In recent years, the number of shopping centers in Istanbul has increased significantly. Sleek malls have popped up on both the European and Asian sides of the city, each with their unique features.

With over 200 shopping centers of varying sizes in Istanbul, it can be overwhelming to choose where to go.

Fortunately, this article provides a list of the most renowned shopping centers in Istanbul. Stay tuned until the end of the article to find out more.

Cevahir Shopping Center

The Cevahir Shopping Center is an enormous shopping destination that offers reasonable prices. It’s home to numerous clothing stores, as well as a variety of small and large shops with a range of brands and prices.

Located in the city center, the mall is easily accessible. Some of the brands available at Cevahir Mall, one of Istanbul’s best shopping centers, include Adidas, Benetton, Burger King, Converse, Dockers, Dorothy Perkins, KFC, Levi’s, McDonald’s, Nine West, Pizza Hut, Reebok, Spirit, and Starbucks.

A large carousel rotates inside the mall, and the world’s largest clock, with 3-meter numbers, hangs from a 25,000-meter ceiling of jeweled glass.

Cevahir Mall boasts nearly 300 stores spread over six floors, a covered parking lot with space for 2,500 cars, movie theaters, cafes and restaurants, and FunLab, which provides endless entertainment.

At Cevahir Shopping Center, you can find a variety of brands, including ADL, Adidas, Bershka, Boyner, Colin’s, Columbia, DeFacto, D’S Damat, Faik Sonmez, GAP, Ikiler, Ipekyol, Karaca, Koton, LC Waikiki, LTB, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Massimo Dutti, Mavi, Mudo, Network, Oleg Cassini, Oxxo, Polo Garage, Puma, Ramsey, Reebok, Sarar, Skechers, Stradivarius, TWIST, Under Armour, US Polo Assn, Vakko, Vero Moda, W Collection, and Yargici.

To reach Istanbul Cevahir Mall, simply take the M2 metro line and get off at Şişli-Mecidiyekoy station.

Address: 19 Mayıs, Büyükdere Cd. No:22, 34360 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey

Working hours: Every day between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM

Website: istanbulcevahir.com

Galataport Mall

Galataport is one of Istanbul’s most impressive shopping centers, recently launched in the Karakoy neighborhood.

After extensive restoration efforts, Galataport has reopened as a massive activity and shopping hub. Its greatest feature is its proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Sultan Ahmet and Taksim Square.

When Mediterranean cruise ships return to Istanbul, Galataport will come alive. The center hosts both local and international brands, along with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Visitors to Galataport can enjoy the seaside and even visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.

To reach Galataport, take the tram to Tophane station, turn right, and walk a few steps until you reach the center.

Website: galataport.com

Venezia Mega Outlet

Istanbul Venezia Mega Outlet is situated in the Karadeniz district of the European side of Istanbul. The mall offers a variety of brands, including Aker, Altınyıldız Classics, Arma Life, Avva, Barrels&oil, Colins, D’s Damat, Dagi, Defacto, Elya, Fulla, Gizia, Guess, İgs, İpekyol, Kayra, Kiğılı, Koton, Lamodameda, LC Waikiki, Loya, Ltb, Lufian, Mavi, Mishe, Modanisa, Network, Nocturne, Penti, Roman, Sarar, Süvari, Suwen, Tudors, Tuğba Giyim, Us Polo, Vakko, and Vdr.

To access the Venezia Mega Outlet, you can take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet to the and then transfer to the T4 tram line, which will take you to the Kiptaş-Venezia station.

If you’re coming from Taksim Square, you can take the M2 metro line to Vezneciler station and then catch the 36A or 36V bus to Kiptaş Venezia.

Website: veneziamegaoutlet.com

Kanyon Shopping Center

Kanyon Shopping Center, located in the Levent area, is another one of Istanbul’s best shopping centers, and it can be easily accessed by metro.

As a pioneer of outdoor shopping centers, Kanyon stands out with its unique atmosphere and luxury brands. It is also a popular spot for lunch and after-work meetings due to its restaurants that serve Turkish and Italian cuisine.

Although Kanyon has expensive shops, it offers boutiques that cannot be found in other shopping centers in Istanbul.

This mall is the only place where you can find brands such as Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. Kanyon also has various delicious restaurants that are not available elsewhere, despite their high prices.

Opened in 2006, this shopping center covers an area of about 37,000 square meters, with 26 floors and 160 shops. Istanbul’s Kanyon Shopping Center has 160 stores, a rare food supermarket, a street market, a cinema, a restaurant, a club, and outdoor performance areas. This mall meets all the shopping needs of every person by offering top brands of fashion, luxury, electronics, and entertainment in the world.

Address: Büyükdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey

To reach Kanyon Shopping Center, just take the M2 metro line and get off at Levent station.

Working hours: every day between 10 am and 10 pm

To get to Kanyon Shopping Center from Sultanahmet, you can take tram line T1 to Laleli station, then go to Vezneciler metro station, and finally get off at Levent station. From there, it takes about 5 minutes to walk to the mall.

Website: kanyon.com.tr

Read More: Top 7 Luxury Shopping Malls in Istanbul

Vadi Istanbul shopping center

Vadi Istanbul shopping center is undeniably one of the top shopping destinations in Istanbul. Situated in a leisure complex close to the Belgrade forest, the shopping center boasts numerous cafes and restaurants in its outer area, providing visitors with an opportunity to indulge in tasty food and drinks.

The shopping center is located in the Maslak district and spans across five floors, featuring branches of most of the top brands. The top floor of the center hosts a cinema and a food court.

Moreover, Vadi Istanbul is a luxurious shopping center that also houses a hotel and a residence. The shopping center is situated near the Skyland project and features a residential project named the Vadi Istanbul Project.

For those looking to buy a property in Istanbul and are interested in nature, the Vadi Istanbul project is a recommended option as it is attached to the Belgrade forest and all units offer forest views.

Website: vadistanbul.com

Istinye Park Shopping Center

Istinye Park Mall is one of the best shopping centers in Istanbul with 300 shops that offer both luxury and affordable brands.

The mall has great restaurants that offer a wide variety of food, and a traditional market at the end that sells cheese, bread, vegetables and meat.

Istinye Park is not near a subway, but it’s worth the walk to find famous brands like Prada, Armani, Chanel, Dior and Turkish brands like Max Mara and Zara.

The mall has a beautiful interior with a huge glass dome and glass roofs that allows visitors to enjoy the open green spaces and covered areas at any time of the day.

Some of the famous brands you can find in the mall include Armani, Bottega Venetta, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Dolce&Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Moncler, Prada and Tommy Hilfiger.

If you’re looking for a great shopping experience in Istanbul, Istinye Park Mall is a must-visit destination.

Address: Pınar, Katar Cd No:73, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey

Website: istinyepark.com.tr

Mall of Istanbul

Mall of Istanbul is one of the most significant shopping centers in Turkey, housing world-renowned brands alongside Turkish ones.

With its launch in 2014, Istanbul Mall aimed to become Turkey’s largest shopping, entertainment, and residential complex, boasting a staggering 350 stores.

The shopping center covers a vast area of approximately 156,000 square meters spread over four floors. Mall of Istanbul provides access to famous brands like Victoria’s Secret, Miss Selfridge, LC Wakiki, Decathlon, and more.

This shopping center is particularly renowned for being the largest Victoria’s Secret branch in Turkey. Additionally, the mall holds festivals every year from late spring to early summer, offering visitors incredible discounts.

Mall of Istanbul offers a broad range of products, including men’s and women’s clothing, children’s apparel, shoes, bags, jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, toys, household appliances, digital devices, and much more.

Moreover, Mall of Istanbul houses Moi Park, a gaming city that has earned the title of the world’s largest indoor amusement park.

Located at Suleiman Demiral Boulevard, Mahmutbey neighborhood, Basak city, Istanbul, Mall of Istanbul is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience in Istanbul.

Website: mallofistanbul.com.tr

Zorlu center

Zorlu Center is a shopping center that mainly features shops and boutiques of world-famous brands.

Visitors can browse through the vast selection of brands, such as Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Bvlgari, Cacharel, Calvin Klein Jeans, Diesel, Dior, Dolce&Gabbana, DSQuared2, Fauchon, Fendi, Frank Muller, Gant, Juisy Couture, Lacoste, Lanvin, Shop LeBaron, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Miu Miu, Mocassini, Moncler, MontBlanc, Montegrappa, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Tiffany&Co, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Valentino, and Victoria’s.

Apart from shopping, the center features a large food court, cafes, and restaurants that serve gourmet food. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a large play area designed to cater to children of all ages.

To reach Zorlu Center, take Tram T1 to Laleli station, transfer to the metro station Vezneciler M2, and get off at Gayrettepe station.

Website: zorlucenter.com.tr

Emaar Square Mall

Emaar Square Mall is a recently built shopping center in Istanbul that offers a wide range of shops, as well as a children’s playground, an aquarium, a cinema, and numerous cafes and restaurants.

Owned by Dubai-based Emaar Real Estate Group, Emaar Istanbul Mall is one of the best malls on the Asian side of Istanbul and the third largest shopping center in the city.

