Thursday, December 30, 2010

Holidays in Turkey: The Best Sights

One of the most obvious things to do in Turkey is visit the capital city Istanbul. Here, you can explore the spectacular Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), which was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. This is a very popular tourist attraction and is still used as a Mosque nowadays. Another great attraction is the historical Hippodrome where chariot races used to take place. The St. Sophia Museum (Hagia Sophia) was originally an early Christian church, but was later converted to a mosque under Ottoman rule. This is a truly magnificent sight and the building now serves as a museum that caters for tourists. There are lots of artifacts inside from the Byzantine era, which get a lot of attention. For a picturesque view you should go to the summit of Camlic Hill, which offers 360° panoramic views of Istanbul. This is quite a sight and you should make sure you definitely come to this attraction. Dolmabahce Palace is another great tourist attraction, which is home to eight Turkish Baths and more than 340 rooms. This is the imperial residence of the last six Sultans, and is sure intrigue passers by.


You should definitely try and visit Cappadocia during your time in Turkey. Here, you can stay in hotel rooms that were carved out of the landscape. These could be anywhere from centuries to thousands of years old. In recent years this has got a lot of attention, with people flocking from all over the globe to experience a night in these unique rooms. The surrounding area is beautiful to explore, as there are lots of orchards and unusual volcanic rock formations. The old Christian Village of Cavusin is also nearby and definitely worth an inspection!


Holidays in Turkey wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Spice Market is an Egyptian Bazaar that's one of the world's largest spice bazaars. This market found prominence in 1665 and continues to be a crucial part of the Istanbul way of life. A great way to let off some steam is to take a voyage on the Bosphorus ferry, which will provide you with an unforgettable cruise experience. As you pass between the strait that separates Europe from Asia the beautiful lush landscape, the numerous mosques and castles dotted around and the baroque palaces of the late Ottoman Sultans will stun you. After this, perhaps a trip to the Topkapi Palace Museum is in order, which is the former residence of this legendary man. The museum is made up of a variety of exhibitions, where you can see the armory and some holy relics. The Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) is a great way to end a long and tiring day in Turkey.


You should visit the Derinkuyu Underground City while on your Turkey holidays. It is a great tourist attraction that brings lots of revenue into the capital each year. This is where an entire community of Christians lived in a system of subterranean caves & tunnels for centuries without being noticed. A lot of people visit the Ancient City of Ephesus so that they can see one of the best-kept Greco-Roman Cities in the world.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

How to Find an Address in Istanbul?

This is the most essential one of the "things to know" list.



An address in Istanbul,


- Starts with the avenue name, (street or avenue = ?caddesi?)


- Continues with the street name (a smaller street that crosses the avenue), ?street = sokak?


- Gives you the number of the building, displayed on the door,


- Gives you the number of the place, if there are more then one sections in the same building, (for example no: 5/9 means that, the building has number 5 on its entrance door and the section in the building you are looking for, has number 9 on its door.)


- Tells you the neighbourhood or district and the city at the end.


For example, if you're trying to find the Hotel Green House, located at Kabasakal Caddesi, No: 5, Sultanahmet/Istanbul,


1) Isolate the ?Sultanahmet? neighborhood on the map of Istanbul

2) Look for Mimar Kabasakal Caddesi, one of the main arteries


3) You will find the hotel at number 5.


Another word you may encounter is ?karsisi?, which means ?across from?.


Where you can?t seem to figure out an address, just ask. You will find plenty of people on the street offering to give you a hand, anyone would be happy to help you.


Asking directions is part of the local culture and a great way to get local tips?


None of the maps are 100% accurate, but you may not even notice what is missing because signs for museums, hotels, and restaurants are everywhere.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Top 10 Historic Places in Istanbul to Ease Your Trip

When it comes to "Historic Places", it is quite hard to choose between all of the "must-see and must-do"s in Istanbul? So I?ve made this list to ease your tour planning efforts?


But remember, this Top 10 is just a quick glimpse of Istanbul, only to give you the idea of the richness of the history, diversity culture, and daily life?


