The voting for the Mukhtar elections was completed in 14 districts of Istanbul as of 17:00.

In line with the decision taken by the Supreme Electoral Council (YSK), polling stations have been established in villages and neighborhoods in some provinces to determine presidents and/or councils of elders.

In this direction, 62 candidates, including 11 women, competed for the mayors’ offices in 14 neighborhoods in Istanbul, and about 71,000 voters went to the polls.

In addition to 6 in Bayrampaşa Vatan District, 4 in Kağıthane Telsizler District, and 3 in Eyüpsultan Silahtarağa District.

and 2 in Beşiktaş Cihannüma District, 3 in Maltepe Büyükbakkalköy, and 7 in Güngören Industrial District.

and 10 in Şişli district, 3 in işli district, yiiköyy district, Ormanli district in Catalca, 5 in Kaleiçi district.

2 in Asmali-Mesket district of Beyoglu, 5 in Kalyoncu-Kologo district, 3 in Katembistva Celebi district and Beykoz Anadolu Kavagi district, two candidates competed for the mayor position.

As voters began voting in the morning hours at the polls, police teams made inquiries about the HEPP code in schools where extensive security measures were put in place.

While voters were casting their ballots until the polls closed, the counting process took place.

The wife of Mukhtar, who died of the Coronavirus, won the elections

Beykoz district chief Anadolukavağı Serdar Lüleburgaz also contracted COVID-19 last March, and died on April 7 at Beykoz State Hospital where he was being treated.

Lüleburgaz, Sevim Lüleburgaz and Ömer Küçük have been nominated for the vacant mayor seat.

After the voting process ended at 17:00, the counting of votes began.

Sevim Lüleburgaz received 464 votes and Ömer Küçük received 116 votes in the elections, and all four votes were declared invalid.

“I want to keep the memories of my wife alive, and to make the quality of service I provided to Anadolu Cavafy permanent,” said Lulburgaz, who was elected as chief of staff.

The post Chosen voting elections take place in 14 districts of Istanbul appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

48 hours may not seem like a long time when venturing into one of the world’s most vibrant and historic cities, but you will be amazed at just how much it is possible to do in this little period of time in Istanbul.

Istanbul, the largest and oldest city in Turkey, lies between continents of Asia and Europe, surrounded by the glistening Bosphorus and home to a rich history of empires, from Byzantine to Roman to Ottoman.

Istanbul is a city not to be missed, With a vast choice of historical monuments, grand emporiums, and scenic beauty to explore, you might wonder if 48 hours is enough in Istanbul?

With an amazing cultural and architectural heritage, and endless things to do in this city, your 2 days in Istanbul itinerary will be packed with a lot of  types of entertainment.

From visiting ornate mosques and museums to savoring the best traditional Turkish cuisine, to enjoy the atmosphere of a cozy café or art galleries.

So, fasten your seatbelt and follow us to find out the best way to explore Istanbul within 48 hours.

Day 1: Explore the city streets and take a look into the Orthodox churches

In the morning – Get to know the symbols of Istanbul

Spend your first morning in the heart of Istanbul (we suggest the Fatih area), you will find a mosque in every corner of Istanbul.

Go to the Hagia Sophia when it opens at 9 am, before the waiting line is long.

As it is one of the main symbols of Istanbul, it is a unique meeting point between Empires, East and West, Islam and Christianity.

Hagia Sophia was built as an Orthodox cathedral in 537 AD, as it was built by the Byzantine Empire, and it was converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule after 1453 when Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror conquered the city and turned it into a mosque.

The Hagia Sophia was the largest church in the world for nearly 900 years until the Spanish Cathedral of Seville was completed in 1520.

Today, the Hagia Sophia is a mosque again after being a museum for several years, and features Islamic writings and Christian statues, to remember how religious differences could coexist with each other.

Most of the historical monuments are located in Sultanahmet, within walking distance from Hagia Sophia.

You can walk a few minutes to Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, where the mosque is popular with tourists with its six magnificent minarets.