Located in the Uskudar district of Istanbul, the mall boasts an area of 138,423 square meters and houses many high-end stores of world-famous brands, making it a top destination for luxury shopping.

Moreover, Emaar Square Mall features the only underwater zoo and aquarium, as well as the only 4DX cinema on the Anatolian side.

The mall also includes a 15-theater cinema complex with a total capacity of 2,400 seats, a concert hall, and a dining area that offers both modern and traditional cuisine.

Some of the famous brands available at Emaar Square Mall include Galeries Lafayette, Cartier, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc, and Vakko.

The mall also features more affordable brands such as Benetton, Bershka, Koton, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, and Zara, among others.

The mall has a residential project named Emaar Project, which offers luxury apartments with a unique view of Istanbul.

Address: Ünalan, Libadiye Cd. No:88, 34700 Üsküdar/İstanbul

Website: emaarsquaremall.com/tr

Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is a vibrant and bustling thoroughfare in Istanbul that no traveler should miss. It’s akin to visiting Paris without strolling along the Champs Elysees.

As you shop, various street performers keep you entertained, from musicians and singers to lively clowns. At the start of Istiklal Street is Taksim Square, where all sorts of transportation can be found.

The end of the street offers a charming atmosphere, with shops selling antique instruments, artists auctioning their work, and colorful handmade clothing.

Istiklal Street is an excellent place to shop, sightsee, and have fun while on foot, and there are plenty of transportation options available to reach Taksim Square.

Address: Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Forum Istanbul Shopping Center

Forum Istanbul shopping center is an ideal place for budget-friendly shopping, despite being a bit far from the city center.

The shopping center boasts the largest H&M store in Istanbul and many other affordable clothing stores.

Furthermore, there is a large Ikea store adjacent to the mall, which is a major draw for shoppers.

For children, the mall features unique attractions such as Jurassic Park and a large aquarium that showcases spectacular aquatic animals.

You can find a wide range of products at this shopping center, including men’s and women’s clothing, children’s apparel, bags, shoes, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, home appliances, and digital devices.

Address: Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul

Website: forumistanbul.com.tr

Akmerkez Shopping Center

Akmerkez Shopping Center is a well-known shopping destination in Istanbul that offers a variety of stores catering to men, women, and children’s fashion, sports equipment, cosmetics, and health products.

Besides shopping, visitors can indulge in a diverse range of colorful dishes served in the center’s restaurants. Most of the hotels in the vicinity of Akmerkez offer free shuttle services to and from the mall.

First opened in Etiler in 1993, Akmerkez is among the first shopping centers in Istanbul and has received nearly 40 awards from various prestigious institutions.

It is not only a popular shopping spot but also a business center and a residential area. This mall is considered one of the best shopping destinations on the European side of Istanbul.

Akmerkez offers a wide range of cultural and artistic activities, including operas such as Macbeth and Madame Butterfly.

Address: Kültür, Nisbetiye Cd No:56, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Website: akmerkez.com.tr

Olivium Outlet Center

Olivium Outlet Center in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district is a contemporary shopping complex that offers quality merchandise at lower prices than other shopping destinations in the city.

With several hundred stores, shoppers can browse through a variety of shops selling clothes from top brands of past seasons at exceptional discounts.

The shopping center also houses six cinemas, a theater, a 15-lane bowling alley, and several restaurants and cafes, providing a complete entertainment experience.

Address: Beştelsiz, Prof. Muammer Aksoy Cad. No:30, 34020 Zeytinburnu/İstanbul, Turkey.

Website: forumistanbul.com.tr

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Since Turkey has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the presence of such an airport was very necessary.

Due to its geographical location in Asia and Europe, this tourist center needed a larger airport than Ataturk and Sabiha.

Therefore, the Turkish government proceeded with the opening of one of the largest airports in the world.

But where is the new Istanbul airport located and what are its advantages? How far is this airport from the important locations of Istanbul? How to get to the new airport? And…

This airport is called Istanbul New Airport (İstanbul Yeni Havalimanı) and is located in Arnavutköy district in the European part of the city.

In addition, this airport is very luxurious and modern and is one of the largest in the world.

In fact, this airport won its first prize in the 2015 International Architecture Competition for the design of the air traffic control tower and technology. granted by the Chicago Athenaeum.

Istanbul’s new airport has become the largest and most distinguished airport in Europe, and one of the busiest in the world, due to its location linking North Africa, Europe and Asia.

Istanbul New Airport uses the highest level of security and the latest technology.

A total of 9,000 smart cameras with facial recognition and 8 motion-sensitive cameras were used in passenger terminals and parking lots.

Where is the new Istanbul airport located?

Istanbul New Airport is 54 km from Istanbul city center. By car, it takes about an hour to travel this distance.

The airport is located in the northwestern part of Istanbul on the Black Sea coast. Below you can see the new Istanbul Airport on the map.

Istanbul new airport address

Arnavutkoy area

Tayakadın, Terminal Cad No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul

Website:

https://www.istairport.com/ar

Contact number for the Istanbul new airport

To communicate with the new Istanbul airport, you can contact:

+90 4441442

Location

The size of Istanbul new airport

The area of ​​​​the new Istanbul airport is about 76 million square meters:

• The airport has 114 gates.
• The new airport has 40,000 parking spaces.
• There are 20,000 seats in the airport.
• There are 228 counters for passport control.
• The area of ​​the airport is equivalent to the size of 7 football fields.
• There is a 42-kilometer baggage conveyor belt with a capacity of transporting 30,000 bags per hour.

Istanbul New Airport Facilities

Istanbul New Airport, which is one of the largest and most beautiful international airports in the world, has attractive features that you will not find in any airport!

Follow us to find out what the new Istanbul Airport has to offer:

1. Dine at the new Istanbul airport!

Within the airport, there is a wide range of international restaurants and cafes ready to serve passengers at Istanbul Airport.

Starbucks, Gloria Jane, Poppies, and Burger King are some of the airport’s most popular brands.

2. Easy and cheap shopping at the new Istanbul airport

In airports, there are stores called Free Shop or Duty Free, which sell their products at a lower price than regular stores.

You can also see good examples of these shops in Istanbul New Airport.

Seize the opportunity and buy perfumes, clothes, electronics, watches, jewellery, children’s clothes and delicious foods from the luxury shops of Istanbul New Airport without paying taxes.

3. Art exhibitions at Istanbul Airport

We previously said that there are special and interesting sights at Istanbul Airport. One of them is the art galleries at this airport.

If you have enough time to enjoy the various sections of Istanbul Airport, make sure to visit the showrooms at this airport.

There are two exhibitions in the new Istanbul Airport. One of them presents the construction process of Istanbul’s new airport and presents photographs in this field to the public, and the other is an exhibition of the works of Turkish photographer and journalist Ara Güler.

In addition to these exhibitions, you can also visit the Airport Museum, which was established to introduce the culture of Turkey to transit travelers.

4. Relax in the lobby of the Istanbul new airport!

Perhaps the first thing that catches your eye about the Istanbul new Airport (IST) is the beautiful and elegant lounges and lobby of this airport.

The lobby is the best place to relax in between flights.

The special feature of the Istanbul New Airport is the relaxation of passengers with the use of an unlimited number of food and beverages.

You can sit on the comfortable sofas in the lobby and order your favorite drink, and even then, take a few minutes to refresh yourself before your flight.

5. Children’s playground. The best place for children in the Istanbul new airport

Traveling with children has its challenges. Your child is likely to get bored while lounging and reading a book in the airport lobby, or shopping.

The designers of Istanbul’s new airport have also thought about this.

Take your child to the children’s playground at the airport to have fun like you do.

Flight information from Istanbul New Airport

The number of passengers arriving from or arriving at Istanbul’s new airport is estimated at 150 million passengers annually.

In the plan to develop this airport, this number is supposed to reach 200 million people per year.

In the Istanbul flight information panel at https://www.istairport.com/en/passenger/flight/arrival, you can see if there is a flight from the city you are considering to the new Istanbul airport.

In addition, you may be curious to know from which cities the 150 million people we mentioned came to Istanbul and where they are going.

Atlas Global, Turkish Airlines, Honor Air, Wings Airlines, Saudi Arabia, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have direct flights to Istanbul’s new airport.

Buses and public transportation to Istanbul Airport

As I have read, the new Istanbul Airport currently does not have access to the metro, and the cheapest way to get there is by bus at the moment.

Fortunately, there are special lines for passenger convenience.

From inside the airport, follow the blue bus signs to reach the bus station, and from there, choose your way from the various lines.

Istanbul New Airport bus station services include Taksim Square, Sultanahmet Square and other parts of Istanbul.

If you do not care about the cost of travel, private taxis at the airport are also a good option for going into the city.

The journey from the new airport to the city center takes about 60 minutes by taxi and costs about 250 liras.

There are three types of taxis at the airport, marked in different colors:

• Orange taxis.
• Taxis are blue.
• black taxis.

Read more about taxis in Istanbul here.

New Istanbul Airport Control Tower

Istanbul new airport attracts many tourists in terms of design.

The design of this architectural masterpiece is inspired by the tulip flower, which is one of the symbols of the traditional and Islamic Turkish culture in Istanbul, and the interior design of the airport is inspired by the architectural style of the Ottoman era, especially the works of the famous Ottoman architect Sinan.