Think of it like this: You only smell a delicious, freshly baked brownie, didn?t even see it, let alone tasting it?


Limited Time for Discovery:


If you have limited time to discover this city of excitement, then this is just the right list for you:


1. Topkapi Palace

2. Hagia Sophia Museum


3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque Complex)


4. Hippodrome and Obelisk


5. Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)


6. Grand Bazaar


7. Grand Mosque (S?leymaniye Complex)


8. Chora Museum (St. Savior in Chora)


9. Dolmabah?e Palace


10. Pera: Istiklal Street, T?nel and Galata


Here are some detailed info


about the "Top 10 Historic Places";


1. Topkapi Palace


If you are interested even slightly, in the exotic world of the Ottoman Empire Era, Topkapi Palace is the right place to start.


The famous riots of the soldiers in the outer courtyards, the intrigues of the wives and mothers of the Sultans, the struggles between the viziers all took place here.


Today buildings in the palace are housing the collections of the precious treasures of the East and are open to public. Six hundred years of Ottoman Empire history is behind the thick walls of this palace, waiting to be discovered.


You need at least half a day
to explore Topkapi Palace properly.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



You can buy your tickets just before you reach the gate, next to the Executioner's Fountain.


It will save you time to be there before the doors open because usually busloads of people arrive at 9:30 ? 10:00. Otherwise your precious minutes will be lost in the ticket queue.


Click here for more information about the "Topkapi Palace"



Where exactly?: You can see it in Sultanahmet, behind the Hagia Sophia Museum. The main entrance, Imperial Gate is beyond the North-east corner of Hagia Sophia Church Museum.

Opening hours: 09:00 ? 16:00 (closed on Tuesdays)


Entrance fee: for the Palace: 20 TL, for the Harem: 15 TL


Adress: Sultanahmet


Info: http://www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr/



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2. Hagia Sophia Church Museum (Aya Sofya Muzesi)


The Haghia Sophia was built in the 6th century A.D by Emperor Justinian. It was the greatest church in Christian world for almost a thousand years.


Hagia Sophia Church represented the highest achievements of the Byzantine Empire, and it was the cathedral of the emperor.


The source of its great fame is the dome which was the largest dome ever constructed. And it held the record over a thousand years, until the construction of St Peter's Cathedral in Rome in 1626.


When Constantinople was conquered by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, it was converted to a mosque.


Today it serves as a museum open to people of all faiths. And still is one of the architectural wonders of the world.


See the beautifully decorated interior, world-famous mosaics and paintings of the Saints and feel the spaciousness for yourself.


Looking at this magnificent monument from the outside
is not enough.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



It will save you time to be there before the doors open because usually busloads of people arrive at 9:30 ? 10:00. Otherwise your precious minutes will be lost in the ticket queue.


Click here for more information about the "Hagia Sophia Musuem"



Where exactly?: You can see it at the North-east corner of Sultanahmet Square.

Opening hours: 09:00-18:00, except Mondays.


Entrance fee: 20 TL


Adress: Sultanahmet Square, Sultanahmet


Tel: 0212-528 45 00, 522 17 50, 522 09 89



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3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Camii Kulliyesi)


This complex, widely known by its mosque, is a landmark in the marvellous skyline of Istanbul. It was built by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, the architect, for Sultan Ahmed, in early 17th century.


It is known as Blue mosque by foreign travellers due to its turqouise and cobalt tile interior decoration.


Blue Mosque is Istanbul?s only mosque with six minarets and is one of the most significant mosques in Istanbul. It has a splendid exterior with the cascade of domes, semidomes and its six minarets.


The interior of the mosque is a very spacious one, decorated with nearly 20.000 Iznik tiles, depicting the tarditional lily, carnation, tulip, rose, cypresses and other floral motifs.


These are all in exquisite colors, with shades of blues and greens dominating. The stonework, woodwork, painted decorations are fine examples of their era.


Make sure you see
the beautifully decorated interior



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



There never is a queue, since it is not a museum but a worship place. But religious holidays and friday noons can be over-crowded.


