Istanbul is divided into 32 districts:

Istanbul is located on the Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara with the Golden Horn as a natural port. Due to its strategic location the Greeks founded around 660 BC. the city of Byzantion. In the following centuries, the city was influenced by changes until it was founded around 146 BC. as a free city with Rome. Under Emperor Constantine the Great (306 - 337 n. Christianity became the state religion and the city prevailed against Alexandria Troas to become the "Nova Roma" (New Rome). The name Constantinople came into being only a little later. In year 476 n. c. The Western Roman Empire disintegrated, but the Eastern Empire with Constantinople remained in existence for almost 1000 years. During the Crusades (1095 - 1204) the city was badly plundered by the "Christians", among others by the Venetian Doge Enrico Dandolo. Later, peoples from the east advanced to Asia Minor and conquered large parts of the Ostrovian Empire, until there was only more Constantinople left, which was eventually taken by the Turks under their Sultan Mehmet Fatih in 1453. Now the Ottoman Empire became a world power, whose expansion ended only with the failed siege of Vienna in 1683.

The silhouette of the old town of Haydarpaşa. Left: Sultan Ahmet Camii, right: Hagia Sophia

In the 19th century. The Ottoman Empire suffered numerous defeats and lost vast areas, Greece became independent, the Balkan states established themselves. The word "sick man on the Bosphorus" refers to this time. During World War I, Turkey stood by Germany and its allies, and was eventually occupied by allied forces, and should - with the consent of Sultan Mehmet VI - be. - completely broken and divided among neighboring countries. Under the Turkish General Mustafa Kemal Paşa (Atatürk), the Turks successfully organized the resistance and founded the Turkish Republic in 1923. Turkey was given a modern constitution along Western European lines (separation of church and state, equality of women, compulsory schooling, etc. ), Istanbul lost its status in favor of Ankara as capital of the young republic. For decades, İstanbul dawned in half-sleeving before a boom began in the 1990's, which has accelerated sharply to this day, bringing the city to the top of the world in terms of population and economic growth. Many of Anatolia's regions and towns already have "their" neighborhoods in Istanbul, where more people now live than in their original home. The mass influx of poor and conservatively religious people from eastern Anatolia into the greater Istanbul region has enabled the rise of the Islamic Welfare Party. Its highest representative, now President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was previously the mayor of Istanbul.

For centuries, Istanbul was a city of diversity and contrasts: Because of its geographical location, the city has always been a privileged trading venue and because of the tolerant attitude of the Turkish sultana, cosmopolitan: Besides Turks, many Greeks, Jews, Armenians, Genoese and others lived here. The Greeks were subject to strong reprisals in the middle of the last century, and their numbers have now fallen sharply. Today, Istanbul is a city of stark contrasts between rich and poor, between Central European modern and conservative Islamic.

name

The name Byzantine is obsolete today. The term Constantinople, however, is still used for some time, but it usually refers to the oldest part of the city on the peninsula around Sultanahmet. The entire city area is now also known internationally as Istanbul (turk: İstanbul). Other common names:

• Constantinopoulis (Constantinople): The still common Greek name, not just among revisionists.
• Carigrad (Imperial City) or its variations: old name in several Slavic languages. The main road from Sofia to the southeast is named Carigradsko Šosse.
• The name Istanbul itself is derived from the Greek word I Stin Polis (in the city; in the city), thus points to the regional importance: Istanbul is the city, everything else is province.

With regard to all the information that has now been provided (entry and transport costs, etc., opening hours, information about the central Europeans associated with timetables, etc.), it should be noted that in a country such as Turkey something can change at any time, but not necessarily. Therefore, all information here must be seen as unwarranted. You can only get real up-to-date information on the spot. To be sure, Istanbul has only one thing: The chaos reigns here! The amazing and beautiful thing about it: It works anyway!

By plane

Istanbul has two international airports:

Istanbul airport

The new 41.263774 28.705594 Istanbul airport has been operational since April 2019. Located 50 km north-west of the city, it is one of the most modern and largest airports in the world.

Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen airport

Since 2001 there are on the Asian side, about 30 km southeast of the district of Üsküdar, the 40,907629,3154  Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen airport         (IATA: SAW) (Turkish: Sabiha Gökçen Hava Limanı), which is served mainly by low-cost and charter airlines and also mainly serves domestic traffic.

If you change from a Turkish domestic to an international flight, your luggage will be checked through, but you will have to wait for your departure and security check. The snakes are also long in low season. If you are in a hurry, without receipt, you will be offered a "fast track" card for € 10, which will allow you to use the diplomatic desk, even here the check-in is orientally slow. Transfer times of less than two hours can be very short. There are plenty of shops and fast food restaurants in the transit area but there is no information or service from the airlines. There are few outlets, you have to look for them.

The following airlines fly directly to Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen from the German-speaking area:

• The hub is here for Pegasus Airlines. From Basel, Berlin, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna and Zurich. Numerous connections continue to former Soviet republics and the eastern Mediterranean. last amendment: no
• A hub also has the Lufthansa joint venture with Turkish, the holiday airline with precarious working conditions SunExpress. From Berlin, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hanover, Münster/Osnabrück, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna and Zurich. last amendment: no

approach

Also from Sabiha Gökçen airport there are airport buses every half an hour from 3.30 am to 1.00 am at 15 TL (May 2019); Havaş bus routes) and Taksim Patz. Lots cheaper (approx. € 2,—) and also not slower is the Express Bus E10 from Istanbul's transport companies to the harbor in Kadiköy (timetable), from where you can take the ferry (approx. € 0.40) can also reach the European part quickly. The buses run directly in front of the airport building. A taxi costs about € 50. Airport transfers by minibus (up to 6 persons) are available from approximately 25 € (Anatolian side).

Car rental is available in the arrivals hall. There is also a post office and a safe.

Istanbul-Atatürk airport

40.9779 28.8185 Istanbul-Atatürk Istanbul-Atatürk airport (Turkish: Atatürk Hava Limanı) was the largest and most important airport in the city and the country and is located in the European part almost 20 km west of the city center. As of April 2019, only more cargo and private flights will be operated in Ataturk. The regular service takes place at the new Istanbul airport.

by train

41.018528.766167 The few international trains from/to Europe (Sofia and Bucharest only) run from 1Istanbul-Halkali (from Sirkeci station (25 km) local buses BN1 or a TD Shuttle bus for ticket owners. journey up to 90 minutes. Taxi costs about 60 TL.). Hardly any shops in the station area. last amendment: March 2017 (information may be out of date)

Since October 2013, the S-Bahn has been crossing the Bosphorus and connecting both continents. As of June 2015, long-distance trains will also run through the tunnel. In the meantime, there will be significant restrictions on the routes to and from Istanbul. However, the train journey from Central Europe via the Balkans to Istanbul is a realistic, lasting experience. More about...

The Haydarpaşa railway station was opened after the opening of the Bosphorus tunnel and the beautiful station building is to be converted into a hotel.

Train services to Edirne and further east and central Europe are not currently under way as the route is being extensively modernized. The link to Thessaloniki was closed indefinitely due to the financial crisis in Greece.

Trains to Asia used to leave Haydarpaşa Station on the Asian shore. To get from one station to the other, the ferry takes you across the Bosphorus. From Haydarpaşa, the so-called "Trans-Asia-Espressi" once a week (Tuesday night 23.30) to Tehran, alongside the "Güney Espressi" that runs several times a week via Ankara and Diyarbakır to Kurtalan, has good opportunities, to the east of Turkey. The current situation is unclear and changing. There are good connections several times a day to Ankara, some already via a new high-speed road from Eskisehir), where modern trains reach a speed of 250 km/h. There are also night-time direct (slow) sleeping and sunbathing connections. There is also a new fast connection between Ankara and Konya. The approximately 300 km will be completed in 1.5 hours. Many trains now have very nice, clean and comfortable car material. Unfortunately you can only find timetables for individual routes on the internet, there are no printed timetables, the complete and current schedules are only available at the station itself. (as at 2016)

By bus

Buses operated by private bus companies are the main driver of public transport in Turkey. Price comparisons are worthwhile, differences can be 20-25%. It makes sense to travel by bus only within Turkey and the neighboring Balkans. All in all, a journey by bus from Central Europe is barely cheaper than a cheap flight (simple flights are already offered at well below 100 €), but it is much more demanding and, of course, much more time-consuming.

Reservations are recommended during public holidays, in particular one week around Kurban Bayramı (31 July 2020) and the end of Ramadan (24 May 2020); otherwise tickets are readily available before departure.

