ATM - Cheat Sheet
by irvbur
Although ATM machines are to be found all over, the transaction is always in local currency. BE PREPARED. For example, do not go up to an ATM and think you'd like to withdraw $500 worth of local currency. You first must know the amount in local currency that $500 will buy. I always carry a currency cheat sheet when travelling. In addition to ATM transactions, it's also easier to bargain and make purchases.
For a cheat sheet go to to http://www.oanda.com/cgi/convert/cheatsheet
Reverence to Ataturk
by solopes
I know the big importance of Ataturk in modern Turkey. It is not surprise his presence everywhere in official places and political instruments. But I noticed that popular respect follows the same high level of reverence. Form taxis to touristy gadgets he is always present.
customize your packing list
by traveloturc
Climatological Information for istanbul is based on monthly averages for the 72 -year period 1929 - 2000 .
DailyMinimum DailyMaximum Total Rainfall (mm) Mean Number of Rain Days (in Celcius)
Jan 2.9 8.7 87.3 17.7
Feb 2.8 9.1 71.3 15.3
Mar 3.9 11.2 63.2 13.6
Apr 7.7 16.5 44.9 10.3
May 12.0 21.4 32.6 7.8
Jun 16.0 26.0 25.3 5.3
Jul 18.5 28.4 23.7 3.6
Aug 18.7 28.5 23.6 4.0
Sep 15.5 25.0 44.3 6.1
Oct 12.0 20.1 70.7 10.3
Nov 8.5 15.3 84.7 12.9
Dec 5.3 11.1 106.7 16.9
DailyMinimum DailyMaximum Total Rainfall (mm) Mean Number of Rain Days (in Fahreneit)
Jan 37.2 47.7 87.3 17.7
Feb 37.0 48.4 71.3 15.3
Mar 39.0 52.2 63.2 13.6
Apr 45.9 61.7 44.9 10.3
May 53.6 70.5 32.6 7.8
Jun 60.8 78.8 25.3 5.3
Jul 65.3 83.1 23.7 3.6
Aug 65.7 83.3 23.6 4.0
Sep 59.9 77.0 44.3 6.1
Oct 53.6 68.2 70.7 10.3
Nov 47.3 59.5 84.7 12.9
Dec 41.5 52.0 106.7 16.9
Boukoleon Palace
by neodue
If you walk on the Kennedy Streey from Sirkeci through to bakırkoy way you can see a very old building at the rigths side of you.It is on the Istanbul sea walls.It is near Catladi kapi
The Palace of Boukoleon (Greek: Βουκολέων) or Bucoleon was one of the Byzantine palaces in Constantinople. It was probably built by Theodosius II in the 5th century.
The palace sits on the shore of Marmara Sea. Hormisdas is an earlier name of the place. The name Bucoleon was probably attributed after the end of the 6th century under Justinian I, when the small harbour in front of the palace, which is now filled, was constructed. According to tradition, a statue featuring a bull and a lion stood there, giving the port its name (βους and λέων are Greek for "bull" and "lion" respectively). "House of Hormisdas" and "House of Justinian" are other names referring to Bucoleon Palace.
Emperor Theophilos, among his other works, rebuilt and expanded the palace, adding a large façade on top of the seaward walls. The ruins suggest a balcony looking out to the sea was present, accessible through three marble-framed doorways, still visible today.
When Mehmet II, the Ottoman emperor, entered the city in 1453, it was noted that the then-famous palace still stood, albeit in ruins. The ruins of the palace were partially destroyed in 1873 to make way for the railway line to Sirkeci.
You can see 3D photos of the palace from the website
Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
by obcbreeze about grand bazaar
Yes it's overpriced. Yes it's crowded. But it's the Grand Bazaar. The sights, sounds, smells make this an overwhelming adventure. We kept going back and exploring the maze of back alleys. It's part of the fun of the bazaar. If you have time walk through to the spice bazaar. If you do decide to buy something, haggle, haggle, haggle. We started by offering half the price and going from there.