Click here for more information about the "Blue Mosque"



Where exactly?: You can see it at the North-east corner of Sultanahmet Square.

Opening hours: Open all day long, until the last prayer time.


Entrance fee: None


Adress: Sultanahmet Square, Sultanahmet



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4. Hippodrome and the Obelisks


The Hippodrome was built during the reign of Septimus Severus in 3rd century (approx. 203 A.D.). and enlarged to its latest size by Constantine the Great in 4th century (approx. 324 A.D.).


It was located on the Sultanahmet Square (next to Sultanahmet Mosque). The Hippodrome was 480 meters long by 117 meters wide and had a seating capacity estimated at 80.000 people.


The Hippodrome had a very important place in social life of the Byzantine capital, like all other cities ruled by the Roman Empire. Countless activities and games took place at the Hippodrome.


It was the centre of the social life in Byzantium for 1000 years and the same for Istanbul in Ottoman times for 400 years.


In time, the structure of the Hippodrome was demolished. The only original relics of the ancient period are the three obelisks in Spina of the Hippodrome and the retaining wall of Sphendon of the Hippodrome.


In Ottoman times, Hippodrome became a public square where a number of activities and games took place. The cirit games (very similar to polo) took place here too and gave its name to the square; ?At Meydani? (Horse Square).


Three Obelisks are still
where they used to be in the Hippodrome.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



Click here for more information about the "Hippodrome and Obelisks"



Where exactly?: You can see the three obelisks in Spina of the Hippodrom, in Sultanahmet Square.

You can see the retaining wall of Sphendon, the series of massive vaults, at the southern end of the Hippodrome, where the land begins to slope down to the sea.


Opening hours: Open all day long.


Entrance fee: None


Adress: Sultanahmet Square, Sultanahmet



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5. Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)


Basilica Cistern was built by Emperor Justinian, in the 6th century (532 A.D.). This cistern is the largest underground cistern in İstanbul and provided water for the Great Palace.


It covers a huge space, the water under the walkways and dimmed lighting makes it very dramatic, like a film set.


Two of the columns are mounted on ancient classical pedestals in the form of Medusa heads. One of them is upside down and the other is on its side. You can see them at the North-western corner of the cistern.


Get in and see the stunning atmosphere.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



Platforms and a lighting system are added to the cistern which makes it easy to explore. And there is a nice cafe inside, you can have a drink in this exciting atmosphere.


Click here for more information about the "Basilica Cistern"



Where exactly?: You can see it on the Yerebatan Street, at the North-west of the entrance gate of Hagia Sophia.

Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:30, everyday.


Entrance fee: 10 TL (4,5 Euros)


Adress: Yerebatan Street, No: 13, Sultanahmet


Tel: (0212) 522 12 59



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6. Grand Bazaar (Kapalı ?arsi)


One of the worlds most picturesque and enchanting bazaars with its domes and vaults, Grand Bazaar was the heart of commerce during Ottoman Empire period for centuries. The Grand Bazaar was a big step towards the shopping malls of modern times.


And it is still a very important commercial center for Istanbul. This is probably the biggest of its kind in the world.


Within the dozens of alleys covered by decorated vaults you will find gorgeous Turkish carpets, leather apparel, glazed tiles, jewelry, glass artifacts, traditional handicrafts, pottery, historical restaurants, copperware, brassware, souvenirs, hookah pipes, textiles, t-shirts, home textiles, towels, furniture and so much more.


No trip to Istanbul is complete
without seeing the Grand Bazaar.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



It is more than just shopping, you will see that Grand Bazaar has a colorful, vibrant atmosphere and it is one of the best ways to explore Istanbul.


Click here for more information about the "Grand Bazaar"



Where exactly?: It is a neighborhood by itself. You can see one of its gates on Divan Yolu, in Beyazıt.

Or you can use the Nur-u Osmaniye Gate which is near the Nur-u Osmaniye Mosque, in Cağaloğlu.


Opening hours: 08:30 - 19:00, except Sunday.