Büyük Otogar

Buyük Otogar, with an area of over 24 hectares, with 168 ticket offices/departure terminals, shops, restaurants, a police station, metro station, clinic and mosque, forms a small town of its own, spread over a few floors. From here you can reach all the destinations in Europe and Turkey.

41.03978 28.894282 Büyük Otogar (official: 15 Temmuz Şehirler Otogar, Esenler Otogar), Bayrampaşa (Metro 1: Otogar. Direct bus from the airport ISL, 70 min. City buses: 39O, 75O, 76O, 83O, 91O, 303B, İST-3). Opened: 24 h last amendment: May 2019

Harem Otogar

In particular, long-haul routes to the Asian part of Turkey from this Asian terminal.

41.011 29.011823 Harem Otogar (one hour from Taksim Square). ferry: Harem Sirkeci Gişeleri (from Eminönü). Numerous buses to Harlem Perolar. metro: Ayrılık Çeşmesi, near Haydarpaşa-Bhf.: 1 km on foot. 139 and 139 from/to Şile and Ağva.). Departures to popular destinations such as Ankara or Antalya almost every hour. last amendment: May 2019

Emniyet Garajı

41.006794 28.948701 Centrally located is 4 Emniyet Garajı (Aksaray) (Metro 1A, 1B, 2: Yenikapı İstasyonu. Bus 80, 80T: Langa). Bus to the Balkan countries and to Azerbaijan to Baku via Georgia (Tbilisi) and Iran. The two main suppliers are Alpar Turizm and Vardar Turizm. Many travel agencies in the surrounding streets. last amendment: May 2019

On the street

Driving your own car to Istanbul is definitely not worth it in times of cheap flights. From Munich via Ljubljana, Belgrade, Sofia to Istanbul it is about 1800 km, if you don't want to drive over Bulgaria but over Greece, it is about 350 km more. On the motorway routes, you do not have to pay a heavy toll. In Istanbul itself the car is only hindering and costs parking fees. If you do not want to give up your own car for whatever reason, you can alternatively take a car trip between Villach and Edirne at certain times, which in summer 2019 costs just € 438 in the cheapest compartment for a person with a car. or various ferry connections from Italy.

By ship

Istanbul is an important destination for many cruises. Pending the completion of the expansion of the new 41.025221 28.9824075 Galataport cruise terminal (vsl. 2020) cruise ships are closer to the golden horn.

41.009429 29.0079266 Cargo dock from Hayderpascha (Haydarpaşa Limanı), Selimiye Mahallesi, 34668 Üsküdar/Istanbul . last amendment: May 2019 with a further 40.995628 29.0185057 quay at the station

In 2019, the Black Sea will offer combined freight/passenger ferries:

• Ukrferry from Odessa-Chornomorsk, two times a week in 27 hours, 2019 costs a single ride in the cheapest cabin (V.A.) US$ 85. Individual journeys make stopovers in the Bulgarian country.
• In summer, three daily ferries leave the Bulgarian Burgas to Istanbul. Arrival in Istanbul is early in the morning so you can return after a day's stay. For Turkish passengers arriving from Istanbul there is a visa-free travel for 48 hours to Bulgaria. 2019 prices US$ 35-45.

Everyday traffic on Istanbul's roads

road

Road traffic in Istanbul remains completely chaotic to a Central European. The inner city area is characterized by narrow and often steep streets with cobblestones and potholes. A few wide and multi-lane roads have to take up the sometimes very heavy traffic, there are often traffic jams and progress is very slow. The driving style is characterized by alternating acceleration and brakes, traffic rules are still not respected, even red lights are often run over - even by the police - and speed limits are virtually never observed. You can't say that you're going aggressively, you're kind of paying attention to everybody, but you're expected to swim in the traffic stream just as fast when you're not in traffic congestion. For a local driver, this means pure stress, because when you are "too slow", you are always hooked, (often very close) overtaken and cut. It is highly recommended that you leave your car in Istanbul in a safe parking lot and move elsewhere. Motorways and the Bosphorus bridges are subject to a toll.

• Eurasia tunnel (Turkish Avrasya Tüp Tüneli) (In Europe at the Kennedy Caddesi, in Asia at the Harem İskele Caddesi). is a 5.4 kilometer road tunnel under the Bosphorus. For trucks, buses, motorbikes, bicycles the passage is forbidden. The tunnel reduces the journey time to the bridge by about 1.5 hours. Price: 19,20 TL, minibus 28,80 TL. last amendment: May 2018
  • 41,00137228,9747838 In Europe at the Kennedy Caddesi
  • 41,0053329,0286129 In Asia at Harem İskele

pedestrian traffic

In the historical center, which was partially traffic calmed by numerous polling sites, it is a good idea to walk along a good map of the city. The orientation is relatively easy due to the structure of the hills. At the top of each hill is usually a well-known mosque, and in the direction of "down" you arrive at the sea sooner or later. You pay attention to cars, even in the narrowest streets, you almost always get honked in time. Beware of unsecured pits and entrances in shops and other premises located in the basement, the narrow and steep staircases are always completely unsecured. Otherwise, the "drift" through the alleyways in the direction of its destination has its own special charm, since behind many corners you often discover interesting details and experience surprises.

The crossing of one of the multi-lane highways, when there is no traffic light or underpass (or only a traffic light) far and wide, can become an adventure. There is hardly any volunteer driver left, as a Central European, you have to take the road with a kind of contempt for death and be able to estimate well whether the stopping distance is sufficient for the vehicle to be brought in, or whether there is enough space to avoid. To consolation: No Turk will drive you on purpose or even run over you!

By bicycle

Cyclists have been among the exotic in Istanbul. Apart from the hills, the uneven cobblestone pavement and the pockets, there is a risk of an accident: Unlike a pedestrian, too little mobile to escape quickly, unlike motorized road users, cycling in Istanbul is tedious and quite dangerous. However, there may be a change here, since we have seen more and more cyclists there and there. (as at 2015)

taxi

By taxi you can get around quickly and cheaply. You can stop the uniform yellow taxis (Taksi label) by hand. Note: Drivers often don't know a street name (there are too many of them). The name of the district and the name of the destination (a particular attraction, a hotel, etc.) are important. You should also make sure that the taximeter is switched on. Hotels often work with certain taxi drivers, who are well informed and do not have to search for a specific destination. However, it should be borne in mind that the taxi is just as hopelessly jammed at times. Furthermore, taxi drivers often travel from a point in the city center to the ring Kennedy Cadddesi - Atatür Bulvarı, and there in a circle until they reach the city center. This is often a big detour! It is often recommended to go on foot or, if possible, use a rail-bound means of transport. Until the 1990s, Istanbul was considered the most polite and honest in the world. The rapid immigration with numerous people fleeing the country in the driver's seat has put an end to this.

A dolmuş is a common taxi (minibus) and costs slightly more than the normal city buses, but less than a taxi. They are easily recognizable as they are yellow like taxis and have a Dolmuş sign on the roof. Dolmuş travel through the city on specified routes, but are more flexible and also take short sightseeing to drop off someone; You can also get off and off at any time. The destination is on a sign behind the windscreen and you will pay depending on the distance (you should ask for information from local drivers). However, the Dolmuşe are now mainly driven outside the tourist areas and are thus hardly relevant for normal Istanbul tourists.

public transport

topicality

The development of rail-based urban transport has been very much advanced recently, but from the point of view of a Central European, it is characterized in part by a somewhat chaotic planning and a lack of coordination between the different systems. A large number of projects are due to be completed in 2019/20, which may not be described in detail here.

Local transport in Istanbul.

Rail transport in Istanbul.

Istanbulkart when paying at the terminal.

Paid in public transport using token.

The Tramvay in Istiklal Caddesi is always crowded.

Strong ferry traffic at the Golden Horn.

Taxi in a typical old town street.

By bus

The bus network of the city is very tight, unfortunately there are no mandatory timetables. You get to the bus stop and wait. When the bus passes with the right number, you give the driver a sign that you want to get in. Get in at the driver so you can pay with the Istanbul Card (see below) at the machine. When you get in the back of the bus, the driver asks you to have your Istanbul card passed by the other passengers to pay.

The Metrobus network opened a few years ago has significantly reduced the number of people traveling by car. From 6.00 a.m. to midnight, the metrobuses run on their own traffic areas from Avcılar on the European, to Kadıköy (Sögütlüceşme) on the Asian side. They also cross the Bosphorus.

subway

The metro (metro) will soon be expanded, see the Another Line (Hafif Metro) connecting the airport to the main bus station in Esenler and the Aksaray district. The extension to Yenikapı allows you to change to the metro/S train/ferry. In Aksaray/Yusufpaşa there is a possibility to change trains to the tramway (Tramvay) to Kabataş.

