Tag: Istanbul

Istanbul , European Best Destination 2013!

With 12,4% of votes and the largest number of votes, the European destination which the European citizens have chosen to win the 2013 edition of this great competition is a city which can now carry the prestigious title of « European Best Destination » with pride -and let the world know it in all its communications, advertising, brochures, maps, airports, travel stands, promotional films etc ; it is a fantastic destination, listed for the first time in our competition, a great winner, a great city . Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present Istanbul , European Best Destination 2013 !

March 25, 2013
Karaköy, Istanbul’s coolest new hotspot
Karaköy, near the Golden Horn, is Istanbul’s latest upcoming neighbourhood. Our city insider finds the area’s 10 most exciting new places to eat, shop, sleep and explore

Read more about Istanbul in our city guide, and more about holidays in Turkey and Greece in Saturday’s Travel section
- Sevil Delin
- The Guardian
Karaköy hotspot … head to Kiliç Ali Pasa for luxury Turkish pampering in this beautiful restored 16th-century hammam

Once a thriving port, Karaköy fell on hard times in the 20th century, and magnificent commercial edifices were divided into workshops. The opening of the nearby Istanbul Modern art gallery in 2004 sparked a renaissance that has gained momentum in the past couple of years. Now, hardware stores rub shoulders with galleries, restaurants and boutiques, creating a dynamic blend of urban grit and glitter. Hoping to cash in on this cachet is a swath of soon-to-open hotels, so Karaköy’s days as an “in-the-know” hideout may be numbered.

Istanbul’74

Power couple Demet Müftüoglu Eseli – long affiliated with Turkish luxury fashion label Vakko – and filmmaker Alphan Eseli established Istanbul’74, a thriving international arts and cultural platform, in late 2009. Headquartered at its art gallery and office in Karaköy, Istanbul’74 organises world-class exhibitions, workshops and festivals such as Istancool, each May. The latter has attracted luminaries such as Gore Vidal, Tilda Swinton and Zaha Hadid. Istanbul’74 itself has helped put Istanbul on the global artistic map, exhibiting works by Tracey Emin, Robin Rhode and Angel Otero.
• Galata Sarap Iskelesi Sokak, Süha Fazlı Han 8/3, istanbul74.com, open Mon–Sat 10am-7pm

Kılıç Ali Pasa Hamam

Designed by Mimar Sinan – architect to Suleiman the Magnificent – this hammam dates from the 1580s, and had fallen into ruin before it was saved by Ergin Iren, who devoted seven years to its meticulous restoration. It reopened in 2012 as a luxury hammam with an unexpectedly minimalist interior. After a revitalising bath, wrap up in fresh towels and rehydrate under the stunning 17-metre-high dome with a cool glass of sweet serbet.
• Hamam Sokak 1, book in advance on +90 212 393 8010,kilicalipasahamami.com, entry is around £50pp, open daily, 8am-4.30pm (women), 4.30pm-midnight (men)

Karaköy Rooms

A boutique guesthouse with just nine bedrooms, Karaköy Rooms is in a renovated building upstairs from Karaköy Lokantası – one of Istanbul’s finest Turkish restaurants. Both are run by husband and wife team Aylin Okutan and Oral Kurt. The retro-styled rooms are elegant, rates are reasonable, and the traditional Turkish breakfast served downstairs is a snip.
• Galata Sarap Iskelesi Sokak 10, +90 212 252 5422,karakoyrooms.com, doubles from £108

Elipsis

An ellipsis is the three dots (…) that follow an incomplete statement. Sinem Yoruk, the young and stylish founder of Elipsis, Istanbul’s only dedicated photography gallery, chose the name to reflect her desire to leave visitors speechless. Born and raised in London, Yoruk can date her passion for photography to her family’s professional photo lab. Founded in 2007, Elipsis moved to Karaköy in summer 2012, and represents both internationally renowned artists and emerging Turkish talents.
• Hoca Tahsin Sokak, Akce Han 10, elipsisgallery.com, open Tues-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat noon-6pm

Ops Cafe

Nautical touches such as a hanging rope ladder and lanyard curtain ties reveal that the proprietor, Yasin Kalender, was a sea captain before opening this relaxed cafe last year. His wife, Esin, designed the interior, and named it Ops after the Roman goddess of plenty. The simple yet hearty menu includes a traditional Turkish breakfast, classic cafe fare and wines. All dishes prefaced by the “Ops” name feature the house speciality: delicious Albanian smoked beef.
• Mumhane Caddesi Nimet han 45B, opscafekarakoy.com, mains £10, open Sun-Mon 8.30am-8pm, Tues-Sat 8.30am-10.30pm

