(Continued from previous page) The BOSPHORUSIstanbul is located on 32km (~20 mi) of the Bosphorus Strait, a coveted stretch of water connecting the trade routes of the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. It divides the city between Asia and Europe. Turks call the Bosphorus BOGAZ or Istanbul Bogazi.
The best way to see the Bosphorus is to board one of the passenger ferry boats that regularly goes zig-zag along the shores.
You can board this type of ferry in the Eminönü district and travel between the Asian and European sides of the Bosphorus.
The round trip excursion fare is very reasonable and it takes about 6 hours. We suggest checking the schedule prior to leaving your hotel.
THE PRINCES' ISLANDS:The archipelago islands in the Sea of Marmara, were places of exile for the Byzantine princes. Four of nine islands are inhabited. There are no cars allowed on these beautiful islands. Tourists can easy hire horse-drawn carriages(Fayton) for a tour around the islands. Regular and battery powered bicycles are available for rent at several businesses.
BÜYÜKADA is the largest island and HEYBELIADA (Turks call it Heybeli) is the second largest island. In the early 19th century the Ottoman business community of Greeks and Jews favoured these islands as summer resorts.
Today, Heybeli Island (ada) is home to The Turkish Naval Academy.
During the summer months, Istanbul's wealthiest residents escape for cool sea breezes and clear water to their elegant 19th century residences.
Ferries run regularly from the Sirkeci district on the European side and the Bostanci district on the Asian side of Istanbul to the four main Princess Islands: BÜYÜKADA, HEYBELIADA, KINALIADA and BURGAZ.
Also from Kabatas, on the European side, fast sea buses travel to Büyükada
(Big Island).
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ www.helloTURKEY.net' s mission is to give you as much detailed assistance before you visit Istanbul.
You are at part 2 of 2 Istanbul page
The GRAND COVERED BAZAAR Kapaliçarsi in Istanbul... The planet's largest covered market!
The Grand Bazaar is a shopper's wonderland. Founded by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II at essentially the same time he built the Topkapi Palace. Grand Bazaar is called 'Kapaliçarsi'in Turkish, located on 30 hectares (75 acres) with more than 4000 shops in which every imaginable kind of merchandise such as antiques, textiles, embroidery, brass ware, carpets (kilims), brilliantly hand-painted ceramics, glassware, and leather good, including furs and suede, and various household items may be bought.
In addition to the thousands of small shops, the Grand Bazaar is also the home of two mosques and a variety of eateries and coffee shops.
Historically, the Grand Bazaar was also the location of the Han (caravansaray) on the Old Silk Road.
Old Istanbul's bazaar quarter stretches from this bazaar in Beyazit and continues on down the hill to the Eminönü district.
On entering any shop, visitors are treated to the warmest Turkish hospitality... mostly by offering ÇAY (Turkish dark tea).
You are not obligated to buy anything but this is their way of proch to keep you in the store as long as necesary to make the sale. On the other side, remember that the best prices always come to the ones who know how to bargain well and when the salesperson thinks you are about to leave.
In the heart of the Grand Bazaar there is a separate section for antiques called the Bedesten, which is worth visiting. Especially antiques lovers shouldn't miss this! Bedesten offers a curious assortment of many kinds of antiques and antique jewelry.
KAPALIÇARSI is open Monday-Saturday 8.00am to 7.00pm and closed on Sundays. If you are visiting ISTANBUL during religious holidays, on the first day of the each
religious holiday ; the bazaar is closed.
There are other bazaars in Istanbul that are worth a visit and are within walking distance from Sultanahmet Square and the Grand Bazaar. Perhaps the most notable of these is the Misir Çarsisi (Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar). It's name stems from olden times when herbs and spices came from, or through Egypt. This is in located in Eminönü and is next to Yeni Cami (New Mosque). The fragrance of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and a great many other herbs and spices makes a visit of this, Istanbul's second largest covered bazaar, a delightful treat.
If you leave the Grand Bazaar by its western gate (the Beyazit Mosque exit) a short walk takes you to the Sahaflar Çarsisi (the old book bazaar) where you can find both new and antique books in Turkish and other languages.
Also for those of you like open markets, on every Sunday, in the Beyazit district you will find a flea market where many vendors display their merchandise.
