istanbul
DESCRIPTION
Istanbul is Turkey’s biggest city in terms of population and holds the crown for its cultural and fi nancial hub. The city is located on both sides of the bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and Marmara Sea. It’s not only a city but a bridge for Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. The population is estimated to be 20 million people. Istanbul is a city of many traits. It houses all the cultures of Turkey, from East to West and from North to South.
It has seen empires and civilisations fall and rise, witnessed historical moments and merged Christian and Muslim artefacts together in Hagia Sophia. Istanbul is also home of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and many other Churches, Mosques, Palaces and museums. Nightlife on the Bosphorus which has rooftop bars and yacht parties are unique experiences.
HISTORY
Expanding the ancient Roman colonial ideology by the orders of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, the magnificent city of Constantinople was the last remaining stronghold of the empire for nearly a thousand years. It was finally seized under the control of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II on 29th May 1453. Historians describe this event as the start of a new age. Istanbul was a major cultural, political, and commercial centre not just for the Ottomans but for Asia and Europe. The Ottoman rule continued till the Allied Powers of Europe took control in WWI. The city was retaken by the Republic of Turkey with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in charge. Istanbul is growing every year and has an estimated 400,000 immigrants each year. The beauty of the city can be seen from every corner with the light of the bosphorus, the historical monuments and religious themes striking its glory on its guests. Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital”.
WEATHER
Istanbul has a temperature of oceanic climate, which is inherited by the continental climate and sea climate. It has hot and humid summers and cold, wet, snowy winters. Late autumn and winter being the wettest, and late spring and summer being the driest. Summer is mainly hot with the average temperature being 27ºC during day and 18ºC during night time, but you could expect the temperature to go up to 35°C. Snowfall occurs annually between December and March. If you don’t want to go through extreme heat or freezing temperatures, late May to early June and late September to early October is the best time to visit due to it being neither cold nor hot but expect chilly nights with rain.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Holders of UK, EU and US passports require visas. Visa’s must be obtained in advance, passengers need to obtain an e-visa prior to their arrival. This can be done online at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for approximately US$20. The visa is valid for a stay of up to three months (dependent on passport holder’s nationality). For a longer stay a visa from a Turkish Embassy is required.
No vaccination required
HOT TIPS
This medieval stronghold is placed on the Eminonu/Sultanahmet side of Istanbul. It was once occupied for the Ottoman Sultans and their families for 4 centuries. In early 1850s, the sultans were relocated to Dolmabahçe Palace.
This was a underground water cistern of Byzantines and dates all the way back to the 4th century. Visiting the Basilica Cistern is one of the best experiences in Istanbul. There are two stone Medusa heads which we advise to look into. The cistern is not consisted in the Museum Pass.
The Grand Bazaar, the home of any souvenir. This maze of shops is colourful, vibrant and fascinating. You don't have to shop, visiting and embracing the dynamic culture of this bazaar is an attraction on its own.
Turkey is a Muslim and Secular country, this means you can wear whatever you want, the only exception is when you enter a Mosque, you will be required to wear long trousers and woman must cover their hair. If you're planning to voyage through the Bosphorus sea, take with you an extra layer as it can get windy and cold. During summer, it's very hot but the nights can get chilly. Istanbul lives all the four seasons.