Entrance fee: None


Adress: Beyazıt



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7. Suleymaniye Mosque(Suleymaniye Mosque Complex)


S?leymaniye Complex is settled on one of the seven hills of Istanbul and dominates the Historic Peninsula over the Golden Horn. It is an important landmark for the city.


Sultan S?leyman, the Magnificent who put his mark on the whole 16th century commissioned ?Sinan, the Chief Architect? for this gorgeous complex (built between 1549 and 1558).


The area which the complex was built on is a sloppy hillside. Sinan, the Chief Architect has placed the buildings at different levels through a brilliant arrangement of terraces. He created a beautiful symmetrical composition.


The idea behind building this grand complex was to emphasize the importance of science, education and knowledge and to emphasize the glory of the Ottoman Empire.


The interior of the mosque is simply decorated, but the total impression is breath-taking. The proportions and the spaciosness are noteworthy. The decorations of the mosque were made by the most gifted artisans of their times.


The dominant feeling when you enter the mosque
is being impressed by the grandeur.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



The best way is to take the tram from the Sultanahmet, get off it at the Beyazıt stop and walk. Or you can take a cab from there, if you don?t feel like walking.


Click here for more information about the "Suleymaniye Mosque"



Where exactly?: You can see it at the North-west of Grand Bazaar.

Opening hours: Open all day long, until the last prayer time.


Entrance fee: None


Adress: Mimar Sinan Street, S?leymaniye




8. Chora Museum (St. Savior in Chora)(Kariye M?zesi)


When it was first built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century, it was outside the city walls. ?In Chora? literally means ?in the country?.


The present building dates back to the 11th century and took its current shape in 14th century.


The mosaics and frescoes on the interior walls tell stories from the New Testament like the birth of Christ, the life of Virgin Mary, lifeage of Christ, Resurrection of Christ.


These magnificent mosaics and frescoes are one of the world's most important examples of early Byzantine pictorial art.


Make sure you see
the golden mosaics and frescoes.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



The Chora Curch serves as a museum today.


Click here for more information about the "Chora Church Museum"



Where exactly?: You can see it just inside the Theodosian Walls in Edirnekapı.

Opening hours: 09:00-16:30, except Wednesdays.


Entrance fee: 15 TL


Adress: Kariye Camii Sokak, Edirnekapı




9. Dolmabah?e Palace (Dolmabah?e Sarayı)


Dolmabah?e Palace is the most impressive imperial building on the Bosphorus Shores. It has a nice architectural style and a wonderful view.


Sultan Abdulmecid and his family moved to this new and modern palace all together, leaving the old Topkapı Palace totally in 1856.


This was a symbol of leaving the old order at the old palace grounds and achieving European standards as a result of the process of Westernization starting from the first half of the 19th century.


The monumental scale and rich ornamental exterior is quite the opposite of the concept of classical Otoman palace. As a result this palece is an interesting blend of a European style palace with an Otoman one.


The palace served as a residential building for M. Kemal Atat?rk, the establisher and first president of the Turkish Republic. After the death of Atat?rk in 1938 the palace has been restored and serves as a museum today.


The palace has a neo-classical, richly ornamented
exterior and interior design.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



And a little tip; there is a small cafe in the garden of the palace, on the Bosphorus shore. It is a nice place for a cold drink and some sea-breeze on a hot summer day?


Click here for more information about the "Dolmabahce Palace"



Where exactly?: You can see it in Dolmabah?e, Beşiktaş.

Opening hours: Daily between 09:00 ? 15:00 (except Thursdays) (Check if you can reserve your ticket online)


Entrance fee: 20 TL


Adress: Dolmabahce, Besiktas


Info: /www.dolmabahce.gov.tr




10. Pera: Istiklal Street, T?nel and Galata


Beyoğlu had a different name when it was at its peak time: Pera.


It took this name from the former name of Istiklal Street; Grand Rue de Pera.


Pera was the wealthy European quarter of the city with the banks, trading houses and embassies of the European community along with the large Greek and Armenian communities of the Ottoman Empire.


