Tag: Istanbul

Istanbul’s tourism to earn $10.2 billion

Tourism revenues in 2011 will grow fastest in Istanbul among some 132 cities over the globe, surpassing even New York and Amsterdam in terms of number of visitors, according to research. Forecast for revenues stands at $10.2 billion

Some 9.4 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Istanbul this year, thus marking the city the third with the largest rise in the number of tourists. DAILY NEWS photo, Hasan ALTINIŞIK

Istanbul will top the list of 132 cities whose tourism income will grow the fastest in 2011, expanding at 30.1 percent and reaching a level of $10.2 billion, according to a city index developed by MasterCard Worldwide.

The city’s tourism income will increase by 30.1 percent this year, according to the MasterCard Target Cities Index that was published on Saturday. In terms of tourism income growth rates, Istanbul is followed by Barcelona, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The index analyzes world renowned cities’ potential in tourism and tourism expenditures, including the increase in the number of visitors and in their expenditures in some 132 cities.

The income generated from Istanbul’s tourism by the end of the year will be $10.2 billion, according to the index that ranks the city in 12th place. London is expected to earn the largest tourism income in 2011 worth $25.6 billion. It is followed by New York, Paris, Bangkok and Frankfurt with $20.3, $14.6, $14.4 and $14 billion in revenue respectively.

The index predicts the total number of foreign tourists visiting Istanbul in 2011 to reach 9.4 million, ahead of cities such as New York, Rome, Amsterdam and Milan. London is expected to attract the largest number of tourists with 20.1 million foreign visitors. It is followed by Paris and Bangkok with 11.5 and 11.4 million tourists respectively, whereas Istanbul is seventh on the list with 9.4 million visitors.

At a growing rate of 20.4 percent, Istanbul is the third city that will have the largest increase in its number of tourists compared to 2010. According to the index, the cities preceding Istanbul are Spain’s Barcelona and Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, with 24.3 and 21.8 percent increases in the number of tourists respectively.

Istanbul is a city on the rise due to its strategic geographic position between Europe and Asia, its rich history and cultural heritage, according to Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, one of the economic advisers of MasterCard Worldwide Global.

Public services will be key for generating income and employment in the future. Istanbul could become Turkey’s cradle for information on the economy and take advantage of innovative industries such as congress tourism, Wong said. “If the right investments are made and the right urbanization policies implemented … investments will be highly cost-efficient in the future.”

via Istanbul’s tourism to earn $10.2 billion – Hurriyet Daily News.

July 4, 2011
City Guide: Istanbul – Marie Claire Magazine

A city of excess in all areas, Istanbul is both a hub of ancient history and one of the most successful models of modernity.

Lifestyle

One of the most striking things about Turkey’s largest city is its youthfulness. Long celebrated for its mix of East and West, Istanbul capitalises on its ancient roots even as it moves into the 21st century. The Sultanahmet district is the old city; Beyoğlu is the 19th-century European quarter; Nisantasi, with its malls and restaurants, is the stomping ground of the bourgeoisie; lastly, the Asian side offers leafy neighbourhoods and swanky waterfront pads. And swirling about everything is the Bosphorus, the body of water that defines Istanbul.

SHOP AT…

The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, sells everything from jewellery, leather and carpets to belly-dancing costumes. In Beyoğlu, Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Ave) is Istanbul’s answer to high-street shopping. For more unique finds, try Atelier 55 for Turkish couture and Vie en Rose for organic oils and cosmetics. If you love antiques, head to Cukurcuma.

EAT AT…

Kumkapi, an old Greek and Armenian district, is awash with inexpensive fish restaurants. If you’re looking for contemporary Turkish, visit Cezayir in Beyoğlu, which is on “French street”, named for its kooky Parisian vibe. If you want your food and clubbing in one place, Reina serves international food before turning into a club. For top-end dining, people-spotting and views to die for, Ulus 29 offers the ultimate Istanbul experience. Just make sure you dress for the part.

STAY AT…

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus offers some of the city’s best views from beautifully appointed modern rooms in a 19th-century former palace. Located on the European bank, it offers some serenity away from the city’s frenetic pace. A visit to the hotel’s Turkish bath, or hammam, is a must, bringing total luxury to this authentic experience. For a more central stay, try the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, which is smaller, but equally luxurious.

DON’T MISS…

The exquisite Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537AD, converted to a mosque in 1453, and is now a museum. Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years: get lost in its mosques, residences, harem, bakery, stables and libraries. In summer, the giant club, bar and restaurant complexes on the Bosphorus come alive. For a casual taste of this bustling city, take a wander around the Asmalı Mescit district to see local life at its best.

