Istanbul: City Introduction

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Istanbul

My 5th Destination: The Capital and the largest urban center of Turkey.

It is also called as Worlds Capital because here East meets west. Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus strait in north-western Turkey, between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. It constitutes the biggest urban agglomeration in Europe and also the sixth most popular city of the globe. The local language is Turkish and majority of population compromises of Sunni Muslims.

I took flight from Copenhagen to Istanbul. It was 3 hrs journey and the hospitality of Turkish Airlines was amazing. I booked a morning flight because I desired to see the paranomic view of the metropolis. Every bit we were on top of the urban center, the view was amazing and breath-taking. The external temperature was 25 degree Celsius. Yes, straight from 6 degrees to 25. I was so happy and relaxed.

The urban center is easily accessible from the Airport through the metro. I took a metro from the Airport to the center of the city. The city has basically three public modes of transport: Metros, tram and buses. The best part is the ticket is same for all the three. Basically Istanbul has two main squares: one is Taksim square which is the new city and Sultanahmet square, the old city. These are the major tourist centers of Istanbul.

At night I was checking out the area and was really surprised that it’s so damn cheap. It was looking cheap because I was traveling in Europe for last 20 days and paying in Euros. Turkish Lira is one third of the Euro, so it induces to be inexpensive. Here also I faced the communication problem. People don’t understand nor do they speak English. But here people are very much helpful.

Istanbul is too famed for shopping. Yes, it sustains the biggest indoor marketplace in the world called as the Grand Bazaar. It’s a bargain market and you will get all the local made products. It will eat your whole day so please plan your trip accordingly.

The following things I came across while living in Istanbul:

1) This is the only city in the world which attracts the tourist both from the east and west as well.

2) People don’t understand nor do they speak English but they are really helpful.

3) Baklava and Sutlac are the two most famous must try sweets.

4) Turkish tea and Turkish delight also fall in the same category.

5) For every restaurant Shawarma is indispensable.

6) WC- Wherever you see this sigh it means Toilet. And in order to ask for discount you have to say “Indrim”.

7) It’s really difficult to walk in the city because the roads are sometimes up and sometimes down and you will feel as if you are climbing a mountain.

8) Present yourself as a Hindustani and not as an Indian. Because here people don’t cognize what is Indian.

9) Mind it- If you are on an Escalator in the metro station, there are two lines: Line on right means you are sticking out but line on left means people are in a rush. So please always stand on the right side.

10) Be careful while walking in Taksim. Many local people will attempt to speak to you and will throw you many offers. They are real stalkers. First they will ask about your nationality, then they will proceed.

People have warned me that in Istanbul you have to be really cautious, but I felt really secure while living in Istanbul for 4 nights. I sense it’s the safest at night. And yet if you want to eat late night, then too you will become rich. People say: Istanbul Never Sleeps and yes, it’s true.

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