You can bump into several galleries, exhibitions, museums, bookstores, live music venues, trendy restaurants, hip cafes and bars while you are there.


Beyoglu is the center of modern street life and
the most important cultural centerin Istanbul today.



If you are really in a hurry then choose only:



You can find all Turkish and international brand name stores and you can find all sorts of entertainment on Istiklal Street.


Istiklal Street is a shopper?s heaven during daytime and another heaven for party animals at night.


Where exactly?: You can see it in Taksim, Beyoglu.

Opening hours: 24/7


Entrance fee: None


Adress: Istiklal Street, taksim




 

ADHAN: from Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul

For all you fans of video clips, here is another super one that really covers its topic well.

Top 10 Things To Do in Istanbul

A Top 10 things to do in Istanbul list is a hard one to create. There are so many things left behind while choosing the ones on the list...


Let? see?


This list should start with the historical highlights in Sultanahmet district. But Istanbul's other architectural delights are worth mentioning too.


For strolling, shopping and going out Beyoglu is a classic and Galata is up and rising nowadays.


A Top 10 things to do in Istanbul list cannot go without mentioning the less crowded places. Istanbul also has its quiet places like Prince?s Islands or Northern parts of Istanbul like Belgrad Forest, Anadolu Kavagi etc.. These places still remain untouched by the hectic goings on in the city, during weekdays.


Istanbul provides plenty of choices for you, actually more than you need to?


Here are the Top 10 things to do in Istanbul:


1) Explore the exotic monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires in the Old City:


See where the Roman Hippodrome was, see the Blue Mosque's fascinating interior, explore the treasures of Topkapi Palace, see the marvelous dome of Hagia Sophia, walk between the columns of Basilica Cistern, shop in Grand Bazaar and so on? For more information click here.


2) Cruise up the Bosphorus with Istanbul Shore Excursions:


Be sure to take a cruise between the two continents along the Bosphorus Strait. You will get past waterfront villages, picturesque palaces, mansions, fortresses situated on slopes, green forests and under two suspension bridges.


Remember that night view of the Bosphorus is especially pretty.


You can either take a private boat cruise which finishes under the Second bridge and turns back from there or take the ferry which travels the Bosphorus all the way to Black Sea (Anadolu Kavagi is the last stop) stopping in each port on the way for 10 minutes. For more information click here.


3) Shop in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market:


These two are the ultimate shopping experiences in an authentic atmosphere.


After having a glimpse of the Grand Bazaar, Mahmutpasa Gate exit, follow the way down full with peddlers, to the Spice Market. For more information click here.


4) Stroll through the Istiklal Street in Beyoglu:


This is probably the most famous one after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and righteoulsy deserves its place in the list of Top 10 things to do in Istanbul.


This street and its surroundings were the ?New City? of their time and named ?Pera? back then.


The area is full of elegant 19th- and early-20th century apartment buildings which were used as houses, stores and embassy buildings in giant gardens.


You can still see a couple of embassy buildings around here.


3rd oldest subway of the world, built in 1876, named ?tunel? is waiting for you at the end of this street. For more information click here.


5) Soak up the atmosphere of Fishing villages along the Bosphorus:


There are quite a number of fishing villages along the Bosphorus but a trip to Istanbul should not end without a visit to Ortakoy, Bebek or Kuzguncuk.


These are perfect venues for exploring the Bosphous part of Istanbul. And a list of Top 10 things to do in Istanbul could never go without one of these neighborhoods.


6) Ride a bike around tranquille Prince?s Islands:


Prince Islands are an archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, consisting of 9 islands.


The islands have natural forests and beaches. Going to Buyukada (the biggest one) for a day, is a renewing experience. You can have a horse carriage trip around the island or rent a bike.


Chances are, you will be surprised by the silence since motorized traffic is prohibited on the islands. For more information click here.


7) Have a refreshing Hamam experience:


Relax and cleanse with a Turkish bath and rubdown in a Hamam. You will admire the soothing effects of it on your body and mind.


You will feel totally refreshed and renewed after your hamam (Turkish bath) session. For more information click here.