This mosque dates back to the early seventeenth century and is covered with more than 20,000 pieces of blue ceramic tiles.

Afternoon – Shopping in the Balat district

From Fatih, you can cross Galata Bridge, and head either by walking or taking a taxi to the Balat district, which is home to colorful buildings and old shops.

Peek inside The Pill art gallery and drink a cup of coffee at (Cumbalı Kahve), a cafe popular among Instagram bloggers for its turquoise décor.

Afterward, visit St. George’s Cathedral, a vital part of the Orthodox history of Istanbul.

Spend the afternoon wandering around the streets of Galata, which is a social and cultural center and contains some of the best activities in Istanbul.

The Galata district has a collection of monuments, ancient synagogues, churches and mosques.

For an authentic glimpse into Turkey’s cultural and spiritual past, Galata is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul and it shouldn’t be missed if you have 48 hours in Istanbul.

In the evening – Go to the city center and discover the nightlife

In the late afternoon, take a taxi or bus number 55T to Taksim Square, the unofficial center of Istanbul, and walk down the famous İstiklal Street.

It is visited by up to 3 million people in a single day. Both sides of this street are lined with clothing stores, libraries, art galleries, cinemas, pastry shops and restaurants.

Head to Al Madina Restaurant (the famous Chef Burak restaurant) for dinner, which is a restaurant that brings a modern twist to traditional Turkish dishes.

Istanbul nights rarely end early. And if you’re feeling thirsty, head to Limonlu Bahçe, a bar famous for its homemade lemon cocktails.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Istanbul and sailing to Asia

In the morning – Visit the ancient Turkish bazaars

Your 48-hour trip to Istanbul would not be complete without a trip to the famous bazaars and commercial markets of Istanbul.

Spend your morning at the impressive Grand Bazaar of Istanbul with 5,000 stores.

Built in 1461 as a vital center for international and local trade, the bazaar is a maze of beautiful alleys, where the Grand Bazaar gives you the perfect Turkish shopping experience.

Glide your way through one of the largest covered markets and spot the best spots for exquisite handmade textiles, colorful spices, sparkling jewelry, beautiful lanterns, and souvenirs.

Head to the Spice Bazaar or the Egyptian Market, which is located a short distance from the Grand Bazaar.

The 17th century Eminönü Egyptian Spice Bazaar is a paradise for savoring authentic Turkish food.

And since 1664, the Spice Bazaar has been thought to be the best place to choose dried fruits, nuts, spices, olives, oils and perfumes.

Enjoy the aroma of coffee, oils and spices, enjoy the colors of the jewels shimmering in the sun and try tasting delicious Turkish bread like simit.

Afternoon – Eat in Moda and go see art galleries

Enjoy a delicious meal and classic Turkish desserts in the quaint neighborhood of Moda.

Sip Turkish tea or coffee in a cozy cafe followed by the famous Turkish ice cream at Dondurmacı Ali Usta, which has been serving many traditional Turkish ice creams since 1969, such as Santa Maria, hazelnuts, walnuts and watermelon.

Visit the Hush Gallery, a space that hosts galleries dedicated to local and international young artists.

Art is everywhere in the quiet Kadikoy neighborhood, and this neighborhood is known for its galleries and street art.

With a maze of Istanbul’s art and cultural attractions to explore, you will never tire of walking the streets of Kadikoy, one of the best things to do in Istanbul in 48 hours.

In the evening – Enjoy the picturesque sunset from the Bosphorus

From Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram line to Eminönü station and take the ferry to Kadıköy on Istanbul’s Asian shore.

The half-hour intercontinental ferry trip offers unparalleled views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline.

If you can tell the time, try to catch the sunset.

Once in Kadıköy, wander the lively side streets and head to Çiya Sofrası for dinner.

The restaurant serves dishes from every region in Turkey, and was featured on Season 5 of Chef’s Table on Netflix.

However, it is very unpretentious and affordable.