It is important to know that this airport won its first prize in the 2015 International Architecture Competition for the design of the Air Traffic Control Tower and Technical Building.

Why was the new Istanbul airport built?

Istanbul is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world and is gradually being added to its tourist attractions.

Therefore, it was necessary to design a larger airport with more facilities for this city.

Istanbul New Airport is the third airport in Istanbul, preceded by Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Of course, Ataturk Airport was closed on April 6, 2019 and was replaced by the new one.

Attractions near Istanbul New Airport

If you have a few hours before your flight and don’t mind wandering around the beautiful city of Istanbul, the best and wisest thing to do is choose places to visit that are a short distance from the airport.

As we mentioned, the new Istanbul airport is relatively far from the city center. Don’t forget to think about when to go back to the airport again so you don’t miss the flight.

Our suggestion is to leave the airport if you have more than 6 hours. Otherwise, spend your time visiting different parts of the airport and relaxing in the lobby.

However, let’s introduce the sights near the new Istanbul Airport.

1- Sultanahmet Square (45 km)

Sultanahmet Square is one of the places visited by thousands of tourists on the first day of their Istanbul tour.

This square is 45 km from the new Istanbul Airport.

Sultanahmet Square is a unique place that brings together many important tourist attractions in Istanbul. Where you can see the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern.

2- Taksim Square (40 km)

Taksim Square, like Sultanahmet Square, has great views and is a good choice to visit.

Walking in Istiklal Street and getting acquainted with the lifestyle of the people is one of the entertainments that you can do near Taksim Square.

Distinctive landmarks near Taksim are:

• Madame Tussauds (Wax Museum)
• Church of St. Antuan
• Istanbul Museum

Important points about the new Istanbul airport

• Istanbul is a good stopover for transit flights. (Transit trips are trips that stop in one or two cities along the way.)
• Istanbul Airport started operating in early 2019.
• With urban transportation services, you can go directly to Istanbul’s new airport. Special bus lines (HAVAIST) and taxis are provided for the convenience of the passengers and transport them to the center of Istanbul.
• Istanbul New Airport is equipped with luggage storage. So if you have a desire to explore the city before the flight, remember that you do not have to take your luggage with you.
• To use the airport facilities and plan a better time, you need to know; Passport and security checks at Istanbul New Airport take about an hour and a half.
• Istanbul’s largest airport hotel is scheduled to open at the new Istanbul Airport. The 451-room hotel is being built in collaboration with Yotel Capsule Hotels.
• To use public transportation, you must have an Istanbul Card. Do not forget to get a card from the new Istanbul airport, so that you do not have problems going into the city and getting around with public transport services.

Conclusion

Before traveling, always have all the necessary information about the destination and how to get there.

Getting to know Istanbul’s new airport and what awaits you at this airport is one of the most important things that will come in handy when you travel to Istanbul.

Remember to take the time to visit the showrooms at Istanbul New Airport, relax in its impressive lobby and shop at the tax-free and cheap shops.

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Istanbul is the largest and most populous city in Turkey. It is also the cultural and economic center of this country.

The city contains many tourist and historical attractions and various shopping centers.

Because of its cheap prices compared to European cities, in addition to the city’s location next to the Bosphorus Strait, which divides it into Asian and European sections, Istanbul is a destination for many tourists from all over the world.

One of the attractions of this city is the presence of many huge shopping centers in addition to the various products, and Istanbul can be considered a paradise for shopping lovers.

In Istanbul you can find a lot of goods that are difficult to access in other cities. And shopping in Istanbul can be very expensive or cheap, but it all depends on the quantity you want as well as the time of purchase and the choice of the shopping center.

In this article, we will introduce you to the 7 best shopping malls in Istanbul, so stay tuned!

1- Mall of Istanbul

Mall of Istanbul is one of the largest shopping malls in Istanbul. This mall contains 350 stores, in addition to many restaurants and entertainment facilities that are very popular.

This shopping center has a food court on the third floor with an area of about 1000 square meters. These restaurants serve high quality Turkish and international food to their customers.

In addition to these restaurants, there is a theme park called Moipark in Mall of Istanbul, which is the first indoor theme park in Turkey, it includes huge and fun modern games, with about 30 different and fun games.

Many French and British international brands such as Decathlon and Miss Selfridge are located in Mall of Istanbul, in addition to other famous local brands.

Moreover, the Mall of Istanbul has a large hotel with 300 rooms, and this hotel is located on the upper floors of it, so you can stay at the Mall of Istanbul hotel during the period of your visit.

Another unique thing about Mall of Istanbul is that it contains 16 cinema halls, which is approximately 3,050 seats, making it the largest cinema complex in Turkey.

• Working hours: from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Address: Ziya Gökalp, Süleyman Demirel Blv No:7, 34490 İkitelli Osb/Başakşehir/İstanbul, Turkey

2- Forum Istanbul

If you are planning to shop in Istanbul, don’t forget to visit Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall.

Forum Istanbul is one of the largest shopping malls in Europe, with more than 20 million visitors every year.

In this mall, you can find many famous brands such as Tepe Home, Saturn, Teknosa, Bimex YK, C&A, M&S and Zara, as well as many interesting facilities for visitors in this mall.

Forum Istanbul contains bowling halls, various restaurants, as well as cinemas and many diverse and fun theme parks for young and olds.

• Working hours: every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Address: Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa\İstanbul, Turkey

3- İstinye Park Istanbul

Another huge shopping mall in Istanbul is Istinye Park, which is one of the most elegant shopping malls in Istanbul, consisting of 4 floors, and more than 300 luxury and beautiful stores.

If you are looking for elegant clothes according to the latest trends, Istinye Park will be the perfect place.

You will see the most famous brands in the world, such as Prada, Armani, Chanel, Dior and others.

Do not worry about the prices of branded goods in Istinye Park Shopping Center, because all the goods in this shopping center are offered at a reasonable and favorable price.

This shopping mall with its glass dome and beautiful design created a lot of entertainment and excitement for its visitors, as Istanbul’s first IMAX theater hall was built in Istinye Park.

In addition to all the facilities mentioned above, the center has a giant aquarium housing 10,000 different species of aquatic animals in the world’s longest underwater tunnel for those who are interested in the underwater world.

• Working hours: from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Address: Pınar, Katar Cd No:73, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey

4- Zorlu Center

Another one of the best shopping malls is Zorlu Center, with 180 different and modern stores, this mall offers a unique shopping experience.

Moreover, Zorlu Center has many facilities, including a 5-star hotel, many business offices, as well as a luxury meeting center, so this mall has become one of the best malls in Istanbul.

In addition, the first Apple Store in Turkey, called Cube Store, was opened in Zorlu Center.

And although there are large shopping malls that contain many branches of famous brands, the first stores of famous international brands such as Brooks Brothers and Industrie Denim, Cos, Lanvin, Pomellato, Stella McCartney and Superdry were first opened at Zorlu Center Mall.

You can also visit other entertainment places in Zorlu Center, such as the Arts Theater, which displays many modern and traditional arts, you can see the masterpieces of world famous artists in various fields of art.

In addition to the mentioned facilities, Zorlu Center has 14 cinemas equipped with the best equipment, and you can also dine at famous international and Turkish restaurants.

• Working hours: from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Address: Levazım, Zorlu Center, Koru Sokağı No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş\İstanbul, Turkey

5- Istanbul Kanyon

Istanbul Kanyon Shopping Mall is one of the most famous shopping malls in Istanbul.

In this mall you can have a good shopping experience accompanied with unforgettable entertainment.

Kanyon Shopping Center also offers the best Turkish brands, so if you want a cheap shopping tour, make sure to visit this mall.

Istanbul Kanyon Center consists of 4 floors and includes, in addition to 160 shopping stores, many different entertainment facilities, including a 9-screen cinema, a fitness center, and many different cafes and restaurants.

• Working hours: from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Address: Levent, Büyükdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey

6- Istanbul Palladium Shopping Mall

Palladium Istanbul Shopping Mall can be considered one of the best shopping malls with its 190 different stores.

In this mall you can meet the needs of the whole family, also Palladium Istanbul Shopping Center has many different departments.

These include children’s clothing and footwear store LC Waikiki, women’s clothing stores from the brands Benetton, Bershka, Koton, Mango and GAP, as well as menswear by Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and U.S. Polo Assn.

You’ll also find men’s and women’s clothing by Massimo Dutti, a perfume and cosmetics store by MAC and Yves Rocher, as well as sportswear by Adidas and Nike.

• Working hours: from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Address: Barbaros, Halk Cd. No:8 D:B, ​​34746 Ataşehir/İstanbul, Turkey

7- Istanbul Cevahir Mall

Istanbul Cevahir Mall is one of the largest malls in Europe, and the sixth largest in the world with more than 100 world-famous brands of clothing and jewelry, as well as many entertainment facilities and international restaurants.

Istanbul Cevahir Mall contains the largest clock in the world, twelve cinemas, a large theatre, in addition to more than 30 fast food restaurants and about 15 luxury restaurants.

The mall has 343 stores on 20 floors and you can find almost anything you need, and there are also several branches of famous international brands such as Adidas, Benton, Reebok and Massimo Dutti.