8) Feel like you are one of the Imperial crown family:


Trace the footsteps of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire and their families, who lived in palaces and mansions and had hunt trips in the forests on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait.


There are lots of places for you to feel what it was like to live during the Ottoman Empire times. You can luxuriate in an Ottoman palace or a mansion converted to a hotel.


You can even stay in a prison converted to a 5 star hotel, in Sultanahmet. You don?t have to stay if you are on a budget trip, you can get in there and have a drink to soak the atmosphere.


9) Sip a cup of tea as you watch boats passing by the Bosphorus Strait:


This is the most favorite activity of us, locals. You can easily understand this just by looking at the great number of shorefront tea gardens. There are really lots of them.


You can watch the giant ships and the tiny fishing boats at the same time, you can watch the sea changing color with the wind and the sun. You will definitely be delighted to feel the soft sea breeze in your face?


This is an experiment that you should not miss. If you have to choose one of the ?Top 10 things to do in Istanbul?, pick this one.


10) Have the best dinner ever with Turkish Foods:


Have a dinner with a background of domes, Bosphorus and sunset. You have too much options it is nearly impossible to choose one.


Turkish food is not only delicious but healthy and exciting too. For more information click here.


I know I said Top 10 things to do in Istanbul, but I have to add this last one too as an 11th;


11) The Norther, the greener:


Make sure you see at least one of the Northern parts of Istanbul.


Be it the Anadolu Kavagi on Asian Side or Kilyos, Rumeli Kavagi or Belgrad Forest on European Side of Istanbul, just see one of them.


You don?t need the whole day, if you have only several hours that will do too? For more information click here.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Blue Mosque - Sultan Ahmed Mosque

We like to bring our visitors clips from time to time. Here is another great one.

Turkey Car Hire Guide

Turkey is a city lying within the boundaries of Europe and Asia. It is bordered by Greece and Bulgaria on its Europe side then by Syria and Iraq on its Asian side. It also touches the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Aegean Sea. Turkey is a transcontinental country that is both historic and beautiful at the same time. The unique offerings of this nation are the things that make tourists choose this place for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.


Turkey has many interesting spots and ancient ruins that can be a little too hard to visit if you don't have your own car. If and when you decide to come here, be sure that you seriously consider renting a vehicle that you can use to drive around. Turkey is made up of excellent highways and the locals are a bunch of civilized drivers. Even if Turkey is an entirely foreign place, driving around here can be such a breeze.


Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey but Ankara serves as its capital. In Istanbul you can see and appreciate the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maslak financial district. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque and the Dolmabahce Palace are worth visiting as well.


To hire a car, you an simply call up the major car hire companies operating in the area such as Europcar, Auto Europe, Avis, and Hertz, among others. They can help you reserve the car that you like and at the best possible deal at that. You can book directly by calling up the local partners of these car rental companies or you can book a car the moment that you arrive at the airport. However, the best way to reserve a car around here is to do it online. International car hire providers normally have online partners that can help you book the vehicle that fits you right at the convenience of your own home.


Booking online also allows you to request for your car to be available at the airport's parking lot so you can use it the moment that you arrive. Minimum driving age in Turkey is 17 years old but you have to be at least 25 years old to be able to rent a car.


Turkey Car Hire Guide


Turkey is a city lying within the boundaries of Europe and Asia. It is bordered by Greece and Bulgaria on its Europe side then by Syria and Iraq on its Asian side. It also touches the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Aegean Sea. Turkey is a transcontinental country that is both historic and beautiful at the same time. The unique offerings of this nation are the things that make tourists choose this place for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.


Turkey has many interesting spots and ancient ruins that can be a little too hard to visit if you don't have your own car. If and when you decide to come here, be sure that you seriously consider renting a vehicle that you can use to drive around. Turkey is made up of excellent highways and the locals are a bunch of civilized drivers. Even if Turkey is an entirely foreign place, driving around here can be such a breeze.


Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey but Ankara serves as its capital. In Istanbul you can see and appreciate the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maslak financial district. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque and the Dolmabahce Palace are worth visiting as well.


To hire a car, you an simply call up the major car hire companies operating in the area such as Europcar, Auto Europe, Avis, and Hertz, among others. They can help you reserve the car that you like and at the best possible deal at that. You can book directly by calling up the local partners of these car rental companies or you can book a car the moment that you arrive at the airport. However, the best way to reserve a car around here is to do it online. International car hire providers normally have online partners that can help you book the vehicle that fits you right at the convenience of your own home.


Booking online also allows you to request for your car to be available at the airport's parking lot so you can use it the moment that you arrive. Minimum driving age in Turkey is 17 years old but you have to be at least 25 years old to be able to rent a car.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Black Sea Cruises



You will find rest for your soul in the sunny Crimean Coast, adventurous activities in Istanbul's imperial mosques, and mingle with the greatest artists and writers of all time in Odessa. Some of the intriguing ports of call on the Black Sea cruises include:

Istanbul: Highlights of Istanbul include a visit to the Grand Bazaar, Turkey's largest covered market, where you'll discover treasures galore of jewelry, carpets, gold and much more. You'll tour the Suleymaniye Mosque, world renown as the most stunningly beautiful imperial mosque of Istanbul. Your senses will be delighted at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar with exotic and ecclectic scents. And don't miss the famous Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nesebur: Medieval churches and winding cobblestone lanes await you here, dotted with architectural buildings boasting facades of ceramic discs and rosettes, and ceramic ornaments and arches along the cornices. Romance has certainly not gone out of style here, with its Balkan churches and flowering gardens.

Odessa: Pretty pastel buildings, warm waters and sun-bathed beaches beckon visitors here, attracting hundreds of thousands of world travelers, and for good reason. The Art Nouveau, ornate French architecture and white stone buildings embedded with seashells give one a feeling of opulance and old world charm. It's no wonder this gem is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Black Sea."

Yalta: This charming seaside resort with a backdrop of mountain peaks is the highlight of Black Sea cruises. It was a favorite among Russian czars, with tours available in many of their palaces. The White Palace in Livadia was the former Romanov vacation home. Don't miss the Chekhov House museum and garden while you're here, and take some time to see the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens on a hilltop just outside of Yalta.

Varna: This romantic riviera town is a shipyard and port, decorated with Baroque architecture and shady promenades. It will take you back in time with its seaside gardens and vineyards, but it also has a cosmopolitan feel. The oldest gold treasure in the world was discovered here years ago; no wonder this was a playground for Romanian royalty.

Trabzon: The largest port on the Black Sea coast, Trabzon offers a variety of tourist attractions, some of which date back to ancient times. The Gulbahar Hatun Mosque is worth seeing, and the Sumela Monastery is not to be missed. It's perched on the facade of a cliff amidst the clouds, and offers a chapel, church and library in the tour. On one of the many beautiful plateaus in Trabzon, the famous Kadirga Festival takes place every spring.

Black Sea cruises will take you to these and many other unique Mediterranean destinations. Where else in the world can you go where you'll feel like royalty upon setting foot in magical places, and be treated like royalty on the cruise ship that will take you back in time?

Two Days’ Tour Of Istanbul



If you have only two days to tour Istanbul, how should you spend it so you could make the most out of your Turkish holiday in the city? These are our suggestions on how to spend a two-day tour of Istanbul.

Morning, Day One

On the morning of your first day, you must go see the usual sights that tourists go to in Istanbul. You can join a group guided tour, hire a guide for a private tour, or wander off on your own.

However you do it, you must see these places:

• The Sultan Ahmet Mosque or the Blue Mosque of Turkey. The most important tourist attraction in Istanbul is Blue Mosque; you cannot leave the city without seeing it. This historic mosque was named for the blue tiles adorning its interiors, and Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles which are beautifully blend in the mosque is very famous.

• The Suleymaniye Mosque. One of the important and historical mosque, the Suleymaniye Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman I in 1550. It is bigger than Hagia Sophia and it was meant to match the beauty. Many royal Ottomans are interred in the Suleymaniye Mosque, including Suleiman himself and his wife Roxelana.