HOW TO GET THERE…

Flight Centre has return airfares from Sydney to Istanbul several times a week flying Emirates, from $1949; Malaysia Airlines, from $1912; and Etihad Airways, from $2347. Call 1300 939 414 or visit

www.flightcentre.com.au

July 2, 2011
Exploring Istanbul: The Journey Begins at the Taksim Square

Source: Lovely Mehrotra

People say places leave memories in your heart, but I left my heart in Istanbul. Turkey’s largest city which spans over two continents, Europe and Asia, is a perfect blend of cultures for centuries. The city is not only modern and vivacious but, maintains its tradition and history too.

Napoleon once said, “If the world were a single state, Istanbul would have been its capital.” The former capital of three successive empires- The Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is truly a cradle of civilization.

Recently, I got a chance of a lifetime to explore this ‘city of seven hills.’ The first step into the city, and was amazed with its astonishing skyline, studded to perfection with domes and minarets. Full of modern buildings all around, the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus and the sight of huge ships and small ferries, the view is completely mesmerising

My journey began at one of Istanbul’s most modern city centers, ‘Taksim Square’, which is a busy hub, located on the European side. As I got down from the mini bus to roam around on the streets of Taksim, the first thing that caught my attention, was a huge monument standing on the Istiklal pedestrian street, which I later found out to be the monument of Independence, representing Atatürk, the founder of the Republic.

While I stood analysing the monument, an old tram just passed from the street, taking me to the old Turkey. It added a perfect ancient touch to the modern square, which was full of big and small eateries, well maintained street cafes and a small flower market. Call it the perfect blend of modernity and tradition that can’t be missed!

As if the tram wasn’t enough, the charm of old Turkey flew out of the window the moment I saw a stunning Turkish girl, dressed to kill- in a short skirt and a white Tee, pumped up high heels, with her curly brown hair catching all the attention, every time the wind teased them. She mixed in the aura, a tinge of Turkish modernity. Well that’s modern Turkey for you, where, there’s no place for burqas and the stifled inhibitions that come with them.

It was later that I discovered the fact that, ‘burqas’ are banned here. Just like any other Indian with a pre-conceived notion, I had this perception that in a country where ninety-nine percent of the population is following Islam, females will be covered from head to toe, they’ll be shy and conservative, but to my surprise, things were completely contrary to what I thought.

After checking out the streets, it was time to dig into some Turkish delicacies. Neither an experimental eater nor a foodie, I chose to flow with the tide and opted for ‘Falafel-Hummus Salad’ and ‘Turkish Tea’, as the pictures of both looked great in the menu (something we Indians do all the time).

A large scoop of creamy hummus with lots of olive oil drizzled on it, along with red cabbage salad, pickled carrots, and of course- six pieces of the Humungo falafel balls, arrived along with my tea, in a traditional Turkish cup, beautifully painted in red and blue tulips. They were really cute!

Finally after lunch, it was time to catch a nap. ‘The Central Palace’, a big three star hotel, centrally located on the busy street of Taksim was my residence for next three days in Istanbul. The room was spacious and had a spectacular ‘balcony view’ of the city and its nice cozy bed was enough to make me fall asleep.

After catching on some sleep, it was time to explore the nightlife of Taksim. And, as I stepped out of the hotel, I got another surprise of the day. The sun was shining brightly all over me and my clock struck 8pm! Surprised to know that? Well, this is nothing, for in Turkey, the sun shines brightly over your head till 9pm during these months, which means, whenever you’ll have your dinner, the sun will always, accompany you.

Talking about dinner, giving up on my hunger pangs, I chose ‘Cicek Pasaji’, on the Istiklal Street of Taksim, as my dinner destination. The beautiful ‘L’ shape passage was covered with glass roof and restaurants waiting to serve the visitors with open arms.

via Exploring Istanbul: The Journey Begins at the Taksim Square – www.daily.bhaskar.com.

July 1, 2011
Istanbul hotels: four of the best

From a former Ottoman palace to stylish boutique hotels, the four best places to stay in Istanbul, as selected by Francesca Syz.

Ibrahim Pasha

This quietly brilliant and intimate boutique hotel is the ideal option for those looking for something stylish, affordable and atmospheric (you won’t miss the morning call to prayer). Located in two adjoining townhouses in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, or Old Istanbul, Hotel Ibrahim Pasha is named after the most popular Grand Vizier (second in command to the Sultan) of the Ottoman Empire, whose next-door palace now houses the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Like a chic private house, the hotel has 20 rooms, individually decorated with a mix of comfortable contemporary furniture, antiques and vibrant textiles.