With the tunnel connecting the northern bridge head of the Galata Bridge to the Istiklal Caddesi since 1875, Istanbul has one of the oldest underground lines in the world.

A new underground funicular five-child connects Kabataş with Taxim Square.

trajectory

Ístanbul has four tram lines (Tramvay) the most important for tourists is the T1, which travels from Bağcilar to Kabataş via Zeytinburnu (transfer to Hafif Metro to Atatürk Airport). The driverless tram, line T5, 14 stops on the 10 km between Eminönü and Alibeyköy Cep Otogari started its test operation in March 2019.
Along the traffic-calmed Istiklal Caddesi there is the Nostalji Tram (Eski Tramvay). A second such line runs in the Beyoğlu district on the European side. A third route is planned for 2020 between Yıldız Technical University Davutpaşa Campus (Metro M1B), along Atışalanı Caddesi and Davutpaşa Caddesi.

The suburban trains of the Turkish State Railways were discontinued for several years due to major changes in rail infrastructure. In March 2019, the new railway line called Marmaray, which operates under the Bosphorus, became fully operational. It connects over 63 km 40.783674 29.411539 10 Gebze with 41.01891728.7677861 Halkaline.

ferry

There are many ferries running along the Golden Horn and between the European and Asian parts of the city. Departure times can be found on the homepage of Şehir Hatları, the municipal shipping company. The ferries run at intervals between 15 and 30 minutes, the ferry starts from 6.30 am to 7.30 am and ends from 8.00 pm to 10.30 pm (every hour shorter on Sundays and public holidays). The conditions here are changing again and again. Unfortunately you can only find information on the spot. The ferries often serve drinks and snacks at fair prices. The privatized company IDO, which operated speedboats, broke down at the end of 2018.

Istanbul is the most beautiful and stress-free way to explore Istanbul and offers fantastic views of the city. Central 41.018751 28.970317 12 ferry terminal Eminönü is located at the southern bridge head of the Galatabrücke. Left (west) of the bridge head on 41.019392 28.968843 13Eminönü Haliç İskelesi once lays the hour, somewhat hidden the ferry that the Golden Horn on the route Beşiktaş - Adalar runs along, leaves. To the right of the bridge head, distributed among three investors on 41.017268 28.975657 14 Sirkeci Terminali, the ferries running along the Bosphorus as well as the frequent ferries to the Asian shore to Üsküsküsküfer train station Harem, Haydarpaşa station and 41.02145228.97642715 Kadıköy. From here you can also get directly to Hatti.

The 41.021848 28.973306 16landing at Karaköy (not to be confused with Kadıköy!), a little further north of Kabataş, where you can take the road T1 and the 41.02278528.97398617 funicular railway can change to Taksimplatz.

Tokens and Istanbulkart

The city's public transport system uses chips, tokens in Turkish, which can be obtained from vending machines and kiosks. For a trip by tramway you will have to pay TL 4.00. This allows you to pass the hubs to the stations. That means you pay for the boarding, not the length of the trip. Caution: The individual "tokens" are not valid everywhere, ferries are different than trams!

Alternatively, there are many kiosks and vending machines with the check-card Istanbul Card, which allows you to pay significantly less (Tramway TL 2.60) for the trip. You can charge the card with any amount at vending machines and authorized kiosks and shops, you can stop the card at a display at the hubs or at the driver in the bus and you can pass. A card can also be used for several people. If each person has their own Istanbul card, however, a discount will be granted for the following means of transport within a certain time. For the Istanbul Card you currently pay TL 6, with a credit balance of two years. It is already available at the airports and is highly recommended for those who want to use public transport more often. The displays show you how much money you are debiting and how much money you have left. (as of May 2019) Persons over 60 receive a "social card", which comes about a third cheaper. The monthly ticket is called Mavi Kart and costs TL 205 (2019), so it is rewarded when you make three journeys without a change, or two with several transfers.

"Must have been seen" in Istanbul.

Topkapı Sarayı

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia).

Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque).

Süleymaniye Camii.

At Meydanı (former Hippodrom).

Yerebatan Sarnıcı (sunken palace).

Galata Kösprasü (Galata Bridge).

The absolute highlights

• 41,012328,98391 Topkapı Sarayı.       . Former residence of the Sultanas until 1853, in the Treasury with world-famous art treasures. Opened: Mi-Mon (Oct) 9.00-18.45, (Nov-March) to 16.45. Price: Museum 60 Tl, + Harem 30 TL, + Hagia Irene 35 TL. Accepted payment methods: cash. last amendment: May 2019

• 41,0081828,98012 Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya).       . For a long time the most important church of Christianity, after the conquest converted into a mosque, used as a museum between 1934 and 2020 and used as a mosque from 2020 onwards as a result of a judgment. It was renovated in the 1990s. Opened: Summer per day 9.00-19.00; Winter Di.-So. 9.00-17.00. Price: 60 TL Accepted payment methods: cash. last amendment: May 2019

• 41,0050828,97693 Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque).       . Built under Sultan Ahmet I as part of a huge complex. Due to its blue tiling, it is also called the Blue Mosque. Opened: Sat-Do: 8.30-11.30, 13.00-14.00, 15.30-16.45. last amendment: May 2019

• 41,0164228,963374 Süleymaniye Camii (Süleyman Mosque).       . This mosque is often considered the most complete building of Ottoman architecture. last amendment: no

• 41.0068 28.976285 At Meydanı (former Hippodrom), Binbirdirek Mh., Sultan Ahmet Parkı No. 2. Here was the Roman hippodrome, the racecourse, and today there are three famous pillars: Dikilitaş, Yılan Sütun, Örme Sütun. last amendment: no

• 41,0083928,978326 Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Versunken Palace, also Yerebatan Sarayı or Yerebatan Cistern).       . The largest historical water reservoir from the Byzantine period. Opened: 9.00-18.30th Price: special price for foreigners 20 TL. last amendment: May 2019

• 41,020628,97357 Galata Bridge (Galata Kösprasü).       . The Galata Bridge is described by many as the real heart of Istanbul. last amendment: no

Other palaces

• 41.04282 29.040198 Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) (on the European Bosphorus shore near the Kabataş tramway stop. It is also best to be reached by ferry, at the Beylerbeyi). Since 1853 the residence of the sultan. Visits to both the palace and the harem (including Ataturk's deathbed) are only possible within a guided tour. The tours take place every 20 minutes in Turkish and English. Opened: Di.-So. 9.00-17.00, Dolmabahçe until 16.00. Price: Dolmabahçe 60 TL + Harem 40 TL + different per annex (tgl. number of cards). last amendment: May 2019

Other mosques

• 41.01778 28.96875 9Rüstem Paşa Camii (Rüstem Pascha Mosque), at Eminönü Square: beautiful blue Iznik tiles
• 41.01663 28.97214 10 Yeni Camii (New Mosque), completed in 1663, at Eminönü Square, numerous pigeons, the complex of this mosque includes the "Egyptian bazaar"
• 41.04814 28.93358 11 Eyüp Camii, located at the end of the Golden Horn, best to reach by boat, the most sacred mosque in Istanbul, on the edge of an idyllic cemetery. Here you will find the relics of Mohammed's flag carrier, visited every day by pilgrims who swell on Fridays and Sundays at the masses of thousands, so it is recommended to visit the island on another day of the week. Walking uphill through the cemetery, you will reach a beautiful viewpoint, the Piyer Loti Cafe (named after Pierre Loti, French writer, 1805-1923, who was often a guest here). This place can also be reached by cable car.
• 39.84986 32.84022 12 Fatih Camii (Mosque of the Conqueror Mehmet II.), built 1463-1470, destroyed by an earthquake in 1677, reconstruction 176 7-1771, large mosque complex with kitchens, hospitals, Koran schools etc., today a center of religious Turks.
• 41.01412 28.9569113 Şehzade Camii (Princely mosque), near the traffic node Şehzadebaşi and the Valens Aqueduct, "apprentice" of the famous architect Sinan, located in a beautiful park.
  Şehzade Camii patio
• 41.01028 28.9564 14Laleli Camii (tulip mosque), located between the Aksaray transport center and the University on the Ordu Caddesi, a pretty mosque built in 1663, in the basement is a small basement Yes.
• 41.01014 28.9656315 Beyazıt Camii (Beyazıt Mosque), Built in the university district at the beginning of the 16th century, very beautiful clean well, is currently being extensively restored (June 201 5.
• 41,678 26,5595616 Selimiye Camii (Sultan Selim I. Mosque), located in the district of Fener on one of the hills of Istanbul, completed in 1522, beautiful tile jewelry.
• 41.02941 28.93582 17Mihrimah Camii (Mihrimah Mosque), located on the city wall near the Edirnekapı, a work of architect Sinan from 1555, was in recent years, almost wanted you say "to death" restored and looks like new! (as at June 2015)
• 41.01054 28.97013 18 Nuruosmaniye Camii (Nuruosmaniye Mosque), just east of the Great Basar, completed in 1756, baroque style.

