Is Istanbul safe?
by AcornMan
I see this question asked so many times on the Virtual Tourist forum that I decided it was time to just post a general tip about it. The population of Istanbul is equal to the populations of Athens, Rome, and Berlin combined, yet the number of crimes committed in Istanbul is only half of the total number of crimes committed in those three cities combined. Recent statistics indicate that the crime rate (per 1000 people) is just 3.6 in Turkey, compared with 29 in Greece, 54 in the United States, and 102 in the UK. And despite the fact that more than 1/3 of all the crime in Turkey occurs in Istanbul, the city still retains its low crime rate.
In other words, Istanbul is quite safe compared to other large cities around the world. That doesn't mean you should just let your guard down and dangle money out of your pockets, but as long as you exercise minimal precautions you should feel perfectly safe in Istanbul.
Perfect Natural Harbors
by mrclay2000
The Golden Horn runs approximately seven miles inland from the Sea of Marmara, a natural harbor along the northern edge of Stamboul that contributed heavily to the city's wealth (the fisheries here have been notorious over the centuries). Frequently miscalled the divider between European and Asian Istanbul, the inlet only divides Stamboul from the more modern suburb of Pera (Galata). Standing on the Galata Bridge, the focal point of life in Istanbul, the senses are overwhelmed with sounds and images. Hawkers and fishermen swarm the bridge. The Galata Tower stares down from its stronghold, while Yeni Cami anchors the southern watches, flanked in turn by Topkapi Palace and Suleimaniye.
Balik Ekmek
by maykal
Balik Ekmek (Fish and Bread) is one thing you must eat in Istanbul, even if you are not that fond of fish (I'm not...if I can stomach it and recommend it, then I'm sure you can too!). Many restaurants and cafes along the Galata Bridge offer fried or grilled fish sandwiches with salad for about 3YTL, which is fine....but for some reason it tastes a lot better when you buy your sandwich directly from one of the boats bobbing up and down in the water just close to the bridge in Eminonu. Sometimes these boats are allowed to trade, other times it is forbidden, depending on the day, the weather and whether the police are hungry or not. Sit at one of the makeshift tables, smother your fish in lemon and salt, and wash it down with a "drink" of turshi (pickled vegetables in bright pink vinegar) if you dare!
The Bosphorus
by Sharrie
THE BOSPHORUS: It was named after a legend & a dream to many. The homes of the rich & famous front its shore. Europe, Asia... you can cross the 2 frontiers in few minutes. It's a must for most people (well, if u don't suffer from sea-sickness or jealousy of the rich & famous, that is) & one that guarantees to leave a fond memory for a long time to come. Be there!
Topkapi Palace library
by traveloturc
Founded in 1928, the manuscript library houses a rich collection of 13,450 manuscripts in Ottoman Turkish, Arabic and Persian. There is also a significant collection of miniatures and calligraphic works held in this library. The library provides photocoying and microfilm services. Special permission is needed for Turkish and foreign researchers.
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Ayasofya at night
No, he wasn't intending to jump!
Hagia Eirene - Jan 2010
Istanbul - Turkey