In addition to these stores, Istanbul Cevahir Mall has a large indoor playground that can provide fun times for children.

• Working hours: from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Address: 19 Mayıs, Büyükdere Cd. No:22, 34360 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey

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The annual calendar of Istanbul includes a variety of wonderful festivals that suit all tastes.

In this article, we intend to present the most famous festivals and events in Istanbul, along with a brief explanation of the nature and timing of each one.

If you live in Istanbul or are planning to travel to this beautiful city, follow us in the next article so as not to miss the opportunity to enjoy the best Istanbul festivals.

Spring Festivals in Istanbul

Istanbul International Film Festival (annual, April)

Istanbul International Film Festival is a 12-day festival organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV).

At the Istanbul Film Festival you can see and enjoy important local and international films, the festival is held in many cultural centers and cinemas in Beyoglu and Kadikoy districts.

The Istanbul Film Festival not only shows films, but also holds many activities and workshops in the city.

You can find more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: https://film.iksv.org/en

WTA Tennis Festival (Annual, April)

WTA International Tennis festival, a great international competition held in Turkey.

It has tennis fans watching this game and seeing many tennis stars from all over the world.

The tournament will be held at Spor Toto Tennis Park in Esenkent District of Istanbul.

You can find more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: http://www.istcup.net/

Istanbul Tulip Festival (Annual, last 3 weeks of April)

Tulips are very important to the Ottoman Empire and Turkish culture, and to celebrate spring and maintain its importance, the Tulip Festival is held annually in the most famous places in Istanbul such as Gulhane Park, Sultanahmet Square, Yildiz Park in Besiktas, Emirgan Park and many of the city’s main parks.

Participation in the festival is free, and visitors can enjoy millions of tulips of different varieties in April, as well as cultural and artistic activities held in Emirgan Park and Sultanahmet Square.

In addition to the magnificent tulips, there will also be a photography competition and prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Summer Festivals in Istanbul

Istanbul International Music Festival (annual, June)

Istanbul International Music Festival is a 3-week festival organized by IKSV, in this festival you can enjoy great performances by prominent international and local artists.

In addition to performing classical music, Philharmonic orchestras, Baroque, Bach, Vivaldi, Handel and many others perform at major historical sites such as Hagia Irene Museum, Opera House, Rahmi Koc Museum and others.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: https://muzik.iksv.org/en

Istanbul Chill-Out festival (annual, June)

Istanbul Chill-Out festival is a two-day dance, electronic music and Pop Festival held at Garden Fiesta in Sariyer district.

This festival is one of the most famous festivals especially for young people.

In this festival, which is held in Bodrum and Cesme in Istanbul, you can enjoy performances of artists that focus on different types of music, entertainment activities, workshops and various parties.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: http://www.chilloutfest.com/

Istanbul International Jazz Festival (annual, July)

Istanbul International Jazz Festival is a 3-week music festival organized by IKSV.

In this festival, you can enjoy jazz performances by the prominent artists of the city. There are also some other activities during the festival, free performances and parties, making the Istanbul International Jazz Festival one of the most popular festivals.

Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race (Annual, July)

This international competition is known as one of the most distinguished swimming competitions in the world, which includes crossing the Bosphorus strait from Asia to Europe by swimming, and is organized by the Turkish Olympic Committee.

The swimming track at this event is 6.5 kilometers long, the race starts at Kanlica Beach on the Asian side and ends at Kurucesme beach near Ortakoy on the European side.

Thousands of foreign and local swimmers take part in this event, if you are in Istanbul you can take part or watch this wonderful event with various celebrations on the beaches.

See more information about the program and Race Time on this website: http://bogazici.olimpiyatkomitesi.org.tr/tr

Autumn Festivals in Istanbul

The International Istanbul festival of Contemporary Art (Every two years, September – November)

Istanbul International Contemporary Art Festival lasts about two months and is held every two years by IKSV.

It is one of the best festivals in the world, competing with similar festivals in Venice, São Paulo and Sydney.

Participation in the festival is free, and you will enjoy the most famous performances of contemporary art in more than 30 venues in Istanbul.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: https://bienal.iksv.org/en

Istanbul Coffee Festival (Annually, September)

The Istanbul Coffee Festival lasts about 4 days and serves a variety of coffee from all over the world to coffee lovers. The festival is held in KüçükÇiftlik Park in Maçka, near Taksim Square.

In this festival, you can taste coffee from different booths as well as take part in workshops, seminars and coffee competitions.

Find more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website:

http://www.istanbulcoffeefestival.com.tr/fa/

Akbank Jazz Festival (Annual, October)

Akbank Jazz Festival is a 10-day music festival that takes place in October, during this Turkish festival, you can see performances by some of the famous jazz artists from all over the world at low prices.

Other important events during the festival include workshops and film screenings, which is not only an event for jazz lovers, but also caters to lovers of other genres of music.

The festival takes place in attractive venues such as Akbank Sanat, Hagia Irene Museum, Babylon, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall and Zorlu Center.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: https://www.akbanksanat.com/en

Istanbul International Doll Festival (Annual, October-November)

Istanbul International Doll Festival is an 11-day special festival for art and puppet lovers, and takes place every year in different places such as Beyoglu district in Istanbul and the Naval Museum in Besiktas.

You can enjoy puppet shows brought in from all over the world, and a variety of shows including movie screenings, puppet making workshops and more.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: http://www.istanbulkuklafestivali.com/en

Istanbul International Book Fair (Annual, November)

Istanbul International Book Fair is a great 8-day book fair, which is held every year in cooperation with the Turkish Publishers Association at the TUYAP Congress Center in the Buyukcekmece district of Istanbul.

The book fair has more than 800 booths from Turkish and international publishers, in addition to buying books, you can enjoy a variety of events, such as book signings and cultural activities.

See more information about the program and the exact time for on this website: http://istanbulkitapfuari.com/en/

Istanbul Marathon (Annually, November)

The Istanbul Marathon is a unique event because it is the only event in the world to be held between two continents.

The marathon starts under the Altunizade Bridge on the Asian side and ends between Besiktas Arena and Dolmabahce Palace.

To participate in this marathon, you must register and purchase a ticket, ask for more information about the program and time specified on this site: https://maraton.istanbul/

Istanbul International Theatre Festival (Every two years, November – December)

Istanbul International Theater Festival is a two-week festival held every two years by IKSV.

At the Istanbul International Theater Festival, art and theater lovers can visit a variety of local and international theater performances and events and enjoy some free workshops.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: http://tiyatro.iksv.org/en

Winter Festivals in Istanbul

Istanbul International Food Festival (Annually, December)

Istanbul International Food Festival is a three-day festival for Turkish and international food lovers, organized by the Turkish Culinary Federation at the Eyup Center for Culture and Arts in the Eyup district of Istanbul.

Visitors can experience different flavors from around the world besides Turkish cuisine.

More than 2,000 chefs from 30 countries compete in the festival.

So if you are also interested in different foods and flavors, do not miss the opportunity to participate in this exciting and delicious festival.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the festival on this website: https://www.istanbulgastronomyfestival.com/en/

New Year celebration (Annually, December 31)

Celebrating the New Year in Istanbul is wonderful. Every year on the 31st of December, Istanbul witnesses a variety of festivities, fireworks, parties and many fun activities that make the city vibrant.

AKBank Short Film Festival (Annually, March)

AKBank Short Film Festival is a 10-day film festival that takes place in March as one of the most important artistic and cultural events in Istanbul.

The purpose of this festival is to encourage the production of short films and their presentation to the public, in addition to supporting new filmmakers and awarding prizes to the winners, providing a platform for discussion and creating a festive atmosphere for film lovers free of charge.

Other important activities during this festival in Istanbul include holding various workshops, interviews and a platform for exchanging experiences between film professionals and visitors.

See more information about the program and the exact time of the event on this site: https://www.akbanksanat.com/en

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The Ottoman Empire was one of the great empires in the world, which ruled modern Turkey and many other countries for many years, and played an important role in the spread of the religion of Islam to other parts of the world.

Many buildings and palaces have survived since then, which are now known as tourist attractions, and attract many travelers and tourists from all over the world.

Ciragan Palace in Istanbul is one of these tourist centers, which is also used as a luxury hotel.

This beautiful palace was built with royal architecture and designed by the most famous Ottoman architects.

If you are planning to go on a trip to Istanbul, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this historic palace, Ciragan Palace, the last palace of the Ottoman Empire.

History of Ciragan Palace in Istanbul

This palace was built during the reign of Sultan Abdul Aziz I in 1863, and was completed in 1872, as it took about 12 years to build.

The palace was designed and built by the Armenian architect Sarkis Balian and his two sons; these three architects were known to be the best Turkish architects of the time.

The walls and ceilings of Çırağan Palace were made of wood, the outer walls of the palace were covered with colored marble.

The beautiful marble connected the palace with Yildiz Palace on the adjacent hill, and a very high wall separated the palace garden from the outside.

The construction of the building was financed through financial loans intended for the reconstruction of Istanbul’s water system and the construction of a new railway.