Go to the table and ask about the dishes on offer before choosing a selection paired with fresh salad and ayran.

There are a number of bars in Kadikoy, the most famous of which is Karga, which is the lively music venue, then go back to the European side for some live music in the Beşiktaş neighborhood.

You can keep dancing the night away in a wonderful bistro, Lucca is a wonderful and luxurious place loved by locals in Bebek, as Bebek is located right next to the beautiful Bosphorus, an area very much loved by tourists.

You can also spend your last night in Istanbul on the shores of the city on the Bosphorus, and enjoy the meeting point of history and civilization.

So, here we got it.

Now you can get back to the hotel and take some rest and prepare for your flight back home.

But keep in mind that 48 hours are good, but not enough to discover all the wonders in Istanbul (We assure you that after the end of this trip, you will be planning a much longer trip to this city)…

The post How to explore Istanbul in 48 hours? appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

When you walk on the famous Istiklal Street in Istanbul, you will see many shopping centers, restaurants and cafes, but in the heart of this street, located in Beyoglu district, there is the Saint Antuan Church, also known as Antonio de Padova.

This Catholic Church contains a large, long hall, and was once the largest Catholic Church in Istanbul during the Roman Empire.

The original building of the church was built in 1725, but in the early years of the twentieth century, from 1906 to 1912, the church was rebuilt again. Within an architectural style called “New Gothic”, that was designed by Italian engineers.

It is mentioned that this church received Pope John XXIII (Pope of the Vatican from 1958 until his death in 1963) as the official ambassador of the church for 10 years before he was elected Pope. He is a native of Italy, also known as the “Turkish Pope” because of his love for Turkey and the city of Istanbul.

Architecture of Saint Antuan Church in Istanbul

• The church’s exterior is beautifully decorated with red bricks, and it has three entrances in addition to the main entrance, which is the only entrance currently open.
• The round windows with white frames and stained glass give a very beautiful look to the church building. The paintings of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary can be seen above the entrance doors.
• Inside the Church of San Antonio, you can see a statue of Saint Antuan built on a rock.
• The statue was rebuilt in 2003 when Pope John Paul II visited Istanbul.
• Inside the church you will also find attractive lighting created by glass and sunlight.
• The floor of the church is also covered with beautiful stones.
• Inside the building you will also see old wooden sculptures as well as old and beautiful mosaics.

When you enter the saint Antuan church, you will see dozens of large candles on the left and right sides of the church. Where people come to the church with candles to help light the church as much as possible.

Guests and visitors can sit in the backyard of the church and watch some ceremonies in the front sections. In the church garden, everyone can listen to the music performed during the celebrations.

The statue of the heart of Jesus Christ dazzles every visitor in Saint Antuan church. It is protected behind the glass. There are also beautiful decorative shrubs that tell the story of the childhood of Jesus, and on the walls of the church are pictures of Jesus, as well as a statue of His Holiness crucified 26 meters above the ground.

How to get to Saint Antuan Church

As we mentioned, this church is located on Istiklal Street. The beginning of this street in Taksim Square. You can go down in Taksim Square and after about a 3 minutes’ walk you will see the Saint Antuan Church to your left.

Due to the fact that the church is located in Istiklal Street, you can visit the church during the rush hours of shopping, then enjoy the cafes and restaurants around this church and spend a wonderful day within your tour in Istanbul.

The post Saint Antuan Church in Istanbul, the splendor of Catholic architecture appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.

When it comes to the name of Istanbul, we often remember the excitement of Istiklal Street, which is a major factor that makes many travelers want to visit Istanbul every year.

And when talking about Istanbul, we must talk about Istiklal Street, that bustling street that comes to life in all its corners and which embodies Istanbul’s indescribable excitement.

The street extends 1.5 km, starting from the famous Taksim Square, to the well-known Galata Tower, and this street requires at least one day to get to know it in detail. Within a charming tour of famous shops and historical monuments such as churches and wonderful mosques.