Atölye 11

Located below the bell tower of the Turkish Orthodox church, this two-story boutique opened in December 2011, and sells a range of decorative objects, clothing and accessories by Turkish designers. Most popular are the embroidered silk cushions with Anatolian kilim motifs. Atölye 11 also sells Take Away Istanbul, a tongue-in-cheek line of souvenirs that includes Turkish tea glass, shot glasses and clever, Istanbul-inspired T-shirts.
• Mumhane Caddesi 47, atolye11.com, open daily 10.30am-7pm

artSümer

After founding artSümer in December 2004 on Istiklal Caddesi, Aslı Sümer moved her gallery to Karaköy in September 2011. A second-generation gallerist, Sümer fosters cutting-edge, Turkish artists who share her belief that art has the power to surprise and transform. The current astonishing site-specific installation by Gözde Ilkin runs until 30 March, followed by a show on antique dealers by Elif Öner in nearby Çukurcuma.
• Mumhane Caddesi, 67 Laroz Han, artsumer.com, open Tues-Sat 11am-7pm

Kagıthane

Located in the period French shopping arcade (Fransız Pasajı), Kagıthane shares a space with Bej, one of Karaköy’s first cafes. Meaning “house of paper”, Kagıthane is a concept store full of quirky paper objects and souvenirs inspired by Istanbul’s cats, street signs, fish and architecture. Established in 2011 by designer Emine Tusavul, the creative line includes coasters printed with traditional Turkish motifs, caricature postcards, and wrapping paper featuring sesame-encrustedsimit bread rolls and triangles of cream cheese.
• Kemankes Caddesi 11, Fransız Is, kagithane.com.tr

Karabatak

Named after the Bosphorus’s bobbing cormorants, Karaköy’s most popular cafe opened in June 2011. Julius Meinl, the Austrian coffee brand, created Karabatak as an office and hole-in-the-wall training cafe. Customers enjoyed Viennese coffee and cakes at extremely reasonable prices. Word quickly spread. The menu remains very limited (try the cappuccino-like weiner melange and the Sachertorte) but the space has grown. The vintage decor includes a converted tractor/bar. Upstairs is a quiet room with free Wi-Fi.
• Kara Ali Kaptan Sokak 7, karabatak.com, coffee £2-£3, open Mon-Fri 8.30am-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-10.30pm

Unter

This cafe-bar opened in October 2012, serving hearty fare from Istanbul’s three favourite cuisines: Turkish (panfried liver and grilled octopus), Italian (prosciutto and lasagne), and American (mini burgers and pulled pork – a rare find in this city). With your stomach suitably lined, try Unter’s signature Bloody Mary or draft Turkish Tuborg Gold. Open late into the night, Unter attracts urban upmarket locals, and the top two floors often host arty after parties and private events.
• Karaali Kaptan Sokak 4, +90 212 244 5151, unter.com.tr, mains from £10, open Tues-Thurs 11am-midnight, Fri 11am-2am, Sat 9am-2am, Sun 9am-8pm

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/mar/22/istanbul-karakoy-top-10-cafes-shops-galleries
March 24, 2013
Calling All Fans of Turkey: Vote Istanbul Best Destination

İSTANBUL İÇİN OY VERELİM VE PAYLAŞALIM

Calling All Fans of Turkey: Vote Istanbul Best Destination

Published on Mar 11, 2013 by Cristina Drafta

We just received a press release from the Turkish Tourism Office, Istanbul is officially calling all people who love Turkey to vote for the city in winning the title of European Best Destination for 2013. According to the release, the only city in the world to span two continents, Istanbul is the legendary crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures.

To vote for Istanbul as European Best Destination for 2013 just click on this link ) before 22 March, and you’ll have shown the love for one of the world’s truly great destinations. The 20 competing cities comprise the 15 most-visited cities in Europe and another 5 selected by the jury. European Best Destination is the first e-tourism event to enable citizens of Europe to choose a winner of Best Destination.

For more info please contact: Rebecca Erol or Ulku Dirioglu at Redmint Communications at +44 (0)20 3397 3936 or via email at: turkeytourism@redmintcomms.co.uk. You can also follow the Turkey Tourism Office on Twitter.

via Calling All Fans of Turkey: Vote Istanbul Best Destination.

March 13, 2013
Istanbul’s bazaar delights

Istanbul’s name conjures a picture of intrigue, romance and Eastern promise. It’s the backdrop for many a mystery thriller – from Murder on the Orient Express (the train which ran from the French capital to Istanbul) to the latest James Bond adventure, Skyfall.

