Neve Shalom Synagogue

NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE

Probably, Neve Shalom is the most famous synagogue in Turkey. many Jewish citizens prefer Neve Shalom to pray. It is very close to Galata district and so Istiklal avenue and Taksim Square.




The synagogue is on the Buyuk Hendek Street in the Kuledibi district of Beyoglu square. The Neve Salom ("Peace Oasis") Synagogue was built by renovating the gymnasium was converted to a synagogue in 1938, but it couldn't be used because of a lack of permission. Permission was granted in 1949, and the project was prepared by Elio Ventuos and Bernard Motola, two graduates from Istanbul Technical University. It was opened for prayer and worship in 1951.

Its most striking attractions are the dome which holds an eight ton chandelier, the stained glass windows which were imported from England, and the marble sections.

Hidiv Pavilion in Istanbul

Hidiv Pavilion, Istanbul

As a citizen of Istanbul, one of my favourite place to visit in Istanbul is Hidiv Pavilion. It is in the Asian side of Istanbul. Hidiv Pavilion ( Hidiv Kasri in Turkish) is very close to the town, Kanlica where is in the Asian part of Bosphorous. You can come to Kanlica by ferry and then you can take a taxi to climb to the hill.

"The garden of Hidiv Pavilion"

"The Hidiv Pavilion"

On the slopes of Çubuklu, within a large grove of trees, the mansion was built for the Egyptian Hidiv Abbas Hilmi Paşa in 1907 by the Italian architect Delto Seminati. The building- of completely western style, occupies an area of 1000 square meters. In the middle of the main entrance is a marble monumental, its stained glass ceiling reaching to the roof. There are in many parts of the building very elaborate foundations and pools.

By means of interconnecting salons the building forms a circle only being interrupted by the entrance hall. Rooms are located on the upper floor and the two large bedrooms located above the chimneyed entrance salon are without peer. They are especially noteworthy for the wall panelling and the bathrooms. Another feature of the building is the tower from which half of the Bosphorus vista can be seen. Ascending to the tower by elevator or stairs you come to a balconied middle floor and above that is terace open to the sky. This tower adds markedly to the beauty of the building.

Source: http://www.ibb.gov.tr/en-US/KenteBakis/IstanbulGuide/Mansions/

Mihrabad Grove, Istanbul

Mihrabad Grove, Istanbul

Mihrabad Grove is one of the places that you should visit.

It is next to Second Bosphorous Bridge ( Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge) in Asian part of Istanbul.

Here are some photos of Mihrabad Grove.

The interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople)

Interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople)

I have found an interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople) on the web. You can see the topography, ancient walls, Constantinian walls, Theodosian Walls, Gates, Churches, Monasteries, Lykos River... on the map by selecting the options.

To see the interactive map of Istanbul: http://individual.utoronto.ca/safran/Constantinople/Map.html

"Real Turkiye"

Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar)

Grand Bazaar
Shortly, the oldest shopping mall in the world :)
Visit Grand Bazaar and experiece the extremely crowded place that you have ever seen. 
See the chaos! We are used to it and we enjoy it :) 


Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar) : It is the oldest and biggest closed bazaar in the world, also known as the Grand Bazaar, has around 4000 shops and over 60 alleyway, covering a huge labyrinth in the city centre. The original two structures, covered with a series of domes and remains of the 15th century walls, became a shopping area by covering the surrounding streets and adding to it over the following centuries. In Ottoman times this was the centre of trading, and a vital area of town. The Sandal Bedesten was added during Süleyman’s reign, to cope with the rising trade in fabrics, during the 16th century.

Traditionally the more valuable goods were in the old central area, called Ic Bedesten, because it was more secure. As quite typical of the area, most streets are laid out and devoted to a particular trade, for example gold on Kuyumcular Caddesi, leather on Bodrum Han, and shoes on Kavaflar Sokak. But the trade has also spilled out onto the surrounding streets, and it is very common to see Russian traders buying up huge sacks of leather jackets or shoes outside the main entrance. Even the streets leading to the Golden Horn are lined with outdoor stalls, which have traditionally been controlled by strict trading laws to reduce competition between traders.

"Grand Bazaar"

Apart from the usual shops selling clothes, textiles, jewellry and carpets, there are small workshops, where craftsmen cast and beat silver or brass, in a skilled trade handed down through the generations. If all that shopping, bargaining and fending off persuasive salesmen is a little too tiring, there are also traditional cafes dotted inside the bazaar in which to relax, eat and sip tea. There are also money-changing booths inside and out. It is slightly less crowded during weekdays, as most locals shop at weekends.

Where is Grand Bazaar? This map shows the exact location of Grand Bazaar.

"The map of old Istanbul"

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Turkish Kebab - Where to eat?

Develi Kebap Restaurant

Develi Restaurants, which serve the Turkish Cuisine delightfully since 1912. Especially Develi is famous for its kebaps.

"Develi Kebap Restaurant"

You can find the web page address of of Develi Kebap Restaurant below.
http://www.develikebap.com/

Develi Kebap has seven restaurants in Istanbul. I advise you Develi Kebap restaurant in Samatya where is lovely and very historical town of old Istanbul

"Real Turkiye"

Where to stay at Istanbul?

Where to stay at Istanbul?