Other attractions

• 41,085 29,006111 19 Sapphire Center. The shopping and conference center opened in 2011 with a viewing platform on the 55th floor. This is the tallest building in Turkey, but it costs 18 lira entrance to the elevator and there is no way to take stairs. Location in Sisli, the metro stops down in the basement, station 4.levent, not to confuse with levent last change: no Type is group
• 41.00861 28.97125 20 Constantinople column or Burned Pillar (Çemberlitaş). Close to the tram station of the same name or the Grand Bazaar. In 1105, the three top segments and the picture fell to the ground and were destroyed. The building was built in 330 with a statue of Emperor Konstantin. Later, the remains of the column had to be secured with iron cuffs. last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.00961 28.9812121 Aya Irini (Hagia Irene - Irenenkirche). located in the park of the Topkapı Sarayı, probably built around 300, today largely unadorned inside, mostly only open during concerts (very good acoustics); here was the 381 convention, in Ottoman times the church served as a repository. In the immediate vicinity you can visit various excavations (building remains, columns, etc.). last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.02915 28.9462722 Fethiye Camii - former Pammakaristos Monastery Church. located in the district of Fener, part of it is now used as an Islamic prayer house, in another part there are very beautiful mosaics to visit, which requires prior registration (near Hagia Sophia). last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.00281 28.9720423 Small Hagia Sophia (Küçük Ayasofya). former Sergios and Bakcho's Church. Located between the Blue Mosque and the Marmara Sea, it was part of the palace of Imperial Justinian. last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.01074 28.96824 24 Bedeckter Basar (Kapalı Çarşı). Some 4500 shops offer a vivid and colorful image, unfortunately today very geared towards tourists, but there are still some small (artistic) craft businesses. For more information see "Shopping". Big bazaar, Grand bazaar Istanbul. last amendment: no Type is group
• Theodosian city wall. About 6700 m long late antique fortress from the Marmara Sea to the Golden Horn, numerous gates (Edirne Kapı, Sulukule Kapı, Top Kapı, etc. ), Yedikule (Seven Towers Fortress) on the Marmara Sea. last amendment: no
• 41.03418 28.9404725 Tekfur Palace (Tekfur Sarayı). on the Theodosian city wall near the Chora Monastery Church (Kariye Camii Müzesi), ruins of a former Imperial Palace. last amendment: no Type is group
  In the ruins of the Tekfur Palace
• 41.08482 29.0556826 Rumeli Hisarı Fortress. Fortification at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. last amendment: no Type is group
  Rumeli Hisarı at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus
• 41.02565 28.9742527 Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). Height: 66,90 m, diameter: 8,95 m, wall thickness: 3,75m, landmark of Beyoğlu district, beautiful view, lift (25,00TL, booth March 2017) restaurant, night club. last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.02097 29.0042828 Leanderturm (Kız Kulesi). fabulous tower on a small island in the Bosphoros, near the Asian district of Üsküdar, beautiful view, café, restaurant. last amendment: no Type is group
• A detail for lovers: in the entrance of the main post office in the Sirkeci district is a large thermometer, many decades old. It is two-dimensional (Fahrenheit/centigrade) and, in addition to the freezing point ("glace") and the human body temperature ("chaleur humaine"), it usefully specifies a third temperature: ‘Senegal’, at 47 °C.

museums

Note: For the public museums, the most important ones, there is a museum pass for TL 85.— which is valid for five days and entitles to visit each museum once. He not only saves money, but also sometimes long jobs in front of the cash. This pass is available at the ticket offices of all participating museums. Attention, there is a lot of change here, for example the museum pass is available for TL 85.— for 72 hours, but it is valid for 5 days! (June 2015)

• 36.99176 35.3314529 Archeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi) (close to Topkapı Sarayı, tram stop: manure; ferry: Eminönü; [5]). one of the most important museums of its kind, Anatolia and Troy exhibitions, exhibition "8000 years Istanbul, Alexander-Sarkophag, Children's Museum etc. Mondays closed. last amendment: no
• 41.00604 28.9746330 Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi) (located at the At Meydani, tram stop). Sultanahmet; Fairy art, metal works, carpets, etc. Spacious, numerous explanations also in English and pleasantly tempered on hot summer days. Price: TL 30. last amendment: no
• 41.00436 28.9775 31 Mosaik Museum (Mozaik Müzesi). in the immediate vicinity of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), beautiful Byzantine mosaic. The entrance is hidden in the Arista bazar. A small but fine museum with very good descriptions, also in German! Opened: Closed on Monday. Price: TL 20. last amendment: no
• 41.03127 28.93912 32 Chora Monastery Church (Kariye Camii Müzesi). Former Byzantine church near the country wall near the Edirnekapı, the best preserved and most famous mosaic from Byzantine time, TL 45 entry. Restoration work is currently underway (September 2018). The whole building is equipped and inside you can only visit the entrance hall. Opened: closed on Wednesday. last amendment: no Type is group
  In the Chora Monastery Church
• 41.10581 29.0564733 Sakıp Sabancı Museum of Sabancı University in Emirgan, Ottoman Kalligafia and paintings. There is no museum fun!
• 41.03204 28.9752134 Pera Museum (Pera Müzesi). Nearby Istiklal Caddesi, in the former Hotel Bristol in Tepebaşı, traditional and contemporary Turkish art. There is no museum fun! last amendment: no
• Santral İstanbul. Museum complex in Silahtarağa in the district of Eyüp, in a former coal-fired power plant (Santral). The museum's fun is not open: Di - So, 10:00 - 20:00. Price: TL 7. last amendment: no
• 41.02616 28.9832135 Istanbul Modern. since December 2004 in an old warehouse of the port of Karaköy, permanent and changing exhibitions of paintings by Turkish artists from the 19th century to the present. There is no museum fun here: You can buy it there. last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.04225 28.9485336 Industrial Museum (Rahmi M. Koç Müzesi). at the Golden Horn, near the motorway bridge, the Hasköy Vapur İskelesi ship station, carriage, bicycles, cars, ships, a submarine and other. There is no museum fun! last amendment: no

In addition to the classic sightseeing, which is already extensive enough, Istanbul offers numerous opportunities for exotic attractions for Central Europeans. If you want to go to Istanbul, it is better to practice water sports elsewhere. Although there are baths by the sea, the quality of the water is not really good anywhere, and there are very dangerous currents for swimmers, and you can't venture anywhere far into the water. You should quickly forget the charming plan to swim across the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia (the closest point is that it would be only 660 meters)! Swimming in the Golden Horn is not recommended either. Although water quality has improved significantly since the construction of the new Galata Bridge and the demolition of many small factories and commercial enterprises that used to have their sewage untreated into the sea, many jellyfish and other inconveniences make it unadvisable to swim there. You can enjoy a swim in Istanbul at the following establishment:

hamam

In the hammam

A visit to the hammam (Turkish steam bath) is a welcome change for sightseeing and allows you to get to know a different culture from another perspective. The Turkish bathing culture is rooted in the religious regulations of Islam (regular cleaning under flowing (!) water, and in the bathing culture of the Roman Empire. Most Hamams in Istanbul are many hundred years old and are worth a visit for this reason as well. As an architectural feature, a hammam is made up of a central dome surrounded by small domes. The floor is often heated with wood from below and the walls are made of marble.

A visit to the hammam should be as follows: Once you enter the hammam, you'll be assigned a dressing room and a kind of lumbar curse called Peştamal. You enter one of the side cupolas where you can warm up and pre-clean, or you go right into the main dome, where you can lie on the platform in the middle of the room, the so-called umbilical stone, to sweat. In one or more adjoining cupolas are small pools with a hot tap and a cold tap. A sheet can be used to pour water. After sweating for at least half an hour and the pores open, you are called by the lifeguard (Tellak) and washed from head to toe. This is done with a rough lap, so that the top (dead) layer of skin can dissolve and be flushed, which is constantly poured over with water. Then you get a massage after having been wrapped in a thick layer of soap foam for the final and thorough cleaning. This massage can be quite coarse, the bathing attendant pulls and drags at the limbs, presses the spine that it is always so cracked, but the Turkish masseurs are true masters of their specialty and "straighten your bones again". Finally, you get dried and you sit, wrapped in cloths, in a cool room and you can bring your drinks.

