Taksim Square
by Paul2001
Taksim Square is in the heart of what we would like to think of as modern Istanbul. The square is a major traffic hub. It seems that all buses in the Beyoglu district end up here. It here that you will find all the big shiny hotels like the Hilton and other major chains. There are also many fast food franchises congregated here such as Arby's and Burger King. Most importantly it is here that the main shopping pedistran way, the Istiklal Caddesi, begins. Structures of note in the square include the Cumhuriyet Aniti, otherwise known as the Republic Monument. Also something to consider, is that it is here that protesters tend to horde when they choose to demonstrate. During my second trip through the square, I say numerous riot police massing in preparation for such a demonstration. Never did see any demonstrators.
Genuinely free Turkish lessons online (US gov.)
by afeeney
The Foreign Service Institute is a branch of the US Department of State, so all their materials are copyright-free--anybody can use them without charge.
Some generous people who owned the tapes or manuals have started digitizing them and uploading them to the net at the website below. One of the languages is Turkish. It won't replace the handbooks with the "top ten phrases you'll need," but it's great for picking up the sound and inflections of the language.
The audio portions are in rather small segments, which is great for those with slow connections though a minor frustration for those with faster ones.
The materials were designed quite a while ago so don't have contemporary terms about technology, entertainment, and so on, but that's a small limitation.
Things to bring
by midnight_mike
It is hard to visit Istanbul and come back home without any souvenirs. Be sure to leave some space in your bags for a water pipe or a backgammon game. You could even put a small collapsible bag inside your luggage, leaving it reserved for things purchased at the Grand Bazaar or the Arasta Bazaar. A lot of people make the mistake of assuming Istanbul is warm the entire year. If you are traveling in the late winter/early spring, bring an umbrella and a warm jacket. I could not believe how cold it was in March, not to mention how much it rained! Unless you find a supermarket, most shops have a limited supply of toiletry options. Sure, you can find aftershave lotion, but it might not be of the same quality that you are used to in your home country. Bring plenty of film, as you will likely pay a lot more for it in Istanbul. Plus, the quality might not be the same. If you need a replacement battery or your camera brakes, there is a whole block of camera shops a minute away from Sirkeci train station. If you are going to Istanbul during the summer, bring sunscreen and a hat. A compass might also come in handy.
Polish Village/Polonez koy
by traveloturc
Polonezkoy, literally the Polish Village, is a pretty village on the Beykoz-Sile road on the Asian side. It was founded by settlers from Poland, who took political asylum in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century. Located in the midst of abundant nature, Polonezköy offers the visitors the natural beauty and the fresh air full of oxygen. Owing to intensive touristic demand the village has been equipped with restaurants, motels and pensions. The opportunities for picnics, strolls and sports attract the visitors in the spring and summer times while in the winter it is usually the hunting excursionists visiting here. Besides, it is an interesting experience for the visitors to taste the Polish food prepared by the handful Polish locals of the village.
Turkish Instruments
by WillAntoniou about Gozde
I am an ethnic percussionist, so there was no way I was going to leave Istanbul without buying a drum. I got a traditional turkish Doumbek for 120 million Liras, about 90 euros.
The store sell a lot of different instrument also, not just drums. Doumbek Depends on the level of the instrument.
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Sultanahmet mosque
Sultan's reception windows along the seating area
The Grand Bazaar
tram along Divan Yolu
