourists in 2011 which is an important edge in tourism history of the country. Last year Turkey lost many tourists due to the unrest sweeping across the Middle East but the number of tourists visiting Turkey relatively increased compared to 2010.

Gunay said that the global financial crisis I past thee years has been affecting countries across the globe but the tourism industry of Turkey was least affected. Gunay said Turkey hosted only 13 million tourists in 2003 and now the number reached to 30 million today which was possible due to the progressive efforts of his government. The minister said Turkey received 28.6 million tourists in 2010 and many tourist reservations were canceled in 2011 because of the Arab Spring.

via 30 million tourists visit Turkey in 2011 | New Europe.

January 9, 2012
Turkey: tourism growing and profile of visitors changing

Fewer Germans and more Arabs. Sermons in English in mosques

(ANSAmed) – ANKARA – The Turkish tourism industry continues to grow and the profile of the average tourist is changing: most visitors are still coming from Europe, mainly Germany, but the number of tourists from Arab countries and regions like South America is on the rise. This fact was underlined by the Turkish agency Anadolu, which has analysed figures on the flow of incoming tourists over the first 11 months of 2011. This flow increased by 10% compared with the same period in 2010, rising to 30.26 million. Today Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay told Anadolu that he expects Turkey to host 32.5 million tourists this year, generating 24 billion USD in revenues.

The impact of Turkey’s soap operas, which are very popular in North Africa and the Middle East, has raised the number of Arab visitors to the country. But an increase in visitors from the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Norway was also recorded.

The most popular tourist destinations are the beaches of Antalya, the history and architecture of Istanbul and the province of Mugla, with the beautiful seaside resort of Bodrum.

Most tourists came from Germany (4.23 million from January to November, 400,000 less than the same period in 2010), followed by Russian tourists (3.4 million, a sharp increase from the 2.64 million recorded in 2009).

The figures regarding Arab tourists are lower, but are in line with the rise of the Islam in Turkey, which seems to be freeing itself from the secular heritage of Ataturk. Today the Dogan agency reports that some historic mosques in Istanbul are preparing summaries in English of their sermons. Rather than to devout Islamic tourists, the initiative – already implemented in Germany and Australia – is aimed at visitors of other religions among the 20 thousand tourists who visit the Islam’s places of worship in Istanbul on average every day. Some of them are not only interested in the history and architecture of the mosques, they also want to learn about the religious message that they convey. To that purpose, 250 specialised guides will be trained, who will be able to answer questions on this issue in at least three languages. Istanbul remains a very attractive tourist destination: according to figures released yesterday by the city’s Culture and Tourism Direction, a growth of more than a million visitors (+16%) was recorded compared with 2010, when the Turkish capital was one of the three European Cultural Capitals. Also in Istanbul most visitors came from Germany, followed by tourists from Russia, the U.S., Italy and France. The most popular month was July (916 thousand visitors), the least popular was January (378 thousand). (ANSAmed).

January 7, 2012
Istanbul introduces OKKA

Written by Ozgur Tore

Tuesday, 03 January 2012 15:27

From the inspired alchemy of master chef Tolga Atalay, W Istanbul presents OKKA.

w-istanbul-okka-restaurantOKKA, named after the food weight measurement unit from the Ottoman Empire, welcomes locals and international guests with classic Turkish cuisine in a contemporary bistro setting within the W Istanbul.

Abundant mezes heat the palate with a fierce pastrami steamed in parchment paper (en papillote) and refresh with a creamy white cheese whipped with yoghurt and mint. Twenty five flavorful options of kebap with local ingredients from their namesake towns and regions offer diners the ability to sample the best of Turkey without ever leaving the table. Guests may also choose to enjoy entrees including pomegranate marinated chicken or lamb tenderloin. Rose petal crème brulee is as delicate as it is decadent and creamed date ice cream needs no additional endorsement. While boasting Istanbul’s grandest cellar of locally produced wines, OKKA bows to conviviality with a self pour Raki service

An intimate space of 95 seats featuring supple leather seating, an alabaster marble bar, etched smoked mirror inlays, and glowing azure columns. With cutting edge technology, a 3D holographic belly dancer raises pulses and curiosity. Burnished leather wallpaper ornamented with a pyrographic (heated etching) tableau of an Ottoman banquet invites the appetite as guests indulge in an alluring feast of classic Turkish cuisine.

via W Istanbul introduces OKKA.

January 4, 2012
Istanbul’s Million Dollar Views

It’s lucky Istanbul’s urban sprawl is gifted with nature’s beauty. Just when the clutter of houses and chaos of traffic start to choke, it suddenly gives way to glistening, lapping waves of three wonderful waterways. At the crossroad of the city lie the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Marmara Sea, blessing Istanbul with amazing scenery and panoramic views. As the sky changes from day to night, the glint of the sun’s water reflection is replaced by the glitter of a million twinkling lights. Istanbul’s views are sure to etch themselves in your memory. These a just a few favourite places to enjoy the million-lira view without the price tag.

The Bosphorus Bridge

The single span of the suspension bridge is the first thing to attract your attention as you cross it. And while there’s beauty in this architectural feat, it’s hard to ignore the gleaming sun off the blue Bosphorus waters far below. From the Bosphorus Bridge, or Boğaziçi Köprüsü, you can really feel the magnitude of Istanbul as it spreads out its beauty with pride. The famous Sultanahmet skyline and Marmara Sea rewards viewers in one direction, and Ottoman yali’s (waterside residences) stretch all the way to the Black Sea in the other. As you swivel your head from side to side, a feeling of awe overcomes. The only way to enjoy this view is by driving over it, so for the longest viewing time, its best to get stuck in the bridge’s infamous traffic jams.

Ulus Park

The upmarket residences that surround Ulus Park hide the best-kept secret of the area. From the top of this park, the panoramic views are dazzling. Time disappears as you watch cargo ships steam under the Bosphorus Bridge on their way to the Black Sea. The jewels of the treasure lie with the emerald greens of the park complimented by sapphire Bosphorus blues.

Çamlica Hill

Being the highest point in Istanbul, Çamlica Hill offers some of the best panoramic sceneries of the city and its three waterways. Çamlica is split into Küçük Çamlica (Little Pine) and Büyük Çamlica (Big Pine), so head for the big one to feel on top of Istanbul at 267m above sea level. Across the Bosphorus, skyscrapers from the financial districts of Levent and Maslak climb out of chaotic clutter. If the weather permits, visibility reaches almost as far as the Black Sea, the Princes Islands and even to the snowy ridges of Uludag. The famous skyline of Sultanahmet’s minarets and domes is silhouetted as the sun signal the end to another day. A perfect postcard panorama gives it a romantic atmosphere. Camlica can be reached by car or taxi, or you can attempt local transport from Kadıköy, Üsküdar (4kms) or Altunizade.

After a breath of fresh air and relaxing views, the love for Istanbul’s crazy vibe is reenergized once again.

Meet the author

Casey

After moving overseas from Australia, Casey’s path landed her in Istanbul intially for a summer stint only. Once addicted to Istanbul’s eccentricity and charm, Casey has yet to find reason to leave five years on. An avid traveller of sorts, Casey spent most of her time after her studies roming across Europe and the Middle East looking for adventure and cultural experiences. Now a freelance journalist, Casey spends her days finding the words to excite the inner traveller in everyone.

via Istanbul’s Million Dollar Views « Turkey Blogs.

January 4, 2012