This is the last palace built by the Ottoman Empire for the royal family, which was used as a residence for Sultan Abdul Aziz I, and after his death his nephew Sultan Murat IV settled in this palace.

However, Sultan Murat’s stay in this palace was only 90 days because his brother Sultan Abdul Hamid II dismissed him on the pretext of insanity, after which Abdul Hamid II lived in the palace until 1910.

The main building was destroyed by fire on January 6, 1910, leaving only the outer walls of the building, which is why the palace remained uninhabited for a while and was forgotten.

After a while, a Japanese company bought Ciragan Palace and renovated the main building.

And after the restoration of this palace it was used as one of the most luxurious hotels in Turkey and the best hotels in the world.

Ciragan Palace naming

The name Ciragan, which is Çırağan in Turkish, is derived from the word “Çırağ”, meaning luminous torch.

Çırağan Palace in Istanbul is located in a privileged location on the European shores of the Bosphorus in the neighborhoods of Besiktas.

In the past, famous Ottoman parties and festivals were held in its garden using luminous torches, which is why this palace is called Çırağan.

Interior decoration of Ciragan Palace in Istanbul

Çırağan Palace is one of the most beautiful royal palaces in Istanbul, which is visited by many tourists every year.

One of the great features of this palace is its beautiful interior architecture. Once you enter this royal palace, you can see the distinctive interior decoration.

In addition to Islamic designs, beautiful Turkish designs were used to decorate this palace, and chandeliers and other elegant and antique items were recently added to this building.

The interior architecture of the palace, especially the parts of the royal residence and the place where Abdul Aziz I and his nephew lived, show the Ottoman architecture of that period.

As we mentioned, the palace is now used as a hotel and about $40 million has been spent to renovate it.

All the palace halls are covered with expensive carpets. The hotel rooms are decorated with gold colors and seashells.

The hotel entrance doors are similar to the doors of Yıldız Palace in Istanbul and are inspired by the doors of the temples.

Ciragan Palace Hotel, a 5-star luxury hotel

The 5-star Çırağan Palace Hotel is one of the best and most luxurious hotels in Istanbul, with many celebrities and foreign tourists booking it every year.

Çırağan Palace Hotel in Istanbul is one of the Kempinski hotel chains, which is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and has more than 70 branches in more than 30 countries.

This unique hotel has a total of 315 rooms located in two main buildings.

The rooms at Ciragan Palace Hotel include standard rooms and suites, VIP suites and Sultan Suite.

Most of the palace suites also have tall glass windows and terraces overlooking the garden or the Bosphorus.

Sultan Suite, which is the most luxurious and most expensive suite in the Ciragan Palace Hotel.

In 2012, CNN ranked the Sultan Suite at Ciragan Palace Hotel as the 14th most expensive hotel room in the world.

Çırağan Palace Hotel includes luxurious and varied cafes and restaurants that serve delicious dishes, and welcomes guests with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.

One of the most famous of these restaurants is the Tugra restaurant, where you can try a variety of delicious dishes from all over the world.

This restaurant bears the signature of the Ottoman sultans, which was used as a royal seal where it can be seen on the dishes used in this restaurant, for this reason it was called Tugra, which in Turkish means the signature Kings.

Visiting Ciragan Palace

You do not need to stay in this hotel to visit and use some of its facilities. In other words, visiting the historical part of the palace is open to the public and tourists.

You can stay in another hotel and visit this palace to save money during your stay in Istanbul because the cost of staying in this hotel is very expensive.

In addition to visiting historical sites, you can use some of the public facilities in this hotel such as Turkish bath, massage parlour, outdoor swimming pool, gym, free internet and facilities like these.

Address and how to get to Çırağan Palace in Istanbul

Çırağan Palace is located in Ortakoy and Besiktas, on the banks of the Bosphorus.

About 50 km from the new Istanbul Airport, and 25 km from the Ataturk Airport.

You can reach Çırağan Palace easily from the city center via Istanbul’s public transportation lines, such as the metro or buses.

It is also very easy to reach Besiktas and Çırağan Palace on foot, it is very close to the city center and Taksim Square, only about 20 minutes.

Address: Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No:32, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

The post Çırağan Palace – the last palace of the Ottoman Empire appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

Istanbul’s culture, rich history, and unique nature are among the most important reasons why many tourists travel to this beautiful European and Asian city.

To these reasons we add another important one which is the unique beaches of Istanbul.

Thanks to the peninsula surrounded by the Black Sea, the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Bosphorus, there are a large number of beaches that you can explore under the sun.

Summer in Istanbul is hot and attracts tourists and locals to the sandy beaches of the city.

If you are going to Istanbul, bring sunscreen and follow us for a trip to the best beaches of Istanbul.

In this article, we will introduce you to the beautiful beaches of Istanbul and study the characteristics of each of them. Stay with us.

1. Babylon Beach, Istanbul

Babylon Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul, is a great place for families and young people to spend a fun and sunny day at the beach.

The view of the mountains and their greenery create a unique coastal atmosphere, and the recreational activities on this beach are unlimited, you can play volleyball or sunbathe on the soft sand of the beach.

This beach is a good place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there are many food carts on the beach where you can buy grilled fish burgers and cheese sandwiches, in addition, the restaurant serves fresh Mediterranean food.

Various music festivals at Babylon Beach in Istanbul have regular programmes, and live music is played by DJs at night.

• Address: Demirci Koy, Kilyos.
• How to reach: Take the bus from the bus station to Kilius.
• Cost: 40 TL on weekdays, 60 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: from 9 am to 8 pm.

2. True Blue Beach, Istanbul

The beautiful sandy True Blue Beach is the oldest beach in Istanbul, where people can spend a weekend full of fun.

The attractive sunsets and lively atmosphere of True Blue Beach make it one of the most popular beaches in the city.

At sunset, while sitting and relaxing on the beach chair, you can see the yachts floating on the water.

This beach also contains a good restaurant and a bar.

In addition, during the summer, many musical performances are held that attract tourists.

• Address: Fenerbahçe Mahallesi, Atlıhan Sk. No:30, 34726 Kadıköy.
• How to reach: This beach is located inside Fenerbahce Park, you can take the FB1 bus from Kadikoy to Fenerbahce.
• Cost: 30 TL on weekdays and 40 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: from 9 am to 4 pm.

3. Burç Beach, Istanbul

Warm sand and beautiful waves invite thousands of people to Burç Beach during the weekend. This sandy beach of the Black Sea has colorful umbrellas.

You can also try all kinds of water sports on this beach, including surfing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, football, surfing and other exciting activities.

• Address: Gümüşdere Mahallesi, Sarıtepe Kampüsü, 34470 Sarıyer.
• How to reach: far 15 km to Istanbul, buses leave from Bogazici University every weekend.
• Cost: 15 TL on weekdays and 25 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: from 9 am to 9:30 pm.

4. Dalia Beach, Istanbul

Dalia Beach is one of the most famous beaches of Istanbul due to its relaxing atmosphere.

Wooden umbrellas and comfortable furniture are spread out on the beach for you to relax and avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.

This beach is so large that adventure lovers can participate in watersports and mountain climbing near this beach, and rowing boats are also available for rent.

Don’t forget to visit the beach stalls selling local products, as you’ll find plenty of Turkish dishes as well as seafood at Dalia beach cafes.

• Address: Demirci Mahallesi, Kilyos Yolu, 34450 Sarıyer.
• How to reach: The beach is between Kilyos and Demirje, and you can use any bus that goes to Kilyos.
• Cost: 25 TL on weekdays, 30 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: from 8 am to 6 pm.

5. Uzunya Beach, Istanbul

Uzunya Beach offers a great weekend getaway with a quiet family atmosphere.

Enjoy delicious food at Uzunya Beach Restaurant famous for its fresh seafood, and join nature with exciting camping and hiking opportunities.

We also recommend you not to miss the motorbike race on this beach.

• Address: Kilyos road, Dalyan region, Demirciköy – Kilyos – Sarıyer.
• How to reach: From the bus station by bus or bus to Kilyos.
• Cost: 30 TL on weekdays and 45 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: 8 am to 8 pm.

6. Golden Beach, Istanbul

If you are looking for a unique beach holiday, Golden Beach will be a great destination for you. The beach has wooden summer houses, where you can rest and relax.

You can sunbathe on this beach or take part in sports activities such as diving and surfing, and you can also enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine in the restaurant.

Of all the beaches around Istanbul, Golden Beach gives you the quietest place for a family vacation.

Leisure activities include beach volleyball, boating, rock climbing, golf and hiking.

• Address: Rumelifeneri Mahallesi, İskele Cd. No:6, 34450 Sarıyer.
• How to reach: You can reach the nearest bus stop or metro station to reach Rumelifeneri.
• Cost: 25 TL on weekdays, 35 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: from 8 am to 8 pm.

7. Solar Beach, Istanbul

Solar Beach is famous for its pool parties and activities, there are unlimited activities on this beach such as surfing, beach volleyball and boating.

In this place you can enjoy the best concerts, and if you are not a party lover, you can stretch your muscles with a game of volleyball or rock climbing, or eat in the restaurants and cafes of this beach.

• Address: Kumköy Mahallesi, Tatlısu Cd. No:4, 34450 Sarıyer.
• How to reach: Public buses are available on weekdays, you can reach the beach easily.
• Cost: 25 TL on weekdays, 40 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: from 8 am to 11 pm.

