Istanbul overall...
by Erkmen
Istanbul is both a part of Europe and also a part of Asia. And in the city you will see the Harmony of both continents. You will be dazzled in Istanbul after seeing so many different cultures mixing together. The city has historical sights from the 6th century up to 21st century, modern era. And you need time to restore them in your mind.
During your visit to Istanbul you should make a good planning. You should spent some time on the historical parts and also spent some time in the coast of Bosphorus or princess islands to relax, and Enjoy the beauty of Istanbul. Other vice your mind may get tired of seeing all those unfamiliar but beautiful sight seeing.
Turkish Nationalism
by Greatwalk0
Turkish nationalism can be overwhelming for foreigners.
Making negative comments about Turkey or Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (Turkey's founding father) is actually a crime! Keep this in mind when speaking about Turkey in public or if you feel inclined to make fun of the large number of photos of Ataturk which are literally EVERYWHERE in Istanbul.
In winter is really cold here
by SirRichard
Although most of the tourist go in summer, Turkey is also beautiful in winter.
If you come at this season, be prepared for A REAL WINTER. In summer here is bl**dy hot, but in winter is freezing cold, snow and all that, so bring warm clothes....
Positive Nationalism :P
by Gokcecicek
This is a new term appeared after a TV advertisement for a new brand of cola in Turkey: "Cola Turka". It appeared after the Iraqi war. Since there was a big reaction to American brands, some "clever" Turkish men (From Ulker - know to be islamist in the society however they call themselves conservatives) came out with this idea. The theme of the advertisement is Cola Turka is being sold in US and all the Americans who drink this cola start to act like Turkish. Man kissing each other, having mustache etc. Turks are imposing their culture to Americans by this Cola Turka. Anyway... During an interview with this advertisement's director and pr responsible, they said that they did not want to make nationalism, however this could be named "Positive Nationalism." What do you think? Can nationalism be positive or negative?
Shopping
by yascioglu
Shopping in Istanbul is one of the delights of a visit 10 this city where wandering through the colorful bazaars is as enjoyable as browsing in the modern shops. For all tourists the "Kapali Carsi" (Covered Bazaar) in the old city is, of course, the favorite place. In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers' street, and so on. From the great variety of goods offered, there is something to suit every taste and pocket. There is a wide selection of jewellery, from traditional to modem settings, while the carpet shops display eye-catching wares of vivid colors and intricate designs.
Turkish arts and crafts, include handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes, all of which make charming souvenirs and gifts. Leather and suede goods are excellent and relatively inexpensive. In the Old Bedesten. in the heart of the bazaar, the pattern old shopping seems to have remained unchanged for centuries.
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Courtyard - Sultanahmet Mosque
Inside the Grand Bazaar
Minbar decorations - Jan 2010
Sunset over Sultanhamet from ferry to Kadıköy
