Istanbul is truly a world city, a city which everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is an enchanting blend of Eastern and Western culture, a vibrant, modern city, with a unique identity. Its rich past coexists alongside its youthful energy.


Although no longer the capital of Turkey, Istanbul still remains the country's cultural and business center. It is the only city in the world that sits on two continents: Europe and Asia. The city lies on both sides of the Bosporus channel and the Sea of Marmara, which connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. On the European side of the Bosporus, old Istanbul developed on the western side of the narrow Golden Horn, a canal about 4 miles in length that empties into the Bosporus.

Here is some general information about Istanbul; It is the most beautiful city in the world and its population is 15,9 million. In terms of opportunities Istanbul is the most livable city in the world.

CLIMATE & SEASONS

Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and dry, hot summers. The prevailing northeast winds, or “poyraz”, come from the Black Sea, sometimes bringing extreme cold to the city.

 At times, the cold winds have frozen the Golden Horn and the Bosporus. At times tulips everywhere beautify the city on spring while tree branches get pink with all sorts of flowers. At times yellow flowers are told by the most famous poets and the city in autumn is sang in the songs. At times sun shines in the sky, people spend most of their time in seaside of Istanbul.

Temperatures average about 4.7°C in January and about 22.8°C in July.

TRANSPORTATION

The city is convenient for students in terms of transport, as students can apply for student transport passes, which provide significant discounts on public transport. Ferries operate between the European and Anatolian parts of the city at certain times. Additionally, one of the metro lines in Istanbul, Marmaray, connects two continents, making it easy to travel underwater.

Taxis can cause problems during rush hour as there are queues for taxis and drivers tend to choose passengers with the longest destination.

Driving to school premises may be the easiest way to get around, as most universities o er shuttle services to and from campuses for students.

USEFUL APPLICATIONS

PLACES TO VISIT

The list of the best places to visit in Istanbul may seem overwhelming at first glance.

Since Istanbul was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it has a rich cultural heritage.

• Topkapı Palace
  
  
• BLUE MOSQUE
  
  
• HAGIA SOPHIA
  
  
• BASILICA CISTERN
  
  
• GRAND BAZAR
  
  
• FENER & BALAT
  
  
• RAHMI KOC MUSEUM
  
  
• ORTAKOY
  
  
• CENGELKOY
  
  

  SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

• Istanbul Modern Museum

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Turkey’s first museum of modern art, was founded in 2004 and occupies an 8,000 square meter site on the shores of the Bosphorus. Istanbul Modern embraces a global vision to collect, preserve, exhibit and document works of modern and contemporary art and make them accessible to art lovers.

For visiting hours and admission visit the website:

http://www.istanbulmodern.org/en/visit/visiting-hours-and-admission_52.html

• AQUA FLORYA

It is the biggest thematic aquarium of the world. In comparison to other aquariums of its class containing fish species living in the world’s seas, it is the newest with its travel route, thematization, interactivity, rainforest and cutting-edge technology…

Istanbul Akvaryum holds a leading position among worldwide aquariums thanks to its volume, variety of fish species, and the activities on travel routes. It is a project which makes ‘firsts’ and ‘mosts’ in its field.

For detailed information and admission, you can visit the following website:

https://istanbulakvaryum.com/en/online-ticket

• Music & Theater & Museums

If you are a lover of art and the world of music, then you need Biletix. Here you can find all the concerts that will take place in Istanbul, theaters, museums and much more interesting things.

For detailed information, you can visit the following website:

https://www.biletix.com/search/TURKIYE/en

• Amusement Park "Vialand"

Vialand Theme Park is a huge complex containing a huge theme park which is one of the best ones in the world, shopping and entertainment areas. Located in the Eyup district of Istanbul, it is a great place to spend a full day out with your family and kids.

For detailed information, you can visit the following website: https://vialand.com