This process may vary depending on the hammam and should last at least 2 hours. Traditionally, the sexes are severely separated, with women in the women's section sometimes without full-time laundry, but the women who visit them wash and massage each other. Women can be naked here, but men always wear their peştamal around their hips (and in this region they are not touched by the scrubber or masseur). There are also recently mixed hamams for men and women for tourists, and women are usually given a bikini designed in the Peştamals style, and the bathers are men and women, but also men. Prices in such hamams are generally much higher. In addition, the treatment of massages in the hammam is often not very "Turkish", which is relatively crude, but rather soft.

The quality of the services and the prices vary greatly between the different hammams. It is recommended to look at the respective website (easily accessible via Google) of the individual Hamams and also to study the ratings on the Internet, similar to those for hotels.

A visit to a good hammam is an experience you should not miss. You feel like you've been reborn and you feel like you've never been so clean.

Some Hamamı in Istanbul:

• 41.00678 28.978731 Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı. The bathroom was built in 1556 and after the intriguing main wife, Süleyman I. Roxelane. last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.00911 28.971122 Çemberlitaş Hamamı. The hammam was built in 1584 by the most famous Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan. last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.01086 28.9756873 Cağaloğlu Hamamı. One of the 1000 places on earth allegedly visited before his death has received some bad criticism as a tourist draw. last amendment: no Type is group
• Galatasary Hamamı last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.015853 28.9656274 Süleymaniye Hamamı. almost 500 years old, a mixed hammam designed for tourists (note: Only mixed groups and families are allowed, even no singles!) Last change: no Type is group
• Gedikpaşa Hamamı. Built in 1457, in the basement district. last amendment: no Type is group
• Tarihi Vezneciler Hamamı, near university district, Bozdoğan Kemeri Caddesi No. 2. Built in 1481, it is still a very traditional but mixed (!) hammam. last amendment: no Type is group
• Tarihi Nişancı Hamamı, Türkeli Caddesi 29, not far from Laleli Camii. last amendment: no Type is group
• Çinili Hamamı, located in Usküdar (Asian shore), near the mosque of the same name. last amendment: no Type is group

In general, it is advisable to visit a hammam at a time when it is not very busy, as otherwise the treatment may be a bit fluid. The weather is generally very bad and from late afternoon onwards. A prior call (if necessary by the hotel) is useful. The tourist resort of Süleymaniye Hamami offers a good level of service, but it is advisable to visit it at a time when there is still little activity, so it is best to do so at 10 a.m. in the morning!

cooking classes

Cookery classes are offered by different providers. The first thing you buy is that it is sold together, and then in small groups, you get Turkish food prepared and served together.

• 41.035318 28.9760735 Istanbul Cooking School, Tarlabaşı Bulv No:117 D:2, Beyoğlu. Tel: +90 545 554 6677. courses in German. Opened: Every day 10.30 - 15.30 or 15.00 - 20.00. Price: The price is $65, which can be paid in lira or euros. last amendment: Feb 2016 (information may be out of date) Type is group

• 41.047989 28.9863186 cookistan istanbul cooking classes. Tel: +90 535 574 50 10. courses in German. Opened: Every day 9.15 - 14.30 or 16.00 - 21.00. Price: The price is $110, in cash, no credit cards. last amendment: Feb 2016 (information may be out of date) Type is group

bus

There are several bus tours to Istanbul's attractions. Most of the time, you buy a ticket for 24 hours or more and you can get off and off at the stops as often as you like during this time. Offers are not favorable compared to other European cities, but offer the opportunity to visit some of the main attractions in a short time without much preparation. The tours usually start at 41.00767 28.97779 start point Hop-On/Hop-Off 7type is group name Sultan-Ahmed Square between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia next to the main road.

• Get Your Guide. Price: A 24-hour ticket costs around €30, and a family with 2 children costs €90. last amendment: Feb 2016 (information may be out of date) Type is group

• Big Bus Tours. Price: A 24-hour ticket costs around €30, and a family with 2 children costs €75. last amendment: Feb 2016 (information may be out of date) Type is group

Relaxation: The water pipe

other type of smoke

Having almost forgotten her, she has experienced a renaissance in recent years: The whistle, called Turkish nargile. Although a strict ban on smoking has been in place in public areas in Turkey for some years, which is surprisingly widely respected, it is permitted outside. In addition to Turkish sweets, tea or coffee, you can also enjoy a hookah in these restaurants. The service provides hygiene one-way plastic mouthpieces for every person, regularly employs new coal, and so there is nothing to stop the enjoyable "pills" between soft cushions that can be enjoyed for several hours. Most board games (chess, queen, backgammon) are also available. The bottom line is a very inexpensive pleasure to which not only tourists but especially locals pay tribute.

Water pipe tobacco is also flavored with natural substances. So it smells like apple, banana, peach and more in Nargile cafes. The beauty of it: It doesn't stink at all. Even after a long evening in a closed room, the next day, skin, hair and robes don't smell of cold tobacco smoke at all. This is a fact which has also made non-smoking militants enthusiastic water pipe smokers. There are different views about the harmful nature of smoking. The fact is that a large number of fabrics (tar, etc.) are filtered out by the water, which gradually becomes brown.

Regular events

• On October 29, Turkey celebrates its founding. On National Day, streets and public squares are decorated with Turkish flags and during the day there are ceremonies, such as speeches, orchestras and dance performances in the various neighborhoods. However, the highlight is in the evening between the Leanderturm and the Bosphorus Bridge. At 7.00 p.m. the party starts with a light show, at 7.30 p.m. the large fireworks will start at Ortaköy Square, which reaches a height of up to 250 m above the Bosphorus, with appropriate background music.

• 41.01054 28.968861Large Bazar or Bedeckter Bazar (Kapalı Çarşı). open Monday - Saturday, 09.00 - 19.00, the visit is still an experience, today unfortunately strongly geared towards tourists. There are also traditional crafts and shops with special goods. Prices can be negotiated here, sometimes they are written on, but then often - but not always - they are too high. It is highly recommended to know the true value of a product beforehand! The old rule, that you offer half the price quoted by the trader and then meet somewhere in between, can no longer be considered as general. It is important to assume that the prices here are higher. last amendment: no Type is group
• 41.01638 28.970762 Egyptian bazar, spice bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı). Eminönü, as its name suggests, is a real paradise for eyes and nose. Around the Egyptian bazaar, and between this Great Bazaar and Süleymaniye Camii, there are a myriad of shops and street vendors, where you can get pretty much everything from food to textiles, jewelry, household items, toys, tools to counterfeit brand watches and fake viagra. Here you can still experience oriental basarfeeling pure, here the locals buy. last amendment: no Type is group
  In the spice basket
• 41.03349 28.977133 Istiklal Caddesi type is group name, pedestrian zone in the district of Beyoğlu, accessible from the Galata Bridge also by the subway "Tünel". It is also a good idea to take a stroll along this very western-oriented shopping mile, where the international clothing companies have their branches, but there are also boutiques, bookshops, antiques, etc. The shops are often open late into the night. There are also many interesting shops on the way around the Galata Tower.
• Kadiköy. For those who want to be more tranquil and less touristy, this part of the city, on the Asian shore, has a very interesting food market, original antique shops, trolleys and other interesting shops. You can reach the hotel by ferry from Eminöni. last amendment: no
  The most beautiful and best fruit and vegetables are supposed to be on the market in Kadiköy

In normal shops outside the Great Basares prices are recorded and usually non-negotiable. If they are not written, the Great Bazaar practices shall apply: Be well informed beforehand. If you are lucky enough to stay in a small family-run hotel in Istanbul, the hotel staff can often give you good tips on where to buy what on serious terms.

Often you are approached on the street, and from that to "his" business. Usually this is a tug and receives commission from the real owner of the shop, which is then added to the price. But there are many poor people in Istanbul who have to make a living - or some of it - in this way.

In Istanbul, apart from most hotels and a few restaurants, you can pay with cash. As a result, there are many ATMs where you can often pick up queues for money. In most vending machines you can also withdraw money with credit cards or maestro cards.