By leaving the hustle and bustle of the bazaars and go to Beyoglu, Taksim, Nisantasi and Sisli districts you will find sophisticated boutiques where you can browse peacefully in fashionable stores featuring elegant fashions made from Turkey's finest textiles and leather.
You may also wish to shop in the Akmerkez Shopping Center in the Etiler district on the north east side of Istanbul. For some people, a little shopping goes a long way. Istanbul has something to offer to these people too. Whether you are interested in gourmet foods, or an evening of bar-atmosphere entertainment, Istanbul has it all in the area known as Beyoglu. For some of the world's finest cuisine, especially seafood, head for the famous Çiçek Pasaji (Flower Arcade). It is within easy walking distance of Taksim Square by way of Istiklal Caddesi (Street).
Also in Beyoglu, on Nevizade Caddesi (street), you will find a large number of Meyhanes behind the Balik Pazari (Fish market).
Here, you can kick back, enjoy a shot or two of Raki (Turkish anis flavored liquor similar to Greek Ouzo and known to the Turks as 'Lions Milk') while listening to music and eating variety of delicious meze (Turkish hors d'oeuvres).
The tavern and bar is called in Turkish 'Meyhane' (may-han-na). Some of the meyhanes offer live entertainment.
Also in the Çiçek Pazari, especially in weekends some individual group of musicians appears for hire as pictures shown next.
While you are reading this; click here to listen Turkish tavern music.
Caution! As the Turks say, be sure you drink the raki, and that it does not drink you. It is potent and will sneak up on you if you are careless.
For the best nightlife, take the coastal road northeast along the Bosphorus to Ortaköy district where you will find an abundance of nightclubs, jazz clubs, world famous seafood restaurants, and bars.
With regard to where to get the best traditional Turkish and Ottoman dishes, we highly recommend:Karaköy Lokantasi (Restaurant is lokanta in Turkish).
The restaurant sits in the middle of the wharf district in Karaköy, a stone's throw from the Bosphorus and it is located across from the sea terminal for foreign cruise ships. You can easly spot it by the large clock that hangs out front. Owner Mr.Oral Kurt mostly greets guests at the door and his menu offers a variety of authentic Ottoman dishes and traditional Turkish cuisine.
Karakoy Lokantasi serves beer, wide assortment of wine, and raki. It is a table-cloth class restaurant and does not offer entertainment only authentic Turkish dishes. The prices are very reasonable.
The restaurant usually fills up at lunch time with business people from the shipping and maritime offices in the surrounding wharf district, meanwhile not well known by tourists. Some of the waitresses knows enough English to serve customers. The only thing is, the neighborhood is pretty empty in the evening. So, we recommend to take a taxi to the restaurant.
This excellent restaurant is located at Kemankes Caddesi (Street) number 35-A, in the Karaköy district, which is on the Bosphorus side of the Galata Bridge. When you hire a cab, let the driver know you want to go to Karaköy Lokantasi, located accross from the passenger entrance for foreign cruise ships at Karaköy (Karaköy yabanci vapur iskelesi yolcu salonu önü). This will be enough information to give the driver because the restaurant is well known. For more information call the restaurant at 212-2934455.
When you visit the Karakoy Lokantasi, please let the owner know that you were highly recommended by www.helloturkey.net. Thank you.
Basilica Cistern...
When you are at Sultanahmet Square, don't forget to visit the BASILICA
CISTERN (Yerebatan sarayi). It is a 6th century Byzantine Cistern. Fine brick vaulting is supported by 336 gorgeous columns. Open everyday except Mondays. >> Read more
Turkish Coffee Houses... KAHVEHANE
KAHVE means 'coffee' and 'coffee house' in Turkish are called KAHVEHANE.
Turkish Coffee Houses have a long and famous history.
Even the smallest village in Turkey has it's KAHVEHANE, where men can talk, sip coffee or tea 'ÇAY' and play the popular game of TAVLA (backgammon).
Especially in Istanbul, you can still find old fashion coffee houses.
Waterpipes (NARGILE) are still served at the older coffee houses.
We hope YOU make TURKEY(Türkiye) and helloTURKEY.net, a part of your travel plans!
KAHVE means 'coffee' and 'coffee house' in Turkish are called KAHVEHANE.
