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Istanbul is one of the most preferred cities in the world tourism with its historical and cultural heritage dating back to thousands of years. Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city, and its cultural and financial center and was one of three European Capitals of Culture in 2010 Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Istanbul's population is estimated to be between 12 and 19 million people, making it also one of the largest in Europe and the world. With the Bosphorus sea-strait flowing along its heart, Istanbul is literally located at where two continents meet; and both Asia and Europe add their distinct flavors to the texture of the city. and culturally, it is the pulsating hub of an extensive map, where Central Asia, East Europe, Balkans, the Caucasus, Middle East and North Africa converge. The important waterline dividing Istanbul into two is the Bosphorus. Istanbul is both the nearest Asian city to Europe and the nearest European city to Asia.Istanbul, has been a focal point of world history over the last two millennia serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.The city's unparalleled natural beauty and historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces and bazaars attract visitors from all over the world.
The city is now a modern metropolis with pride in its past, confidence in its present and optimism in its future safeguarding the treasures of history while meeting the requirements of 21st century citizens and visitors alike. What adds to Istanbul’s significance is its being a port city and all trade paths’ passing through the city for thousands of years. Another important feature of Istanbul is that it has a highly sheltered structure.
Especially the center which is presently called as the “historical peninsula”, which was made capital city by both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and its being located on a hill surrounded by three seas made it almost impossible to be conquered. Indeed, Halic had the quality of being an unparalleled harbour sheltering navy fleets. Today Istanbul is a huge metropolis connecting continents, cultures, and religions and being home to fifteen million people and one of the greatest business and cultural center of the region.
Located in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world's great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent scenic beauties. Istanbul has a history of over 2,500 years, and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas, the city has been a crucial trade center.
Located in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world's great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent scenic beauties. Istanbul has a history of over 2,500 years, and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas, the city has been a crucial trade center.
Visa and e-Visa
An e-Visa is an official document permitting entry into and travel within Turkey.The e-Visa is an alternative to visas issued at Turkish missions and at the ports of entry.Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card (Mastercard or Visa).
The link to download your e-Visa is given on the final step where you will be informed that your application has been completed successfully. In addition, the same link to download your e-Visa will be emailed to you. Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-Visa on their system. However, you are advised to keep your e-Visa with you either as a soft copy (tablet PC, smart phone, etc.) or as a hard copy in case of any failure on their system.
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Banking & Currency
In Turkey the currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport as well as at the private exchange offices throughout the city which are open from 8:30 to 20:00 hrs. Local banks, where Traveler's cheques and Eurocheques can be cashed, serve between 8:30 and 17:00 hrs. All major credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most of the Turkish restaurants, shops etc.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and stores but visitors are always advised to check with the vendor before a purchase is made. Cash machines with 24-hour access are available in many convenient locations.
Electricity
The electric current is 220V AC with a frequency of 50 Hertz. European Standard Type C plugs with two round pins are used.
Insurance
The registration fees do not include the insurance of participants against personal accidents, sickness, cancellations by any party, theft, loss or damage to personal possessions.
Participants are advised to take out adequate personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects.
Time Zones
Turkey is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standart Time.
Tipping
Tax and service charges are included in the cost of all goods and services. Although it is not mandatory, a small tip is expected for good service. As a guideline, add about 10 % to the total bill. Normally you are requested to leave a cash tip when paying by credit card.
Transportation in Istanbul
Transportation in Istanbul is provided via bus, ferry, taxi, minibus, subway,tram, light railway.
Bus: Public and private buses are very popular. Those buses operate frequently to different destinations in the city. You can read the name of the place you would like to go, on the sign on the side window in the front. Foreign currency is NOT accepted.
You can purchase the tickets from the ticket offices next to the stations. Sometimes you can find tickets in little corner convenience shops. There are different types of tickets such as Akbil, Istanbul-Kart in the smart-ticket offices in return for a certain amount. For the long distance you may need to use the double-deckers buses with double tickets.
Ferry: The ferries work between European stations (Eminonu, Besiktas, Karakoy) and Asian Side (Kadikoy, Bostanci, Uskudar). If you like to see
the Asian Side, you can simply take the ferry from Besiktas to Kadikoy every 30 minutes, 15 past and 15 to. For further info, you can ask for a brochure at the ferry stations.
Minibus (Dolmus): Minibuses are small buses which do not have a specific time table. They begin operating at 06:00 am in the morning and finish about 01:00 am You pay cash to the driver and the fee changes depending on the line.
Tram: Trams are new and very convenient in the touristic areas. There are ticket offices at the tram stations.
Subway: The "Istanbul Metro" is very convenient if you want to see the downtown and commercial centers in the city. You can purchase the tickets from the ticket offices next to the stations. There is metro station in the Ataturk Airport which takes you to the citiy.