Yes, it is a big question for the tourists to choose the right town and the right hotel to stay at.
There are generally two options: Taksim and the old town. Many tourists prefer old town. But as a citizen of Istanbul, i dont think that it is a good idea.The old town has Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet mosque ( blue mosque), Grand Bazaar etc. many historical attraction points but you will not be able to experience the real city life in Istanbul there. Those place mostly focus on tourists and most of the citizens of Istanbul do not spend their time there.

In my opinion, you should stay around Taksim. You can experience the real Turkish lifestyle in Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. We, the citizens of Istanbul also often visit Taksim Square and Istiklal Street to have fun, meal, to attend concerts etc.


Hotels in Taksim Square:

1) Taxim Hill Hotel

Taxim Hill Hotel is special class hotel that tells about the neighborliness of the past and today with its peculiar style, historical distinguished and modern decoration where you may feel the heart beats of Istanbul. It's located in the historic Taksim Square, the commercial and the cultural center of the city.

Room Rates ranges between 90 euro to 160 euro

"Scene from Taxim Hill Hotel"

Web site: http://www.taximhill.com/index.aspx

2) The Marmara Istanbul

The Marmara Istanbul is not only in the heart of Istanbul, it is a big part of it. Like its trademark discreet and efficient service. It carries you above the bustle on the city, with a stunning view of both classic and contemporary Istanbul. To get the most out of Istanbul- for business or pleasure- it's where you need to be. When you stay at The Marmara Istanbul, you are in touch with the life and soul of the city.

Room rates ranges between 170 euro to 700 euro.

"The Marmara Istanbul"

Web site: http://taksim.themarmarahotels.com/

Where to have breakfast in Istanbul?

Where to have breakfast in Istanbul?
In Turkish culture, breakfast is an important meal.
You can find the cafe and restaurants that i like having breakfast.  

Breakfast
1) Pita Kuzguncuk
It is located in Bosphorous town, Kuzguncuk.
It is lovely town and lovely small cafe.
Address: Icadiye Caddesi No:41 Kuzguncuk Uskudar

"Pita, Kuzguncuk"

2) Sade Kahve
You can have delicious breakfast in Sade Kahve. Also they are very assertive about their Turkish coffee.
Address: Yahya Kemal Caddesi No:20/A Rumelihisarı - Sarıyer

"Sade Kahve"

"Real Turkiye"

Haydarpasa Railway Station

Istanbul Haydarpaşa is a terminus main station of the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) in Haydarpaşa close to Kadiköy at the Anatolian part of Istanbul, Turkey. International, domestic and regional trains running to east- and southbound destinations depart from this major terminal which was built as the terminus of the Istanbul-Baghdad and Istanbul-Damascus-Medina railways during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

"Real Turkiye"

Crossing Bosphorus

Crossing Continents

I have drawn two red arrows on the map of Istanbul. The red arrow that is the south of Istanbul is called as the First Bosphorus Bridge and the second bridge is called as Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Most of the citizens use these two briges to cross the bosphorus. Also sea transportation is used between the harbours.

"Istanbul map"

Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges allow us to cross the bosphorus by car.

"Second Bridge, Fatih Sultan mehmet Bridge"

Big ferries let you have a good time while crossing the bosphorus.

"Ferries of Istanbul"

Small ferries always work between Europe and Asia sides of the city. The most popular route is the one which is between. Uskudar (Asia) - Besiktas (Europe).

"Ferries of Istanbul"

"Real Turkiye"

Center of the world: Istanbul

The capital city of great empires who ruled the world for years. The city that connects Europe and Asia.

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Old and New Istanbul

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Lovely town in Istanbul, Cengelkoy

Cengelkoy
Çengelköy is on the Anatolian (Asian) side of Istanbul. In the past Greek minority was living in Çengelköy but they have immigrated to Greece. I was born in Çengelköy and I lived in Çengelköy until I was eight. Çengellköy is my favorite place in Istanbul because it has the most beautiful view of the bosphorous.

"Real Turkiye"

Buy The Istanbul Hat

Istanbul is a holy place for me. I am proud of carrying its name on my head! You can buy this hat by clicking on the image of the Istanbul hat! It is just $10.75

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Third Bridge in Istanbul

Istanbul has two bridges which are Bosphorous Bridge and the other one is Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Nowadays the state plans to construct the third bridge which will connect the northern parts of Istanbul.

You see the north Istanbul which is green with large forests. But if a bridge is constructed then the forests of Istanbul will be totally destroyed. We must stop the construction of third bridge to save the beauty of Istanbul.

"The north region of Istanbul where the third bridge is being planned"

The map below shows the south part of Istanbul, where two bridges already exist. It is hard to see green forests in the south of Istanbul because of the crowdness.

"The region where two bridges already exist"

How to solve the traffic problem in Istanbul?

We need a metro like the Moscow Metro.

"The metro of Moscow"

"The map of Istanbul Metro"

"Real Turkiye"

The city of dreams, ISTANBUL

Please watch the video, I have created with wonderful photos of Istanbul and a traditional Turkish music.

These are the photos that have been displayed at the video above.

"Real Turkiye"

Rail System Network Map of Istanbul

This map can guide you in Istanbul. I advise you to use railway system otherwise you may spend much more time in traffic.

Click on the picture and see the details of the map.

The Blue Mosque

The stunning Blue Mosque, Turkey's most famous, a segment from "What the Sultan Saw".

Istanbul-2010 European Capital of Culture

I like the following advertisement of Istanbul. Do you agree with me?

Please click on the image below to see it in details.

Center of the old world, Istanbul

Watch the beauty of Istanbul.