While standard rooms are fine, the deluxe rooms are noticeably more spacious, so it’s worth paying the extra. The hotel has no restaurant, but a good buffet breakfast is served in the lobby, which has comfortable sofas and two open fireplaces, and there are lots of great restaurants close at hand. One of the hotel’s best features is its guest-only roof terrace and bar overlooking the domes and minarets of the dramatic Blue Mosque, with the Sea of Marmara beyond.

* The details Doubles from £87 (i-escape.com/hotel-ibrahim-pasha).

via Istanbul hotels: four of the best – Telegraph.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/turkey/istanbul/hotels/

June 29, 2011
Best BBQs in Istanbul

The BBQ and roast are not as big an issue in Istanbul as they might be in London or D.C. As the summer dawns in, people do start to move outdoors, but it is not so much for the picnics and the BBQ, as it is for the Bosphorus.

That said, if you will be in Istanbul on a sunny Sunday and you really are yearning for a BBQ party, you might as well check out the few following options.

1. Ciragan Hotel by Kempinski in Ciragan (between Besiktas and Ortakoy, right next to Four Seasons Bosphorus) does tend to host BBQ Sundays during the summers from 19.30 to 23.00 at the Summer Lounge. There is also music and drinks… BBQbuffet costs 155 TRY per person. With drinks, the price is at 189 TRY. However, do call the concierge and check again as you make your reservation.

Cook yourself…

[By Ippi (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons]

2. A more classic way of enjoying the heat of the grill is at “Cook yourself, Eat yourself” venues. There are many of these in Istanbul, but most of them requires a long car drive (sometimes to the out of the city for a couple of hours). Nonetheless, a few options within the city are the following: Camlik Et and Kazanc Park.

Camlik Et is located in Silivri, which is still approximately an hour away with car (up to two hours with the bus). It is located over an area of 30,000.00 sqm. Reservations are a must on the weekends. One can bring their own meat and cook it here. Side dishes may be ordered from the property owner.

Kazanc Park is on the Asian side of Istanbul and a little farther away from Polonezkoy. There is a hotel on this property as well as a picnic area, where visitors are allowed to grill meat with their BBQ. There is a children’s area and a trekking area. Phone number: 0090 (216) 434 52 99.

3. Your third option when it comes to grilled meat are the steakhouses of Istanbul. Most of the steakhouses have a nice and big garden, but you are unlikely to get the garden party atmosphere at these. Some of the best steakhouses include: Gunaydin, Ozgur Sef, Nusr-et.

On a final note, a nice buddy, a friend who has a big house with a big garden along the Bosphorus and who welcomes the summer with a BBQ party, is as always the best BBQ ever in the city…

via Best BBQs in Istanbul | Istanbul | NileGuide.

June 29, 2011
A Tale of Two New Cities for Cairo and Istanbul

by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey

Rapid urban expansion has turned the historic cities of Cairo and Istanbul into overcrowded, traffic-clogged mega-metropolises full of blight, congestion, and pollution. To this problem, similar and unlikely sounding solutions have been proposed in both countries: Build two new Cairos and Istanbuls.

Dense urban development in Cairo (left) and Istanbul (right). Photos: reibai / Creative Commons (L) and Jennifer Hattam (R).

The plans to build two new mixed-used developments east and west of Cairo — not so creatively named Eastown and Westown — drew praise from the Middle East environmental website Green Prophet:

Initially conceived to absorb Cairo’s overflow, and to develop a more pedestrian-friendly model that will ease traffic congestion and pollution, these new metropolitan centers will both service 2.5 million people within 10 years.

Moving away from the former development model that separated residential and commercial areas, forcing residents to own cars or use public transportation in order to maintain their daily lives, Eastown and Westown will knit all services into one urban fabric.

The project also has been conceived with an eye toward sustainability, Green Prophet wrote: “In particular, many designers are considering glazing to reduce solar gain, responsible building materials, good insulation to improve energy efficiency, and passive design that will minimize energy dependency in the first place.”

Plans for two new Istanbuls announced by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan prior to Turkey’s national election were more controversial. While Erdoğan claimed the two new satellite cities would alleviate overcrowding and earthquake danger, critics slammed the vagueness of the plans and the lack of environmental impact or feasibility studies. They said the new developments would only draw more migration to Istanbul while paving over some of the last forested areas around the city.

via A Tale of Two New Cities for Cairo and Istanbul : TreeHugger.

June 27, 2011