Weekmarkets - Semt Pazarları

Every day there is a weekly market in another district:

Monday: Sarıyer İstinye, Fatih Unkapanı, Çengelköy Pazarı

Tuesday: Kadıköy Salı Pazarı, Beyoğlu Cihangir, Beşiktaş Arnavutköy, Fatih Balat, Beykoz Anadolu Hisarı, Prince Islands Kınalıada Pazarı

Wednesday: Fatih Çarsamba Pazarı, Eminönü Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş Ortaköy, Sarıyer Pazarı, Kadıköy Bostancı, Üsküdar Kuzguncuk, Prince Islands Heybeliada Pazarı

Thursday: Goldenes Horn Beyoğlu Sütlüce, Eminönü Kadırga, Şişli Feriköy, Prince Islands Büyükada Pazarı

Friday: Eyüp Pazarı, Sarıyer Yeniköy, Üsküdar Pazarı, Prince Islands Burgazada Pazarı

Saturday: Beşiktaş Pazarı, Goldenes Horn Beyoğlu Sütlüce, Beykoz Çayırda, Sarıyer Hisarüstü

Sunday: Kasımpaşa İnegöl Pazarı

Meze, Turkish starters

Turkish cuisine is one of the best known and best in the world, alongside French and Chinese. This cuisine is as colorful as the country's cultural mosaic and consists of countless and different flavors. The country's different climate zones play a major role in the development of regional specialties. The eastern Black Sea coast is a good example of this. Because of high rainfall, wheat cannot be grown there. Maize and corn flour are therefore the main ingredients of this cuisine. In contrast, the South-East Anatolia region is renowned for its beaks, which are mainly used for livestock breeding. The Aegean is known as an olive depot for the delicious vegetable dishes. In addition, the pastas of the northwest region (Trakien) are very popular. Istanbul's refined cuisine is enriched by the various dishes of the region.

In general, Turkish cuisine is characterized by vegetables prepared in various varieties. A special feature here is the use of yogurt. Meat dishes are mostly poultry, lamb and beef. pork is a natural aberration, but it is only offered in very tourist restaurants, but the quality is often not in keeping with the prices. Fresh fish and seafood are offered in a large number of reasonably priced restaurants. For leak mowers: There is a myriad of delicious desserts!

The cost of a meal varies greatly. Almost everywhere, you can eat and drink in a kitchen ("Lokanta") - where the dishes are kept warm in shallow metal containers and can be ordered after a visit - for approximately € 5.— up to € 10.— copious (soup and main course with salad, if necessary dessert). Bread and water are usually free of charge, but there is an extra charge for mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages (not available everywhere). A glass of tea usually costs TL 1.— (approx. € — 35). Prices also depend heavily on the location of the place, so it is recommended to compare them; most of them are on large menus in front of the restaurant. The quality of the food is almost always very good, even in the simpler restaurants, which are frequented mainly by the locals.

Alcohol is not served in many restaurants, the best way to get it is raki, an aniseed liquor that is diluted with water. Beer is only available in either tourist or western-style restaurants (e.g. in and around the Istiklal Caddesi), is comparatively expensive and is offered in quantities of 0,33, 0,5 (TL 10.—) and 0,7 liters. Wine is only available in more expensive restaurants. There is also Turkish wine, which is not bad at all!

Tourists are sometimes charged extra "service" or "tax". You can, of course, complain. However, waiters often earn poorly and thus try to improve their salary. The writer of these lines likes to choose a "local" during an Istanbul stay. In practice, from the second visit, you will always be served with great care and friendliness, and you will often receive a small sweetener or tea for free at the end of your meal.

Caution is always advised in the case of tourist (organized) excursions: Here, you don't expect the guest to come back, and once he has taken his place and ordered, he only considers him more a victim of a gamble.

A new "sport" among the various restaurants seems to be one that is struggling for a good rating on the Internet portal TripAdvisor. After paying, you are often asked to write a comment. This has the great advantage of being able to find out about the restaurants in advance. In the most recently highly rated restaurants, you will be very likely to be well served and you will not have to fear "gazing".

Street Food

On the street, you can also eat and drink at all angles: Freshly squeezed fruit juices (orange juice, pomegranate juice), chestnuts, grilled corn cobs, of course, kebabs, mussels and fish rolls near the Golden Horn. Remember that the hygiene standard may cause problems for your central European stomach and take care of fresh preparation. For a quick snack, the popular Sesamkringel, called Simit, can be highly recommended. Most of these are sold around TL 1.00. (as at June 2015)

Istanbul's nightlife is often considered the most intense in Europe at the moment, if not worldwide. This is particularly true in the Bohemian district of Beyoğlu, especially the pedestrian zone of Istiklal Caddesi between the cable car station and Taksim Square and the adjacent alleyways. There are countless restaurants, cafes, bars, jazz clubs, discos, etc. There is something for every taste, orientation and budget. Often there is live music of all kinds. People pass through the Istiklal Caddesi every day in frightening masses until the morning. It's a very outdated place, dress style is allowed to everyone, the difference from the conservative neighborhoods on the other side of the Golden Horn could not be greater. A special experience here is a dinner on one of the numerous roof terraces, a wonderful view of Bosphorus and the Golden Horn included.

To the north of Taksim Square in the modern and elegant districts of Nişantaşi and Levent, the Turkish and international jet set gives itself a place, the bars could be as good in Manhattan, for example the Buz bar. Also chic and expensive are Ortaköy, the part of the European bridge at the first Bosphorus Bridge. The Club Reina, for example, is famous: Here the very rich land with their yacht, the bottle of vodka might cost € 300.

In Kumkapi, southeast of the center of Sultanahmet on the Marmara Sea, there are numerous fish restaurants, Roma bands play in the evening, locals often take their instruments with them, they sing, dance and the raki flows into streams. It has become a little tourist, but it is still recommended.

On the Galatabrücke, below the road, you will find restaurants and bars on both sides of the sea. Recommendation: enjoy the sunset on the west side of the bridge. An indescribable atmosphere! However, it is a little bit of caution: Some tourists have reported that they are using the picking method.

On the Asian side, the cozy Kadiköy district is a good idea. Between ancient Greek and Armenian churches, a pedestrian zone with flea market, there are some nice pubs with a western-oriented student audience - Istanbul women can enjoy a beer alone without being disturbed, and even foreigners are not always approached. From the landing of the ferry, take the big road up a little and then turn right. Adjunct: In Kadiköy at the harbor there is a gas balloon that allows you to climb 200 meters vertically into the air and see Istanbul from above.

In Istanbul you will find many accommodations of all categories and price classes. For tourists who are interested in classical sightseeing in particular, hotels in the historical district of Sultanahmet are the best alternative. You can also stay in old wooden houses, which are often lovingly restored. The extra charge to pay for the location in the old town is more than compensated by the fact that the often lengthy journey by taxi via chronically clogged roads is spared and does not have to be booked in an overcrowded mode of public transport.

If you are more interested in the nightlife, you should stay in the vicinity of Taksim Square. Most of the luxury hotels, some of which are exorbitant, are located north of Taksim Square and in the Beşiktaş district directly on the Bosphorus. The cheaper accommodation is found in the Aksaray district, where most of the guests staying here are businessmen from the former Eastern Bloc countries.

There are many hostels in Istanbul, especially the Secret Garden Hostel and the Starlet Hostel. Information and address are available on hostelworld.com. In winter, online booking is not required. You can come by yourself and have your room displayed. In summer, however, it is advisable to book online.

In Istanbul there are many providers of Turkish lessons on site. The course offers range from crash courses to beginners courses to class size. The course duration is usually between one and 12 weeks.

Suppliers include:

• dilmer last amendment: no

• potter last amendment: no

• EF Language Center Istanbul. E-mail: [email protected]. last amendment: no

• GLS language trips. E-mail: [email protected]. last amendment: no

Officially, you cannot work as an EU citizen without a special work permit. This can only be obtained if a contract is concluded with a potential employer, the employer submits an application to the Ministry of Labor and the application is approved. To stay in Turkey for more than 3 months, you also need a special permit. However, it is possible to travel to a neighboring country for one day after the three-month stay and then return to the country with a tourist visa. In this context: Austrians need a visa that is issued without form at the border, but costs €15.

The area around Taksim is once again quiet and secure after the Gezi Park protests in the summer of 2013, but it is advisable to follow the news in this regard, as occasional demonstrations can take place there and there. In June 2015, in the Beyoğlu district, there was a demonstration by gay and lesbian people driven apart by the police with water cannons and tear gas. In the course of the event, the occasional tourists were "delighted" with both water and tear gas. During a non-violent but vocal left-wing demonstration in the Kadıköy district in the past few days, police could not see anything far and wide.