As mentioned above, Istanbul’s Istiklal Street is one of the busiest streets in the city, with millions passing through it daily. Colorful shops and large restaurants are located on both sides of the street, as well as many historical attractions. The buildings on this street date back to the Ottoman era. Where the sheikhs, intellectuals and the rich lived in this street.

And if you want to visualize the true feeling of walking in this street, imagine the squares filled with the smell of grilled corn and the music being played around. And don’t forget the famous red tram passing by you, as a postage stamp brought to life.

A brief history of Istiklal Street in Istanbul

The elders, the educated and the wealthy lived on this street. The street name was changed to Istiklal (Independence) Street after the Turkish war that led to the country’s independence, and in the 1990s. Istanbul’s local council decided to do something for the street and renovate it, spending millions of dollars to make it look as attractive and impressive as it is today.

Visiting churches, mosques and shrines

If you are interested in religious monuments, you will definitely love Sunday Spiritual Tour, as you can visit the most important churches, mosques and places of worship on Istiklal Street and adjacent neighborhoods.

There are a few churches in Istanbul, but the largest and best is the St. Antuan Church. You will see charming architecture inside the church. Which is a place of worship for Christians who live in the Islamic State in Turkey.

Other historical sites that can be visited in Istanbul’s Istiklal Street include the Armenian Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, Molavi Galata House, the Crimean Memorial Church and the Jewish Synagogue.

Shopping in Istiklal Street:

It is very easy in this street to find anything you want like clothes, decor, sportswear, perfumes, etc.

However, many of these stores are global brand stores, so you cannot bargain for discounts.

You can also go to the local shopkeepers who sit on either side of the street, drinking tea and talking to you about the price you want to pay. You are in Istanbul, and this is the traditional way to bargain here!

You Might Like This: Istanbul Shopping Festival 2020

Art galleries on this street!

In the back alleys of Istiklal Street, there are numerous art galleries such as the Prague Museum, which houses one of the most expensive paintings in Turkey. In addition to small exhibitions in the Galata region, it contains the works of Turkish and international artists.

If you are interested in artwork but don’t want to go to galleries, try out street signs. In some parts of Istanbul, works of Istanbul’s most famous artists are shown as street graphics.

Çiçek Pass or Flower Pass

There is a corridor in Istiklal Street in Istanbul called Çicçek or Flower Pass, which is a famous historical site that contains many cafes and restaurants. This corridor was a theater hall destroyed by fire. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, formerly wealthy Russian women sold flowers there, and later was called the Flower pass. The corridor features unique architecture, and you can walk beside the arch in the shape of a dome and drink a cup of coffee.

Istiklal Street nights in Istanbul

Istiklal Street is located in the Beyöğlü District, and you can be completely confident that you will never see it quiet, endless exciting nightlife, festivals, cafes and restaurants where you can find all your local and international dishes. In short, you will live an experience like no other.

Delicious food in Istiklal Street

There are many entertainment options on Istiklal Street in Istanbul. Perhaps the most exciting of these options is the food you can find there, including stuffed mussels and famous pastries in the street.

One of the most famous restaurants in Istiklal Street is Amadina (the city) restaurant, it is one of the best restaurants in Istiklal Street in Istanbul where you can taste delicious food.

Taksim Square

It means “division” in Turkish. It is a large square in central Istanbul and one of the busiest and lively squares in the city, and it is a popular square among locals and tourists alike.

It is located in the center of Taksim Square, the statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Ismet Inonu, one of the Turkish revolutionary leaders, was built on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, from the work of the famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica.

Cultural Center

In Taksim Square in Istanbul you’ll find the Ataturk Cultural Center, which is one of the most important and largest cultural centers in the city, a multi-purpose center and an opera house, and one of the most prominent examples of Turkish architecture since the 1990s.

The center offers all theatrical performances and opera performances with the conductor of the orchestra, choir, folk music and a variety of festivals and summer celebrations, in addition to many art galleries in the center.

The post Video: Istiklal Street, the beating heart of Istanbul appeared first on Move 2 Turkey.