8. Suma Beach, Istanbul 

Suma Beach is one of the few beaches in Istanbul near Taksim.

The nightlife here is lively, and in the evening you can attend a yoga or Pilates session or dance at the beach parties.

Every Friday and Saturday, DJs line up to play music until midnight, and beach parties last until 6 am.

The beach area is about 23,000 square meters and there is an area for camping and for staying in this place.

• Address: Gümüşdere Mahallesi, Boğaziçi Kampüs Yolu 1/A, 34450 Sarıyer.
• How to reach: 45 minutes drive from Taksim, taxis cost around 80 TL to get there.
• Cost: 60 Turkish lira on weekends.
• Opening hours: from 8 in the morning and unlimited.

9. Nonstop Beach, Istanbul

This is the place for those who love exciting sports and parties, Nonstop Beach in Istanbul is a place where the fun never stops.

The sandy part of the beach is covered with comfortable chairs where you can sunbathe, as well as a wide range of water sports such as windsurfing, boating and swimming.

• Address: umköy Mahallesi, Plaj Yolu Cd. No:28, 34450 Sarıyer.
• How to reach: You can take the bus to Taksim.
• Cost: 20 TL on weekdays and 30 TL on weekends.
• Working hours: 9 am to 6 pm.

10. Nakibey Beach

Nakibey Beach was opened in 1984 and is one of the safest beaches in Istanbul.

The water here is safe and shallow for swimming at any time and there is a comfortable environment for families to spend time together.

The beach cottages on the island are a great place to spend a holiday with your loved ones.

You can also sunbathe on the warm sand and build sandcastles with your children.

Food carts are located along the beach, serving fries and delicious burgers.

• Address: Büyükada-maden Mahallesi, Naki Bey Çıkmazı No:17, 34970 Adalar
• How to reach: Head to Kabataş from Taksim, then take ferry to Buyukada and take the second ferry to Naki Bey
• Cost: 35 Turkish lira
• Opening Hours: Unlimited

11. Elio Sedef Beach

As one of the best and oldest beaches in Istanbul, this beach has stunning and beautiful landscapes that will bring you an unforgettable experience.

In addition, a variety of foods, DJs, live music, restaurants, cafes and many more will make this place a great holiday destination.

• Address: 1 Nolu Sok. No:1, Adalar/Istanbul – Asia.
• How to reach: You can go from Kartal to Bostanci by bus.
• Cost: Free.
• Opening Hours: Unlimited.

12. Aqua Green Beach

Aqua Green Beach is one of the best beaches in Istanbul. The beautiful and eye-catching scenery of this place attracts travelers as well as locals.

This place has a beach club that offers world class luxury services, there is also a ballroom, club, restaurant and more where you can spend quality time with your friends or partner.

• Address: Heybeliada, Yeni İskele Yolu Sk., 34010 Adalar.
• How to reach: You can sail from Besiktas, Kadikoy or Eminonu.
• Working hours: from 8 am to 8 pm.

13. Uzunkum Beach

If you are planning to swim, then head to Uzunkum Beach. This beach is very safe and clean for swimming and offers everything from beach pools to sunbathing.

This beach also hosts a club where you can enjoy beach parties.

• Address: Sile, Black sea coast.
• How to reach: Take bus No.139 from Uskudar.
• Working hours: 24 hours.

14. Buyukada Beach

Buyukada is known as one of the biggest islands of Istanbul, Buyukada Beach tourists will enjoy a variety of facilities such as some great restaurants and small restaurants.

Although the beach is closed to tourists for swimming because it is rocky, and people can go there to enjoy a seaside view of the beautiful landscape of the beach, picnic spots and campgrounds are also found along the beach.

• Address: Istanbul Princes’ Islands.
• How to reach: You need to take the tram from Sultanahmet station to Kabatas station and board the Princes’ Islands Ferry to reach Buyukada.

15. Florya Beach

Very nice and clean beach. (Ataturk, the first president of Turkey was in love with it). 

Tourists can plan to visit the museum on the beach after sightseeing. This beach is located in the center of Istanbul and very easy to reach.

• Address: Şenlikköy, Florya Sahil Parkı, 34153 Bakırköy.
• How to reach: Take the metro to Florya station and when you leave the station walk left for 400 meters and you will see the entrance to the beach.
• Cost: 15 Turkish lira.

Final notes

Note that in order to enter these beaches in Istanbul, you have to pay an entrance fee. So be sure to buy Turkish lira before going to these places so that you do not face any problems when entering.

Most of Istanbul’s beaches can be reached by public transportation, so all you have to do is buy an Istanbul Card and travel easily by bus or metro.

Avoid swimming in the restricted areas of the beaches and if you plan to swim choose safe beaches, some of which are mentioned in this article.

The post 15 Best Beaches In Istanbul Where You Can Enjoy The Sun And The Sea! appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

In Sultanahmet Square, you will stand in the middle of history! From time immemorial, people’s voices roared with glee in this square!

To get to know the heart of Istanbul’s history, just take a walk with us slowly in this square, and follow us until the end of the article.

Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul

Sultanahmet Square, known as Hippodrome Square, overlooks the famous Blue Mosque, and is surrounded by other famous places.

In addition to the presence of many different museums such as the Museum of Turkish Islamic Art.

Sultanahmet district is one of the most famous tourist areas in Istanbul, and it is also a popular place to start tourist trips due to the perfect beauty and size of this square.

This square is a very impressive tourist area in Sultanahmet district, similar to the historical peninsula that leads to all the historical sites around it.

Sultanahmet Square is one of the most popular places for all the tourists, you usually find most enthusiastic tourists in this square on the first day of their visit to Istanbul.

Due to the fact that this square has turned into a no-vehicle area, tourists can walk in this square for a few hours, and visit Topkapi Palace, the German Fountain, the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the small bazaar near Sultanahmet and the colorful houses with great views in complete comfort.

Beautiful trees, ponds, fountains and vibrant greenery around the square would be perfect for taking some photographs, as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque would be all smiling in the background. (Best photobomb ever)

History of Hippodrome Square

This square was once the most famous and busiest place in the Eastern Roman Empire, hosting many famous historical sites as well as many events and adventures.

The Egyptian Stone Column, Snake Column, German Fountain and many more were among the most crowded places, which we eagerly visit today.

The Hippodrome was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century after the official proclamation of Istanbul as the capital of Eastern Rome, and this is exactly what we call today Sultanahmet Square.

The Hippodrome was an equestrian venue during the Roman Empire, where contestants ran around the racetrack seven times to win the race, and people watched the performances with excitement.

Things to do in Sultanahmet Square

Walk around Sultanahmet Square, I promise it will be one of the most beautiful moments of your life.

Enjoy the historical atmosphere that includes the most prominent places, museums, mosques, churches, fountains and historical sites in Istanbul all together.

Then relax in one of the restaurants and cafes around the square, and enjoy a cup of tea or Turkish coffee while watching these great historical places.

The most important places to visit

• Egyptian Stone Pillar.
• Hagia Sophia.
• Topkapi Palace.
• Serpent Pillar.
• German Fountain.
• Istanbul Archaeological Museum.
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.
• The blue Mosque.

The Egyptian stone column

The obelisk or stone pillar that was brought from Egypt in 390 is one of the mysteries of history, and archaeologists have not been able to discover and read the mystery of the tablets written on these pillars.

Some of these obelisks are spread all over the world. From Argentina to Italy and even Sultanahmet Square!

This stone pillar dates back to 1450 BC by the Egyptian pharaoh.

If you visit this column, know that you are standing in front of one of the oldest places in Istanbul.

The monument stands on a marble pillar and depicts the Byzantine emperor, who used to watch matches around it.

Nowadays, tourists with this obelisk take funny pictures like pushing the pillar or leaning on it and then smiling at the camera! (Yep, everyone does that)

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Istanbul Archaeological Museum has an important collection of prehistoric artifacts from Greece, Rome and Byzantium, which are very beautifully displayed.

The entire collection has been transferred from Topkapi Palace to the Museum.

After visiting the museum, take time to walk in Gulhane Park, which was once a garden for the Ottoman kings.

The garden extends over wide green areas, decorated with flowers, tulips and tall trees.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)

The Blue Mosque is one of the most important mosques and tourist attractions in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul.

This mosque was built in the seventeenth century between 1603-1617 by Sultan Ahmed I.

The name of this mosque is derived from the beautiful and eye-catching Iznik tiles used in its interior design.

This mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture and one of the most visited places in Istanbul.

When you go to this mosque, remember to wear appropriate clothes, so that you do not have to use the general covering of the mosque.

Serpent Column

One of the most unusual buildings in Istanbul, this column was brought to Istanbul from Delphi, Greece.

And this spiral column was made from melting military equipment of the enemy army as a sign of the victory of Greece over the Persians.

After the victory in this war, this pillar was presented as a gift to the Delphi Apollo Monument to show their gratitude for this place.

On this blue pillar you will see three intertwined snakes with their heads cut off.

The only surviving snake head is on display in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which is located just a few steps from the Sultanahmet Square, do not forget to visit it while you are there.