Be careful in any metropolis. The usual precautions apply.

In Istanbul, extreme contrasts clash: Open-minded, European-scale people, such as those found in every major European city, on the one hand, strong-believing Muslims on the other, and in between mixtures of both extremes of all shades. Extreme wealth and extreme poverty with all its downsides, less than a reasonably earning "one-person entrepreneur" who is not insured for illness or pensions, working children, beggars. The still-high level of cohesion within large families replaces the largely absent social fabric of the state. In addition, many people in Istanbul are living from many other Islamic countries, in particular from the former Soviet Union, refugees from Afghanistan, etc.

Given these conditions, Istanbul is a very safe city. Violent crimes are comparatively rare, and petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur. It is not uncommon to have a "hooked over the ear" in some shops or restaurants, but it is not the rule! In many cases, locals - often teenagers - offer themselves as guides, maybe even lock up one or other sights, and in the end demand an excessive "entrance fee" as a "exit". In such cases, you should always ask how much it costs (phrasebook) to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Particular care should be taken to avoid the presence of unsavory bars, brothels or gadgets: Here you will be treated mercilessly! Astronomical bills are presented for drinks and drinks consumed, and the money is collected under the threat of violence. Even for some drinks, a requirement of imagination can exceed EUR 1000. Don't be invited to such places! Especially single-traveling men are approached and lured to the street by friendly locals under pretext (photo, etc. ). These places are particularly popular in the districts of Laleli (Aksaray), Tarlabaşı and Elmadağ (Taksim). There, such meshes are the rule rather than the exception. The local police are only partially helpful.

If women are traveling alone and do not want to be harassed, it is recommended that they should be cautious about their behavior, avoid eye contact and, in the event of an emergency, prefer to speak to women than men in the street.

One occasional trick that shoe polishers bring to their attention is to drop a shoe brush in passing. If you draw your attention to his "misfortune", you will of course be "invited" to a (free?) shoe polish. In this case, always check in advance what it costs!

In the city center, near the Hagia Sophia, opposite the entrance to the Yerebatan Cistern, the tourist police, which can be contacted if you have problems, are no longer there, the yellow wooden house is empty (as of 2015).

Current situation in 2016

The suicide attacks in Turkey and Istanbul, which have intensified in recent months, have left their mark. High police presence and strict security controls in museums and also in the basement district testify to the authorities' attempt to control the situation. At the moment, the hotels are half empty and the many restaurants and shops are struggling desperately for every guest. This also has benefits for tourists: The long hiring and crossing in the midst of crowds, for example in the Topkapı Palace, is over, and public transport is also less popular. (as at March 2016)

Many doctors have studied abroad and speak English or German. Public health is a little rigid and not always at the highest level.

• In Istanbul there is an Austrian (between Galatabrücke and Galataturm) and a German (near Taksim Square) hospital.
  • 41.03312 28.984761 German hospital - Taksim Alman Hastanesi, Cihangir Mh., Sıraselviler Cad. No:119, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. last amendment: no
  • 41.02443 28.974192 Austrian St. George's Hospital, Bereketzade Medresesi Sok. No:7, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. Tel: +90 212 292 6220. last amendment: no

• Pharmacies, Turkish Eczane, are very numerous. They are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 7:00pm. In addition to the opening hours, emergency pharmacies Nöbetçi Eczane are available. The addresses are indicated in the entrance areas of the pharmacies. There are practically all the usual medicines available in our country, but sometimes under different names, mostly without prescription.

• Special vaccinations are not required, they may be advisable against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A.

• Gastric disturbances and intestinal problems can be easily catered for as hygiene-accustomed Central Europeans. Sensitive people should therefore be cautious about snacks offered by street vendors and avoid eating in the kitchen, where the food is kept warm for hours (often only very warm). The water from the pipe is very chlorinated and is less suitable for drinking.

emergency number

• MedLine, private ambulance service, English-speaking telephone +90 212 4441212
• Hızır Acıl Servisi, state. ambulance, 112
• Polis İmdat, Police, 155
• Yangın, fire brigade, 110

Istanbul's preferred travel times are spring from April and autumn. In summer it can get very hot and muffled, but the wind often blows at the bosporus. There are beautiful days until the end of October, and even in November it can be pleasant. From December it will be unpleasantly cold and rainy, there may also be snow and frost. The air is also often poor, and many Istanbul citizens have to heat with cheaper and inferior lignite or electric heater fans. The most beautiful time is in spring to the tulip blossom.

General

It's easy to get around Istanbul. It is often mentioned, often without any interest in selling anything. Those who engage in a conversation - perhaps even with a potential carpet trader - will often find interesting things, and the interlocutor is not evil, if you do not buy anything afterwards.

Turks are basically curious, friendly and very helpful. This applies equally to (religious) conservative as well as (Western-oriented) modern Turks. For communication, an important difference between these two groups is that it is not the case with conservative-minded Turks that a man should speak to a woman or a woman a man on the street, and that is no problem with modern Turks. Both groups are easily recognizable by their clothes. In Istanbul, a city of contrasts, you will encounter both groups almost everywhere, with, of course, neighborhoods where one of the two groups predominates. But here, too, there seems to be some movement. To his great surprise, the writer of these lines has recently been taken to the streets by a young, very Islamic-clad Turkish woman who offered silver-baked cookies for a voluntary donation for a kind of "bread for the world" campaign in Islamic language. A very interesting conversation about Islam developed in English. This, too, is Istanbul in 2015.

Islamic clergy in Fatih

Many Istanbul people speak German or English. And if not, understanding about non-verbal communication usually works surprisingly well, although it should be noted that some gestures and some mimics may have a different meaning in Turkey than in Central Europe!

Some tourists feel harassed when they are always approached in front of shops, restaurants, etc. Here's a tip: Avoid eye contact if you do not want to be contacted. This is also recommended for women traveling alone who do not want to be harassed. For Turks eye contact is already a signal for contact. It can be helpful and quite fun if you adapt to the local atmosphere, in this case the rather theatrical style, and the constant invitations (and possibly penetrating invitations) to the restaurant, with its magnificent gestures and mimics: "I'm so sorry, we just ate..." (maybe also in English).

Women should not dress in too attractive "scarce" even as tourists, even for men, shorts are not the first choice. For visiting mosques, men are required to wear long trousers and at least short-sleeve t-shirts, and women's headscarves and long dress (or at least long trousers, no tight leggins). Copper towels and skirts can sometimes be borrowed at the entrance. Before entering a mosque, take off your shoes, watch out for clean feet or socks! In many mosques, non-Muslims are denied access during prayer times, in some mosques they can be present, but they have to be in the back and, of course, they are not supposed to get around or photograph. The prayer period in the main attractions such as the Blue Mosque and the New Mosque has expanded considerably in recent years and it is becoming increasingly difficult to enter.

As a tourist, it is a good idea to acquire some words and phrases in Turkish for the most important situations using a good phrasebook. Turks are delighted if they can be welcomed in Turkish, or if they order in the restaurant or shop they can communicate in their language.

The Turkish language is basically a very logical language, even the pronunciation is relatively easy for people of German mother tongue; You also speak exactly as you write, with respect for the special characters. This is due to the fact that in 1928 the Arabic alphabet used until then was replaced by the Latin alphabet. However, note the emphasis: In Turkish there is no such clear emphasis on a syllable as in German. If you emphasize your old habit as in German, you may not understand the other. If you continue to enter the grammar of the Turkish language, you soon realize that the construction of this language is very different from ours. There are many more forms for the verb than in German, some of which can even be combined. A "one-to-one" translation into German is therefore often not possible. The fine nuance in the expression offered by the Turkish language can only be translated more or less well with many descriptions.

Some remarks on body language:

• Raising eyebrows, sometimes combined with "ts" is "no" and is not meant to be offensive!
• The thumb between index finger and middle finger is an obscene gesture.
• If you want to point somebody, come here, it's the palm of your hand down and the movement of your hand to your body.
• Don't point your finger at someone.

Body contact with foreign children is made much faster than is common in Central Europe. In particular, blonde toddlers are tended to be touched by a gentle passage (brush over the head, pinch cheeks) and sometimes even kissed.

If you are invited to a private home, you should always take off your shoes and not forget a small guest present (e.g. flowers, sweets)!

