Featured

Taksim Istanbul walking tour

Explore the Vibrant Heart of Istanbul: Taksim Istiklal Street Walking Tour

Welcome to our immersive walking tour of Taksim Istiklal Street, one of the most iconic and bustling avenues in Istanbul, Turkey. This video takes you through the lively and vibrant heart of the city, showcasing the unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that makes Istiklal Street a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.

Discover Taksim Square
Our journey begins at Taksim Square, the bustling epicenter of Istanbul. Known for its historic significance and modern-day vibrancy, Taksim Square is a hub of activity day and night. In this video, you’ll see the famous Republic Monument, which stands proudly in the center of the square. Erected in 1928, this monument commemorates the founding of the Turkish Republic and is a focal point for national celebrations and public gatherings.

The Charm of Istiklal Street
As we move from Taksim Square, we enter the enchanting Istiklal Street, a pedestrian-friendly avenue stretching over 1.4 kilometers. Istiklal Street is renowned for its eclectic mix of architectural styles, reflecting Istanbul’s rich history. You’ll find everything from neoclassical and art nouveau buildings to modern structures, creating a unique and captivating streetscape.

Shopping and Dining Extravaganza
Istiklal Street is a paradise for shoppers and food enthusiasts. The street is lined with an array of shops, from international brands to local boutiques offering traditional Turkish goods. You’ll get a glimpse of vibrant storefronts and discover hidden gems selling unique souvenirs, handcrafted items, and fashionable clothing.

Food lovers are in for a treat as well. The street is dotted with cafes, restaurants, and street food vendors serving a variety of delicious dishes. In this video, we’ll take you through some popular spots where you can enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, including mouthwatering kebabs, freshly baked simit (Turkish bagels), and delectable sweets like baklava and Turkish delight.

Historical Landmarks and Cultural Spots
Istiklal Street is not just about shopping and dining; it’s also a cultural treasure trove. Along the way, we’ll explore several historical landmarks and cultural spots that add to the street’s charm. Watch out for the beautiful St. Anthony of Padua Church, an impressive Catholic church that stands as a testament to the city’s diverse religious heritage.

We’ll also pass by the historic Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage), a stunning arcade filled with charming cafes and restaurants. Originally built as a theater in 1876, it later transformed into a lively gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Vibrant Nightlife and Entertainment
As the sun sets, Istiklal Street comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. The street is famous for its entertainment options, including theaters, cinemas, and live music venues. In this video, we’ll give you a taste of the dynamic nightlife, showcasing some of the best spots to enjoy live performances, traditional Turkish music, and contemporary shows.

Art and Culture
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous art galleries and cultural centers scattered along Istiklal Street. We’ll take you to some prominent galleries where you can admire works by local and international artists. The street is also home to cultural institutions like the Pera Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Orientalist paintings and other significant artworks.

Street Performers and Festivals
One of the unique aspects of Istiklal Street is its lively street performers and frequent festivals. Throughout the video, you’ll encounter talented musicians, dancers, and artists who add to the vibrant atmosphere. The street often hosts festivals celebrating various cultural events, adding to the excitement and providing a glimpse into the local traditions and festivities.

Featured

24 Place in Istanbul

I would like to thank you in advance for both subscribing to my channel and watching and liking my video. In this video, I am here with 24 Istanbul places that I have completed and presented to you in approximately 2.5 months. I leave the links here. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWCUwVZYfwodE0lFP1iMA4w

Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF26-w19JmM

7 Facts you need to know about Eminönü

Eminönü is a bustling district located at the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, renowned for its historical significance, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse cultural heritage. Here are some facts about Eminönü:

1- Historical Significance: Eminönü has been a crucial area throughout Istanbul’s history. It was once the heart of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and later became a central district during the Ottoman Empire.
2- Galata Bridge: Eminönü is home to the iconic Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn and connects the old city with the modern Beyoğlu district. The bridge offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike.
3- Historic Landmarks: The district is dotted with numerous historic landmarks, including the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in Istanbul, built by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan during the 16th century. Other notable landmarks include the New Mosque (Yeni Camii), Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), and the Byzantine-era Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı).
4- Transportation Hub: Eminönü serves as a major transportation hub in Istanbul, with ferry terminals connecting the European and Asian sides of the city. Ferries departing from Eminönü offer scenic rides along the Bosphorus, providing a unique perspective of Istanbul’s skyline and historical landmarks.
5- Commercial Center: Eminönü is also known for its bustling markets and vibrant street life. The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is famous for its exotic spices, herbs, and traditional Turkish delights. The area surrounding the bazaar is filled with shops selling a variety of goods, ranging from textiles and jewelry to souvenirs and household items.
6- Culinary Delights: Visitors to Eminönü can indulge in a wide array of delicious Turkish cuisine. Street food vendors offer traditional delicacies such as simit (sesame-crusted bread rings), börek (savory pastries), and balık ekmek (grilled fish sandwiches). The area is also renowned for its seafood restaurants serving freshly caught fish and seafood dishes.
7- Cultural Diversity: Eminönü is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, reflecting Istanbul’s rich history as a crossroads between East and West. Visitors can experience the vibrant energy of the city through its diverse population, bustling markets, and eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Overall, Eminönü is a dynamic and multifaceted district that encapsulates the essence of Istanbul, blending history, culture, and commerce into a vibrant tapestry that attracts visitors from around the world.

