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Istanbul Gay and Lesbian Friendly Hotels

Istanbul is a mysterious and different city where you can see a very conservative society living together with very radical and unorthodox people together. Gays and Lesbians are not accepted in the community as their counterparts in the western world.

However, when it comes to artists, singers and actors then it becomes a different story. There are many gay and lesbian (one very w

Istanbul University Beyazit Istanbul

One of the main characteristics of Istanbul University is its leadership in higher education for centuries. It has played a guiding and influential role in the social and cultural life of our country. We can clearly see this when we trace the line of historical development of the University.

Istanbul University, as one of the oldest educational institutions, not only of Turkey, but also of the world, was founded when Mehmet the Conqueror conquered Istanbul. Education began to be available in theological schools ("medrese/madrasah" as they were then called) and, until the end of the 16th century, these schools were instrumental in educating the ruling cadres of the Ottoman soc

Dolmus and Minibus -- Getting Around in Istanbul ?

A dolmus (which means 'full') is basically a shared taxi that sets off once every seat is taken. Dolmus run fixed routes (starting points and final destinations are displayed in the front window) but with no set stops. Passengers flag the driver down to get on (if there's room) and holler out to be let off (Inecek var!). For local journeys, there's one fixed fare. Ask a fellow passenger how much it is or just watch what everyone else is paying. Dolmus run later than buses, oft

What is AKBIL ? - Getting around in Istanbul

Akbil, the 'smart card', is an electronic travel pass that can be used on all public transport except dolmus and minibuses. You get a 10 per cent discount on fares. Akbils are available for a small refundable deposit (TRL6) from booths at all main bus, sea bus and metro stations. To use it, firmly press the circular metal stud into the socket on the orange machine located next to the driver on buses, or to the left of turnstiles at all metro, light rail, tram and ferry stations.

Civilization In A Bottle

Civilization In A Bottle

Planning to open Izmir’s first private Archaeological Museum in four old buildings currently undergoing restoration in the city’s Alsancak district, collector Yavuz Tatis is current caught up in a flurry of activity. Tatis shared his rare bottle collection for the first time with SkyLife. Let us take a closer look at these lovely artifacts.

The story of glass goes back 1500 years when this gift of nature associ

Miracle in Divrigi - The Heavenly Portal

Miracle in Divrigi: The Heavenly Portal

It is worth having a close look at Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital, the only Turkish handiwork included in UNESCO’s five hundred architectural masterpieces of the world.

The unique stone-carved ornaments seen on the two great portals (the kiblah or the northern entrance of the mosque, and the hospital gate) are the features that determine the universal artistic status of the mosque and hospital. The three-d

Istanbul City Walls

Walls

Istanbul City Walls, totalling to 22 km, are over three separate regions. Marmara Walls on the Marmara Sea coastline and Halic Walls along the Halic (Golden Horn) coast line and the Land Walls a larger portion of which falls within the Zeytinburnu District.

The 5420 meters long Land Walls with its 123 towers begin from the Mermer (Marble) Tower on th seaside proceed towards Halic (Golden Hor

Bosphorus Cruise

The Bosphorus Strait defines Istanbul. The main street of modern trade and boundary between continents, this narrow waterway is today lined by small fishing villages that are increasingly being absorbed into an exploding metropolis. During this full-day cruise up the Bosphorus, we will explore the geography of this urban waterway and some of the hidden architectural and cultural treasures that lie along it.

A full-day excursion on the Straits

To enjoy near Istanbul

These lovely resorts with magnificent sea, wonderful nature and historical beauties present various alternatives to those who desire to have enjoyable daily trips or relax at the weekends.

 Take a fish feast in [209 Anadolu Kavagi] and taste lokma afterwards.
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Do not go without to Istanbul

ISTANBUL FROM A BIRD S EYE VIEW

The seas and the lands created, with a great harmony, the geography of Istanbul like a work in lace, which divides naturally into four regions: the old town and Galata on the opposite shores of the Golden Horn, and the two sides of the Bosphorus. What used to be small individual villages on the Bosphorus are now united to form a whole. The inhabited areas stretching along the shores of the Mar

BIRD HOUSES IN TURKEY

Bird houses are man’s humble offering to his winged, feathered friends, and one of the oldest and most important expressions of the love of and compassion for animals. The history of houses built for birds like sparrows, finches and swallows goes back a long way. Some of these tiny dwellings, whose numbers proliferated in parallel with the development of classical Ottoman architecture in the 15th century, indicate that they were being built, albeit on a smaller s

OTTOMAN ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OUTSIDE THE TURKISH REPUBLIC

The examples of Turkish architecture can be found all across the vast Ottoman Empire covering the time span of over 600 years. The extent of this architectural heritage has be

TURKISH GARDENS DURING THE OTTOMAN TIMES

Our knowledge about Turkish Gardens before the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453 is not much, besides Seljuk garden experiences. The Ottomans continued working on the gardens, farms and vineyards that they have found in the capital and on the conquared lands in the Byzantines by adding their cultural knowledge, tastes, experiences and habits.

When creating their gardens, the Ottomans sought practical solutions that would suit the topo

The Ottoman fountains of Istanbul

At the beginning of the 20th century there were some 1,600 fountains in Istanbul and 100 years later there were only 400. Once their function was gone, neglect set in

At the head of a street in Cihangir is a small fountain. For years it was a decrepit, rundown, vine-clad ruin. Then one day there was a ribbon around it and workers busy cleaning it. Today it has returned to its original state although no water flows from it.

It has a

Japan Year 2010 in Turkey

The friendship between Turkey and Japan dates back to the visit of Ertugrul Frigate in Japan and the disaster afterwards. The courage and fidelity that the ancestors of the two nations displayed under difficult circumstances without expecting any return was the basis of relations between the two countries in all fields, especially in political, economic, cultural fields, have developed thanks to our ancestors and the mutual interaction established between the people of th