Hagia Sophia

Known as one of the best architectural examples in the world, the Hagia Sophia will undoubtedly amaze you both from the outside and inside.

According to the Turks, it is the eighth wonder of the world, although this claim is a little exaggerated.

In fact, this building was a nickname in the Roman era, as it was at that time the largest church in the world.

And then it was converted into a mosque when the Ottomans entered, and when the Republic of Turkey was declared, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum for many years by order of Ataturk.

Currently, Hagia Sophia has been converted into a mosque after a new law from the Turkish government, which means a free visit for tourists!

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is one of the biggest and most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul, this building was built between 1466 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II.

The palace was considered the political center of the Ottoman Empire from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries, and it continued in this state until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace.

You can enjoy a charming view of the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul from the beautiful balconies of the palace.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts displays one of the most important Turkish and Islamic art collections in the world.

These holdings belong to the Umayyad, Abbasid, Mamluk, Seljuk and Ottoman eras and include rare artifacts such as stone, ceramics, metal, silver, copper and wood, as well as jewelry, manuscripts, calligraphy, carpets and many more…

German Fountain

The German Fountain is located between Sultanahmet Square and the Blue Mosque.

It is a very beautiful fountain with great architecture, with beautiful columns and domes.

Do not forget to see it during your visit to Istanbul.

Tips for a pleasant visit:

• Official guide can make Sultanahmet Square more beautiful for you. Get help from them and know the exact date and details of each building. But beware of unofficial guides, the guide should have an official logo.
• Take good care of your bags and pockets, as this place is always crowded.

The post Sultanahmet Square – one of the best places to visit in Istanbul! appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts contains a wonderful treasure trove.

By going to this museum you will be able to see many ancient and historical monuments closely in different categories.

In other words, Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts contains many secrets of the rich history of Turkey.

The city was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire for about two thousand years when it was called Constantinople.

After the end of the 1100-year-old Byzantine Empire, it was renamed Istanbul and became known as one of the most important cities in the region under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

This shows that the city holds in its heart many historical secrets, which is why visiting Istanbul is one of the most popular choices for tourists around the world.

Inside Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, you will find many Islamic calligraphy, tiles, carpets and many handicrafts.

Works of the museum date back to various antiquities.

In this way, you can imagine how time passed from Constantinople to present-day Istanbul.

Stay with us until the end of the article to learn about Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.

History of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul is one of the most amazing places that those interested in archeology shouldn’t miss! The museum building was built in 1524 AD.

The museum is located in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace in the Sultanahmet district, where Ibrahim Pasha was the vizier of Sultan Suleiman, and is a stunning attraction for anyone interested in Ottoman and Islamic art.

Ibrahim Pasha, the second vizier of Sultan Suleiman I, the tenth Ottoman king, and was a close friend and vizier of Sultan Suleiman.

He was captured by the Turks as a child in Greece and sold as a slave to the Ottoman Empire.

He worked as a messenger in Topkapi, where he became a friend of Sultan Suleiman, who was the same age, and when his friend became king he was given the position of chancellor.

Ibrahim Pasha was granted this palace a year before his marriage to Sultan Suleiman’s sister.

However this did not last too long, as Ibrahim Pasha’s wealth, power and influence over Sultan Suleiman increased.

To the extent that he aroused the envy of others, especially the jealousy of Sultan Suleiman’s wife Roxelana.

Where Roxelana convinced her husband Sultan Suleiman that Ibrahim Pasha is an enemy to him, and then the Sultan ordered his execution.

This museum is an important place where you will see amazing pieces of Turkish carpets, as well as exhibitions of ceramics, calligraphy and exhibitions of carved wood.

Ibrahim Pasha Palace, which history claims to be larger and more magnificent than Topkapi Palace, witnessed many weddings, festivals and celebrations as well as riots after the death of Minister Ibrahim Pasha.

In 1536 the palace was used by garrisons, an embassy palace, a registry office, a place for the Janissary army, a sewing workshop, and a prison.

Sections of the Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Carpet Section

The Carpet section, the richest collection of machine-made carpet art, is of particular interest and has made this museum known as the “Carpet Museum” for many years.

This museum contains the richest collection of carpets not only in Turkey but also in the world.

In addition, containing rare Seljuk carpets, prayer carpets, carpets decorated with images of animals, animal-shaped carpets from the 15th century, and carpets produced in Anatolia between the 15th & 17th centuries, it is called Holbein Carpet in the West, and it is inspired by geometric shapes.

The most valuable collection of carpets in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, is the Persian and Caucasian carpets, as well as calligraphy carpets.

This section is a must-see for those who love carpet art in the world.

Calligraphy Section

The Qur’an forms a large part of the Turkish and Islamic Antiquities Museum’s writings from the seventh to the twentieth centuries, and it is from a wide geographical area in which Islam spread.

The museum collects many rare collections of calligraphic creations from different eras.

You will find collections from the era of the Umayyads, Abbasids, Egyptians, Syrians, Fatimids, Ayyubids, Mamluks, Turkmen, Seljuks, Timurids, Safavids, Anatolians and Ottomans everywhere.

The Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art also contains books (some with pictures) written on different subjects, and they attract attention in terms of their writing style and their cover.

The Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts also includes decrees dating back to the Ottoman Empire, containing the signatures of the Ottoman sultans.

Each of which is a distinctive artwork that makes the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts one of the most important museums in the world.

Woodworking Section

The most important parts of this collection are examples of Anatolian wood art of the ninth and tenth centuries, as well as the unique pieces left over from the Seljuks and Anatolia.

In addition, many distinctive works of pearl, ivory, and ornate woodwork that date back to the Ottoman era.

You will also find many unique examples of decorative arts of verses from the Qur’an.

Stone Arts Section

Stone artifacts date back to the Umayyads, the Abbasids, the Mamluks, the Seljuks, and the Ottoman era.

And some of them contain ornaments and some contain distinctive shapes.

You will find unique examples of stone art from the Seljuk period.

In addition to tombstones, the most important of which is the stele of Alexander the Great, which is very beautiful.

A variety of statues of Roman and Greek deities, and many different stone inscriptions.

Ceramic And Glass Section

In this collection of numerous ceramic works, found in excavations carried out between 1908 and 1914, the works of Samarra, Urka, Tell Hal and Kishan rank first.

You can see the early stages of ceramics and mosaic tile models, frescoes from the Anatolian and Seljuk periods.

And the decorations of the Konya Palace dynasty are another important part of the collection.

The ceramic samples end with ceramics dating back to the Ottoman period, and then the glass collection begins with examples of Islamic glass art in the ninth century and includes Mamluk candles from the fifteenth century.

In addition to examples of glass art from the Ottoman period.

Metal Arts ceramic

The collection of metal art in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is made up of unique examples belonging to the period of the Seljuk Empire.

In addition, works of Ottoman metal art that began in the sixteenth century and reached the nineteenth century.

It represents groups of silver and copper decorated with precious stones,and about 800,000 Ottoman coins.

Ethnography ceramic

The smaller part of the museum is displayed in this collection, which includes handmade carpets collected from different parts of Anatolia, as well as wool painting techniques, weaving and decorative artworks, regional clothing, household goods, and handicrafts.

Location of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is located in Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih district of Istanbul.

It is close to many of the city’s attractions.

Such as Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and many more….

The post Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul – History from Constantinople! appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

Istanbul is a destination for many tourists and travel lovers, there is nothing you cannot do in Istanbul, from sightseeing in the old neighborhoods of the city to visiting historical and contemporary museums and savoring delicious food, you literally have so many options to choose from.

In the meantime, we chose to present to you a wonderful museum in Turkey, which is the first museum of contemporary art in Turkey.

If you want to learn about the current culture of Turkey, no place will help you like the Museum of Modern Art in Istanbul.

In what follows, we will introduce you to the various departments of this museum and tell you about the programs available in the museum.

If you are preparing to plan your trip to Istanbul, do not miss a visit to this museum.

History of Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art was established in 2004 with the aim of introducing and promoting the culture and art of Turkey on the national and international levels, and it is the first contemporary art museum in the country.

This museum collects a collection of contemporary artworks by various artists inside and outside the country to display them to visitors and art lovers.

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is currently located in Beyoğlu district, Istanbul, on the shores of the Bosphorus, but it will be moved to its new building in Karaköy, Istanbul in the near future.

Sections of Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

The museum has two floors, the upper floor is dedicated to restaurants, shops, cinemas, and art libraries. And the lower floor displays artworks by contemporary Turkish artists.

This museum is actually the first private museum built to display contemporary art and covers an area of ​​nearly 8,000 square meters.

Many cultural and artistic events are held in this place each year.

Senior state officials also planned important educational programs for school students across the country to visit the museum.

There is something that will attract every visitor to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, as the museum offers a mixture of handicrafts and diverse arts such as painting and sculpture and many modern artworks such as photography.

In addition to permanent exhibitions, there are many temporary exhibitions, most of these temporary galleries are dedicated to photographers.

Photographers from all over the world display the photos they captured during their tour in Istanbul.

Most of the museum sections are devoted to seasonal and temporary exhibitions and galleries.

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art hosts different exhibitions at different times, depending on the current events.