The train still runs, but only once a year and at a cost that’s more than most people earn in a year. We settled for something far less romantic, and flew into the city from Paris, with Turkish Airlines.

Our hotel was in the Old Quarter, a place of narrow, steep, cobbled-streets and mishmash pavements where every step could be a trap. Some of the shops are below ground level, shopkeepers are always men – even of lingerie shops. Tables at roadside cafes edge onto the walkways and sometimes onto the road.

From our top floor hotel room we look over TV aerials on to decrepit rooftops, a distant sea and a minaret, from which the amplified voice of a Muezzin regularly calls his flock to prayer.

Istanbul population of 13.5 million makes it Europe’s biggest city, and it dates from around 660BC when it was called Byzantium. It was re-established in AD330 as Constantinople and has been the capital of four empires: the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman.

Hagia Sophia is one of the largest and most spectacular buildings in the world. It is a miracle of Byzantine architecture with the main dome 32 metres in diameter. Built in the 6th century as a church, it became a mosque and is now a museum.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is also another feast for the eye. Known as the Blue Mosque for its blue tiled interior, it dates from 1609 and is another example of building genius.

On a walking tour, the heat can be oppressive and you’ll need to carry water. Istanbul is a shopping paradise and you’ll probably spend more time than expected in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world.

Brightly lit stalls sell jewellery, trinkets, clothing and a few things that you might never think of – a belly dancing costume or a balalaika. Prices are rarely displayed and the vendors not only expect, but enjoy, bargaining.

After a couple of hours roaming the alleyways you’ll be glad to sit and enjoy a coffee, or what the locals drink – tea served in small glasses. If you’re with a guide you’ll probably also be taken to the Spice Bazaar, a gourmet’s paradise where the delectable aromas are sure to get your nose twitching. Sample the sickly sweet baklava and, of course, the turkish delight.

The Bosphorus Strait is the only sea route connecting the Black Sea and the Mediterranean and is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Two bridges plus numerous ferries connect the European and Asian sides of Istanbul and the waterfront is a non-stop kaleidoscope of sound and movement.

In our three-day stay, we walked in this amazing city until we almost dropped, but we only saw a fraction of the delights. You’ll never tire of its history, vitality and culture.

– © Fairfax NZ News

via Istanbul’s bazaar delights – uk-europe – travel | Stuff.co.nz.

March 9, 2013
Violence In Afghanistan Has No Religious Justification Say Muslim Clerics At A Conference in Istanbul

What the Mullahs Are Mulling

By ANDREW FINKEL

ISTANBUL — Midday in Istanbul’s historical Beyazit district and the air suddenly fills with the call to prayer from the many royal mosques nearby. It is a reminder that a part of the city that now bustles with shoppers, university students and tourists was once the heart of a great Islamic empire.

Istanbul is no longer home to the caliphate, but it still transmits to the faithful: At the beginning of the week, leading Muslim scholars from across the world — Indonesia, Britain, Pakistan — met in a modestly sized hotel conference room to hammer out the rights and wrongs of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Although I was told not to identify participants without their permission for fear of reprisals by the Taliban, no one seemed afraid to call a spade a spade. Much effort was spent debunking the notion that the struggle in Afghanistan is a holy war rather than a straightforward tussle for power.

The conference, “Islamic Cooperation for a Peaceful Future in Afghanistan,” was the brainchild not of a cleric but of Neamatollah Nojumi, a professor of conflict resolution at George Mason University who came to the subject the hard way. At the age of 14 he was a mujahid fighting the Soviets in his native Afghanistan.

Simply by gathering people of good will in one room, the organizers believe they have succeeded where national authorities have failed.

Now his mission is to stop Afghans from fighting Afghans. The method is straightforward. Senior Afghan clerics meet with the world’s leading Islamic theologians to discuss suicide bombings, the targeting of civilians, the destruction of historical artifacts — even domestic violence.

This week’s conference culminated in a detailed and strongly worded resolution that reaffirmed Islam’s compatibility with universal human norms and called on religious institutions in Afghanistan, Pakistan and neighboring countries to end violence. The document will be circulated to more than 160,000 mosques in Afghanistan so that its findings may trickle into individual consciences there.

The meeting was the third of its kind, and the overall effort has started to make a difference, according Ataur Rahman Salim, director of the Scientific Islamic Research Center in Kabul. It is now easier to oppose the men of violence. “The majority of Islamic scholars are not afraid to speak out,” he said.