Istanbul in Ramadan

The Ramadan (Turkish Ramazan) is the one-month fasting period in Islam. The time depends on the calendar of the moon, so it starts every year by a few days earlier. At present (2015) it takes place from the end of June until the end of July. Nothing is eaten or drunk from sunrise to sunset, no smoking, etc. Ramadan is also a time to do good: Share with the arms, remember. However, once the muezzin calls for a "break of the cave" in the evening, a true folk festival begins: It is eaten, drunk and celebrated in community. In addition, markets that remind of our Christmas markets are common. The fasting is not only respected by strict Muslims, but also by many non-believers. The Ramadan is therefore quite similar to the Christian celebrations in our country, which are simply part of our tradition.

Tourists are not expected to fast. Even if the owner and the staff are fast, the guest gets his breakfast as usual and is served as cheerfully as in the rest of the time. You can also eat and drink in restaurants and even in street vendors. It is not advisable to travel to Istanbul during Ramadan. On the contrary: You get additional interesting insights into a foreign culture.

beggar and street seller

Many Istanbul people have to earn their living as a "one-man entrepreneur" without sickness and pension insurance: Shoe shoppers, street vendors for anything imaginable (eatable, counterfeit watches, perfumes, beautifully crafted gloves, slippers, wool babyshoes - behind them is a traditionally dressed Turk and jealously knits - lighters, hand sewing machines, etc.) The writer of these lines is always amazed by the self-evident and dignified nature of many of these basically poor hitters who are doing their job. For example, an ambulant Simit (Sesamkringel) seller can answer the welcome (in Turkish) and the order after a certain number of the delicious bakery with a great "Hoş geldiniz" (Welcome). If you are traveling with leather shoes in Istanbul, let a professional shoe cleaner bring your shoes to a high gloss! "Ten Years of Warranty" may be exaggerated, but your shoes will still have their shine when you are back home. Maybe you can create a little puck (learn a few words Turkish!) with the shoe polish, maybe about the family, how many children you have, how many children he has! The few euros it costs is worth it all. Currently (March 2016), shoe shoppers demand TL 10.—, otherwise TL 5.—

shoe cleaner

Small children, old people, or physically disabled people who offer single packets of handkerchiefs and the like on the street, traditionally dressed young Turks who are crying with an infant sitting in the arm in the traffic jam for a handshake may employ your social conscience and perhaps make you understand why Islam (with its imperative to tame the poor) is so busy at the moment received

hygiene

You should not drink tap water, there is cheap drinking water in plastic bottles at every corner of the street.

If you feel an urgent need along the way, you should look for the next mosque. There is always a clean toilet. The inscription for women is Bayan or Kadın, with the men stands Bay or Erkek. Often there are public toilets in large squares or crossings that are acceptable. In all public toilets, even in mosques, you have to pay a little obolus of 1-3 lira, that should be worth a clean toilet.

Of birds, dogs and cats

They are not overlooked and overlooked: The animals that populate Istanbul. The shouting of the giant gulls, sometimes reminiscent of human voices. The droves of pigeons in front of the Yeni Camii, the main entrance to the university, around the "Burned Pillar" — in other cities, they're banished, poisoned — here you have pigeon feed sellers do their work, and they give the pigeon's dung away with lots of water every evening.

Cats (Turkish: Kedi), cats everywhere. Years ago, the Istanbul cats were pitifully lean, rugged, dirty, fed on waste, chronically ill, and terribly ugly. By now, every mosque, every museum, every shop, every alley has its cats. They are not - or reluctantly - left in the house, but they are decorated with cardboard cardboard houses covered with plastic film and fed them with food, often with special cats and not just waste, and even go with them to the veterinarian! Nowhere in the world will you see as many proud cats in a big city as in Istanbul!

Dogs (Turkish: Kopek), stray dogs. The dog is considered to be impure in Islam and has only a certain importance as a shepherd dog. In the past, the Istanbul street dogs were hard to see. They were used to being hunted immediately with stone throats or footsteps. The poor treatment of the dogs also had an understandable reason: The fear of rabies! That, too, has changed. Meanwhile, an animal welfare organization takes care of the dogs. A brand in the ear indicates when the dog was last vaccinated against rabies. The Istanbul dogs are peaceful. Most of them lie somewhere in the sun and let it go well. Don't worry, no stray dog will bite you! Be careful, though, to stroke them. A dog may jump on you, but it is even more likely that the dog will adopt you as its master or woman and follow you at every step. They will hardly have to leave him or her in Istanbul.

If you travel with your own dog, you will sometimes be confronted with the fact that street dogs perceive the dog as an intruder in your own area. The dog will be barked accordingly and may be attacked or even bitten. This can be remedied by loud, shuffling sounds ("chicken"), stamping with your foot, resolute throwing and jumping or (as a last resort) stone throwing. Most of the time, however, the street dogs are called to order by the locals. Dogs outside a "rudel" usually behave like stray dogs in Germany.

consulate

• 41.03533 28.989083 Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany - Almanya Federal Cumhuriyeti Başkonsolosluğu, Inönü Cad. 10, 34437 Gümüşsuyu - Istanbul. Tel: +90 212 3346 100, Fax: +90 212 2499 920, e-mail: [email protected]. Opened: The entrance gate to the Consulate-General building (İnönü Caddesi 10) is open 24 hours a day. Accessibility in emergency situations outside duty hours until 24:00, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 08:00 to 24:00 (NO VISA INFORMATION !!!). last amendment: no

• 41.12617 29.070334 Austrian Consulate General - Avusturya Başkonsolosluğu, Köybaşı Cad. No 46, 34464 Yeniköy/Istanbul. Tel: (0)212 2629315. last amendment: no

• Swiss Consulate General - Isviçre Başkonsolosluğu, 1.Levent Plaza, A-Blok Kat:3, Büyükdere Cad. No 173, 34394 Levent Istanbul. Tel: +90 212 283 12 82. last amendment: no

other

In the city center there are many fixed telephones. The mobile phone is a constant companion for many Turks, and your national network operator will be informed about the cheapest roaming rate. There are internet cafes. Most hotels have free Internet access, but rarely in restaurants and other public places. Roaming costs for 1 MB are usually above 20 €/MB (!), so either a Turkish prepaid card is worth it, or you should check the settings of your smartphone very closely to avoid high bills.

The beautiful buildings of the main post office (along with a museum) are located in the Sirkeci district, not far from the train station. Postage stamps are usually also available where you can buy postcards. The hotel often carries out the task of sending mail.

boat trip

The Bosphorus is an important and busy shipping route between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean. Due to different currents, it is considered very dangerous. A boat trip is a highly recommended excursion. The frequent departures take place from Eminönü directly next to the Galatabrücke. At 10.35 a.m., during the high season until the beginning of November at 1.35 p.m., the official boat boat-boat-boat from the Istanbul transport companies starts. At TL 25.— (holder of a valid museum pass only pay TL 20.—) you can drive to Anadolu Kavaği and back. The small village has a ruin on a hill from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Black Sea. At present (June 2015) construction is taking place at the mouth of the Bosphorus to the Black Sea on the third road bridge over the Bosphorus. If you get off at one of the stops, you can go to one of the numerous fish restaurants, most of which have a magnificent view of the Bosphorus. Unfortunately, many of these establishments are aware that their guests only come this time and then never again. The price/performance ratio also looks like this. If you're feeling peckish, don't want to go to a restaurant: Bread (Balık Ekmek) at TL 6.00. During the cruise, the crew sells tea and snacks (highly recommended yogurt from Kanlıca!) at reasonable prices. The private boats sail around approx. € 5,00 mostly only to the second Bosphorus bridge without stop. It is much more expensive if you rent a small private "water taxi". It is recommended that you inform yourself beforehand.

Estuary of the Bosphorus into the Black Sea without a third Bosphorus bridge

Alternatively, you can use the public buses, possibly only for partial journeys.

Excursion to the Princes Islands

The Princes Islands (Kızıl Adalar) are located about 20 km southeast of Istanbul in the Marmara Sea and are a popular excursion destination for the Istanbul population. The nine islands offer a very attractive scenic opportunity to practice water sports and to visit the remains of numerous monasteries, churches, etc. The car is prohibited, but there are horse-drawn carriages and bicycles for rent. In recent times, electric vehicles are also allowed to drive. There are many boat connections from the European (Eminönü) as well as the Asian part of Istanbul (Kadıköy).

trip to the Belgrade forest

The extensive forest area (Belgrat Ormanı) north of Istanbul is a popular recreation area and since ancient times has been of great importance for the water supply of the city. There are reservoirs, water reservoirs and pipelines from Byzantine times.