This modern museum has hosted both local and international artists recently, and is the best place in town to see the best contemporary Turkish art up close.

The Library in the Museum of Modern Art in Istanbul 

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is a place to see contemporary art, and books are the best art. The museum library contains more than 11,000 books on contemporary art.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art provides researchers with important resources in the field of fine and contemporary arts.

The museum library is constantly expanding and is now one of the largest in the country with more than 11,000 copies of books in Turkish and foreign languages.

The library develops its books list through cooperation and the exchange of books, magazines and catalogs with individuals, galleries and art museums at home and abroad.

The Cinema in Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art displays a lot of films in its cinema hall, the museum displays one or two films per month in cooperation with Turkish and international filmmakers.

The film will be shown on Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays, and the museum also cooperates with festivals and cultural institutions from various countries to display them in its cinemas.

On Thursdays, you can watch all shows and movies for free.

Every month, the museum’s cinema invites contemporary Turkish filmmakers to discuss creative ideas for films by presenting their entire series of films in the “Meet the Directors” program.

And in the “We Are Too!” (Biz de variz) The best in acting, production and directing meet and talk about contemporary art and the country’s culture in front of their audience.

In another event, the cinema focuses on the work of internationally renowned foreign directors, and screens showing their films.

Every January, the “Foreign Film Oscar” program shows a selection of foreign films nominated for the Oscar of that year.

To attend movie screenings, you must purchase a ticket at the museum entrance.

Tickets are only available on the day of release and are for one movie only, and the cinema entry ticket costs 20 TL.

Please sit down at your seat at least 5 minutes before the show begins, because in case you are late, vacant seats will be awarded to waiting visitors.

Times to visit Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Days and hours of visiting the museum are as follows:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm.

Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is closed on Mondays.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art ticket price

– Ticket prices for locals:

• The full ticket price for adults is 37 liras.
• Tickets for students, teachers and retirees over the age of 65 are 21 liras.
• Tickets for groups of 10 and more are 30 liras.

– Ticket prices for tourists:

• Ticket price for foreign tourists is 72 liras.
• Ticket prices for foreign tourists include students, teachers, retirees, people over 65 are 54 liras.
• Foreign tourists’ tickets, including groups of 10 or more, are 54 liras.

– Visiting the museum is free for people with disabilities.

– Tickets are free on Thursdays for Turkish citizens.

– On Tuesdays, the museum is ready to host young people between the ages of 18 and 25 for free in order to spread culture and introduce them to contemporary art. Young local and foreign tourists can visit the museum between 14:00 and 17:00.

How to get to Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Getting to the museum is easy, you can use public transportation as well as private cars.

If you use the Istanbul Metro, the closest station to the museum is Şişhane, the museum is just 5 minutes away on foot.

Museums located near Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Among the most famous museums in Turkey and Istanbul, which are located near the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, are the Museum of Innocence in Istanbul, the Istanbul Pera Museum, and Madame Tussauds Istanbul, as well as some attractions near the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, including the Galata Bridge and Istanbul’s Galata Tower.

Address of Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Asmalımescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 99 34430, Beyoğlu İstanbul

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art website

http://www.istanbulmodern.org/en

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art contact number

+9021233347300

Email address in modern Istanbul

info@istanbulmodern.org

The post Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, the first museum of contemporary art appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

On a hot & sunny day in Istanbul, going to Buyukada Island might be a great option!

In Buyukada, where you will forget all your fatigue, while taking a walk within history on the ancient sidewalk.

in addition, the opportunity to breathe fresh air and clean up your lungs.

This wonderful piece of land, which you will reach after a ferry ride with the company of seagulls, will make your day magical.

On these sunny days, take a break and have fun and peace. Welcome to the pearl of Istanbul, Buyukada…

How to get to Buyukada Island

You can reach Buyukada, the largest of the nine islands called the Princes’ Islands, by ferry from Kadikoy, Bostanci, Sirkeci and Kabatas.

While you are on the ferry, you can watch Istanbul behind you while drinking tea and sharing bread with the seagulls that will accompany you throughout the journey.

Buyukada tour

Once you leave the historic buildings of Buyukada Port, you will be surrounded by restaurants, cafes and sellers of delicious ice cream.

And you will be enthusiastically welcomed by the several lovely cats & dogs on this island.

You can ride bicycles and take a tour in the alleys of Buyukada Island, and breathe the fresh air on this wonderful place.

Have breakfast at Café Pasticceria to the left of the clock tower, to get the energy to embark on an exciting journey on the island of Buyukada.

You can walk in the alleys of this island, and see the colorful old houses that will undoubtedly catch your eye, and then continue your way to visit the Hagia Yorgi Church.

Places to visit in Buyukada Island

Hagia Yorgi Church

The square at the beginning of the ascending path to the Aya Yorgi Church is like a place for celebration, you can try the carriages waiting to take you to the church.

You can go to the Hagia Yorgi Church on foot or ride the waiting carriages, but be aware that the road is very long and steep.

And as you head to the church you will enjoy watching the sights of Buyukada Island, which have a different beauty with each single step.

The Hagia Yorgi Church is located at an altitude of 202 meters in Yüce Tepe Hill.

To the right of the church there are houses where priests live and an old monastery that is closed today.

On the left side there is the Yüce Tepe Casino where you can have snacks.

Moreover, you will find the Marmara Sea overlooking the Hagia Yorgi Church from all sides.

There is a strong belief that wishes made in Hagia Yorgi Church come true, so don’t be surprised when you see a lot of expensive items such as watches and necklaces at the entrance to the church, they are small thank gifts for people whose wishes come true.

It is also believed that holy water in the church has a curative effect, there were rumors of paralyzed people who recovered by it and walked in Yüce Tepe on foot!

The fresh air in Buyukada island will leave you hungry soon after.

So if you’re done with your visit, head over to Yüce Tepe Casino for some delicious meat dishes and don’t forget to order the handcrafted wine.

Walking under pine trees

After coming down from the Hagia Yorgi Church and walking for 20 minutes, you will find in front of you a wide forest full of pine trees.

The only thing you will feel in this place surrounded by pine trees is “peace”.

During this walk accompanied by the rustling of pine leaves and birds singing, you will have the opportunity to see the Greek orphanage, which still bears the title of “the largest wooden building in the world”.

This grand building, which has been vacant for 30 years, defies time with its monumental architecture, despite being nearly a century old.

The monastery of Christos now occupies the place of the garden of this building.

In the small cemetery near the monastery are the tombs of the workers who worked in the construction of the monastery and the priests who worked there.

A different love Experience in Buyukada!

If you want to go on your tour from Christos Monastery to Nizam area, you can take a phaeton, we recommend that you do not leave Buyukada without walking on Aşıklar Yolu (The Lovers Road) and Dilburnu.

After a quiet stroll in Aşıklar Yolu, you can have tea at Aşıklar Casino overlooking the sea, and if you want to relax on your walk, we suggest going to (Princes Koyu) which is just to your left.

In addition to what we mentioned above, you can visit Yörük Ali Beach and experience a quiet boat trip.

We also recommend you to visit the Con Pasha Mansion and Arap Izzet Pasha Mansion, which were built in the Ottoman era.

For the mansions in Nizam district of Buyukada Island, with its beautifully colored architecture and gardens, you will have to believe that the princesses in the stories are still alive!

Have some fun in Buyukada Island

Walking in Kenan Evren Park, having a fun round at the water sports club, and even joining concerts at the Turing Culture House are some of the fun things to do on Buyukada Island.

It’s time to say no to the ferry!

You never realize how time passes in Buyukada! At departure times the streets start to get crowded, if you are lucky you will find a phaeton during this rush hour.

And you can say goodbye to Buyukada by sitting at Yıldızlar Casino across from the pier and watching the sunset.

At that time you will feel a pain in your heart, especially when you see the ferry coming slowly and you don’t want to leave!

It is exciting to make a sudden decision and wave your hand to the ferry you had planned to enter.

Let us remind you that there are ferries from Buyukada to Bostanci until 12:30 am, so you can complete your tour with an enjoyable dinner.

Where to stay on Buyukada Island?

As there are small and large guest houses in Büyükada, you may prefer Hotel Prenses Büyükada or Hotel Splendid Palace, which are the main hotels in Büyükada.

We also recommend Hagia Nikola Pension in Hagia Nikola Bay, for its beautiful and private atmosphere.

Where to eat in Buyukada Island?

We are sure that it will be difficult for you to choose one of the restaurants lined up next to the pier, you can get the most delicious fish and meat dishes in each of them.

But our special recommendations are to try the calamari and octopus at Milto, which has been in service since 1935.

It is a common tradition in Buyukada to buy ice cream and go for a beachside picnic, so we recommend having an ice cream on the beach as an after-dinner dessert.

You can buy ice cream at Prinkipo Ice Cream or Roma Ice Cream.

Finally, back to Istanbul!

As soon as you wake up in the morning, open the windows, breathe in the fresh island air and enjoy the magical landscape of green and blue harmonious combination.

When you return, remember to take some food and souvenirs with you from Buyukada Island.

One day in Buyukada means peace, pleasure and fun at the same time.

You can experience more and more interesting things and get exciting moments at the pearl of Istanbul…

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