But “some are sitting on the fence,” he added. Indeed. Several speakers supported the Taliban over the Afghan government and were more critical of NATO bombings than of suicide attacks by insurgents.

I sat next to the Indian scholar Aijaz Arshad Qasmi, who is closely associated with the ultra-orthodox Deoband community. He believes that NATO, not Pakistan, is complicating the situation in Afghanistan and that government is supported by a mere 10 percent of the population. And yet he parts company with the Taliban when it comes to the use of violence. “Conflict will not solve conflict,” he told me. “Islam does not mean war.”

Nor does Islam mean denying women access to education and health services, according to the draft of the final resolution. The document also states that the violation of women’s rights contradicts the tenets of Islam.

Participants did not expect this process to solve Afghanistan’s main problem — “government without governance,” according to Nojumi — but it does allow a burgeoning civil society movement to call both the Afghan government and insurgents to account and to put pressure on interfering neighbors to back off.

ANDREW FINKEL

Simply by gathering people of good will in one room, the organizers believe they have succeeded where national authorities have failed. Whereas four clerics from Pakistan attended this conference, the Afghan and Pakistani governments have tried and have not managed to organize a meeting of clerics since the beginning of the year.

Given the diversity of participants, the degree of unanimity was remarkable. The recourse to violence in Afghanistan had no religious justification, speaker after speaker said. Or, in the words of the final declaration, “A crime committed in the name of Islam is a crime against Islam.”

Andrew Finkel has been a foreign correspondent in Istanbul for over 20 years, as well as a columnist for Turkish-language newspapers. He is the author of the book “Turkey: What Everyone Needs to Know.”

via Violence In Afghanistan Has No Religious Justification Say Muslim Clerics At A Conference in Istanbul – NYTimes.com.

March 7, 2013
Istanbul man finds blood donor in Bangalore

BANGALORE: A 70-year-old from Istanbul in Turkey needed blood and help came from Bangalore. Ahmed, while undergoing medical tests, was found to have Bombay O+ blood group. Seven days later, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

The hospital in Turkey required three units of blood to conduct his surgery. And that’s when it became clear how rare the Bombay blood group was.

But luck prevailed. On February 20, Sankalp India Foundation in Bangalore received a blood request from the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul University, Turkey. They had come across an initiative of the Foundation, which networks Bombay Blood Group donors, needy and associated blood banks in India.

Ten days ago, Ahmed’s 21-year-old son Zirak Ahmed flew back to Istanbul from Bangalore, after collecting blood units from the Sankalp blood bank. Such happy endings have been facilitated many times by the Foundation.

Four months ago, a 60-year-old patient at M S Ramaiah hospital was looking for the same blood group for his heart ailment. “We had to airlift the blood units of Bombay blood group from a donor in Mumbai. Persons with this rare blood group are usually found in Maharashtra, north coastal Karnataka and West Bengal. But due to migration, such patients can be seen utside India also,” said Dr V Nandakishore, chief of blood bank at M S Ramaiah hospital.

He says there are cases where patients with Bombay blood phenotype have donated blood to themselves in what is called autologous process. “In case of non-availability of blood during surgeries, we draw required units of blood from the same patient and use it during the surgery. Autologous blood transfusion can be done depending upon the stability of patients,” said Dr Nandakishore.

WHAT IS BOMBAY BLOOD GROUP?

Bombay Blood Group is present in 0.0004% of global human population, belonging to O+ve category. In India, one among 10,000-17,000 persons has this blood group. Individuals with this blood group can only be transfused with similar blood.

This phenotype was discovered by Dr Y N Bhende in Bombay in 1952. Individuals with this blood group lack ‘H’ antigen or protein or substance in their red blood cells, which is a rarity.

According to Dr C Shiva Ram, vice-chairman, Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology, four years ago, there were only 4-6 such donors in Bangalore, but now the number is around 600. But this number is limited compared to the number of requests we get.

“We have maintained a database of donors. When a patient with Bombay blood group is identified, closer relatives will also be screened. Because this is a rare blood group,

Such patients must also have details of donors. Not all blood banks will have units of this blood group ,” said Dr Shiva Ram.

No registry in India

Unlike US and UK, in India there is no registry maintained by the government to help persons with rare blood groups. “We are making our efforts to form such a registry which can save many lives,” said Dr Shiva Ram. In the absence of such registry, Sankalp India Foundation has established , that provides the network among persons with the rare blood group.

via Istanbul man finds blood donor in Bangalore – The Times of India.

March 7, 2013