Let’s eat in Istanbul

Istanbul is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, blending influences from various cultures and offering a diverse range of delicious dishes. Here are some must-try foods when visiting Istanbul:

  1. Kebabs: Try the famous Turkish kebabs, such as döner kebab (rotisserie meat), şiş kebab (grilled meat skewers), or İskender kebab (sliced meat on bread with tomato sauce and melted butter).
  2. Turkish Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast spread called “kahvaltı,” which includes a variety of cheeses, olives, fresh bread, jams, honey, tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggs prepared in various styles.
  3. Lahmacun: A thin and crispy Turkish flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It’s often rolled up with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
  4. Baklava: Indulge in the sweet and flaky layers of baklava, a famous Turkish dessert made with layers of filo pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup.
  5. Meze: Explore the vibrant world of meze, small appetizer dishes typically served before a meal. Try favorites like hummus, baba ganoush, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and cacık (yogurt and cucumber dip).
  6. Simit: Grab a simit, a circular-shaped sesame-covered bread ring similar to a bagel. It’s a popular street food snack and often enjoyed with Turkish tea.
  7. Balık ekmek: Head to the Eminönü waterfront and savor balık ekmek, a grilled fish sandwich made with fresh catch-of-the-day fish, bread, lettuce, onions, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon.
  8. Turkish Delight: Treat yourself to the famous Turkish delight, or “lokum,” a gel-like confectionery available in various flavors, often dusted with powdered sugar.
  9. Manti: Taste manti, a traditional Turkish dumpling dish. It consists of small pasta pockets filled with spiced ground meat and served with yogurt and garlic-infused tomato sauce.
  10. Turkish Tea and Turkish Coffee: Complete your culinary journey with a cup of strong and aromatic Turkish tea or a rich cup of Turkish coffee, both of which hold cultural significance in Turkish hospitality.

These are just a few highlights of Istanbul’s culinary offerings. Don’t hesitate to explore local markets, street food stalls, and traditional restaurants to discover even more delicious and authentic Turkish dishes during your visit.

Sister Cities of Istanbul

Istanbul’s Sister City, Cooperation Protocols and Memorandum of Understanding/Goodwill Letters

Saudi Arabia
Brasil
Japan
Pakistan
Malaysia
Egypt
Morocco
Germany
Russia
Turkmenistan
Spain
United Arab Emirates
China
Ukraine
Jordan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Romania
North Macedonia
Indonesia
Syria
Italy
South Korea
Thailand
Lebanon
Iran
Mexico
Tunisia
Libya
Chad
Georgia
Cyprus

Sister City Concept

A sister city is a union of geographically distant settlements for the purpose of cultural and commercial exchange. This union is the joint practice of two or more municipalities that carry out projects and programs to increase socio-economic development. Sister city or “sister city” in international relations terminology has emerged since the 1950s with the aim of promoting peace and mutual understanding between the cities of the USA and the cities of the rest of the world. In the same years, fraternal relations called “twinning” started to be established in Europe in order to develop friendship, especially between French and English cities.

According to the principles of the World Organization of Sister Cities, headquartered in the USA, a city can establish a sister city relationship with only one city from each country. This is not a very strict rule. However, this rule is generally observed.

The proposal to become a sister city is usually made through diplomatic means. It is communicated to municipalities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or mutual contacts are established between municipalities. In order to become a sister city with any city from abroad, the decision of the Municipal Council and the approval of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change are required.

The most important issue considered both in the decision of the City Council and in the permission of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change is the equivalence between the cities. of cities; It is ideal that they are close or equivalent to each other in terms of their importance in the country, population, economic and commercial situation, cultural structure and geographical feature. Because a relationship to be established on the basis of these criteria will be more productive and enable more successful joint work. Sometimes, a sister city relationship can be established with a city in order to provide moral support even though it is not equivalent or by looking at one or more of the above-mentioned similarities.

Establishing the sister city relationship itself creates a suitable ground and a strong bond for all kinds of cooperation between the cities that established the relationship. In general, it is stated in which fields the cooperation will be made within the framework of the protocol. Before the protocol is prepared, studies are carried out for cooperation areas that will benefit both sides and mutual negotiations are made. The parties can put a time limit on the protocol if they wish.

Istanbul has 41 Sister Cities, 20 Cooperation Protocols and 28 Memorandum of Understanding/Goodwill Protocols.

Source : Istanbul Municipality