• The Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in all of Christendom for a thousand years. It was the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture, the most beautiful example of it, with its massive dome and its intricate mosaics. But then, after the Muslim Ottomans invaded Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. For 500 years, it was the principal mosque of the Ottoman Empire.

• The Palaces of Topkapi and Dolmabahce. These most famous two palaces of Istanbul were once residences of the Ottoman Sultans. The Topkapi Palace is an example of Islamic-Ottoman architecture while the Domabahce’s architectrure is European in style.

• Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Turkey has prided itself over its archaeological treasures – Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Muslim, among others. In this museum you can find fine specimens and relics of these treasures.

Evening, Day One

If you are person who likes to go clubs at night, Istanbul will satisfy you. The first night of your two-day tour of the city should have you sampling the night life in bars and clubs along the Bosphorus and the Ortakoy District, among other spots in Istanbul.

Morning and Afternoon, Day Two

Your last morning in Istanbul should be spent shopping. Istanbul is known for its exquisite handicrafts such as rugs and jewelry. There are many places for shopping but the best of them are the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and the Ortakoy Market. However, if your taste runs along modern conveniences and luxury goods, you will never find a lack of shopping malls in Istanbul. Istanbul has many expansive shopping malls, we can easily say that Istanbul is one of the shopping capitals of Europe.

You can spend your final afternoon of two-day tour of Istanbul by trying to look at the city the way its residents do. You can do this by spending your afternoon at a café by the Bosphorus, watching people. If you do not feel like people-watching, riding a ferry from the Bosphorus to the Princes’ Islands might be a good choice for you.

You can make the most of a two-day tour of Istanbul with a little planning. Go on and enjoy your trip.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Nicomedia the town I live.

HISTORY

Nicomedia (Greek: Νικομήδεια, Nikomedeia; modern İzmit, Turkey) was founded in 712/11 BC as a Megarian colony and was originally known as Astacus (Ancient Greek: Αστακός, "lobster"). After being destroyed by Lysimachus, it was rebuilt by Nicomedes I of Bithynia in 264 BC under the name of Nicomedia, and has ever since been one of the most important cities in northwestern Asia Minor. Hannibal came to Nicomedia in his final years and committed suicide in nearby Libyssa (Diliskelesi, Gebze). The historian Arrian was born there. Nicomedia was the metropolis of Bithynia under the Roman Empire, and Diocletian made it the eastern capital city of the Roman Empire in 286 when he introduced the Tetrarchy system. Nicomedia remained as the eastern (and most senior) capital of the Roman Empire until co-emperor Licinius was defeated by Constantine the Great at the Battle of Chrysopolis (Üsküdar) in 324. Constantine mainly resided in Nicomedia as his interim capital city for the next six years, until in 330 he declared the nearby Byzantium (which was renamed Constantinople (present-day Istanbul)) the new capital. Constantine died in a royal villa in the vicinity of Nicomedia in 337. Owing to its position at the convergence of the Asiatic roads leading to the new capital, Nicomedia retained its importance even after the foundation of Constantinople.
However, a major earthquake on 24 August 358 caused extensive devastation to Nicomedia and was followed by a fire which completed the catastrophe. Nicomedia was rebuilt, but on a smaller scale. In the sixth century under Emperor Justinian the city was extended with new public buildings. Situated on the roads leading to the capital, the city remained a major military center, playing an important role in the Byzantine campaigns against the Caliphate.
From the 840s on, Nicomedia was the capital of the thema of the Optimatoi. By that time, most of the old, seawards city had been abandoned and is described by the Arab geographer Ibn Khurdadhbih as lying in ruins. The settlement had obviously been restricted to the hilltop citadel. In the 1080s, the city served as the main military base for Alexios I Komnenos in his campaigns against the Seljuk Turks, and the First and Second Crusades both encamped there. The city was held by the Latin Empire between 1204 and ca. 1240, when it was recovered by John III Vatatzes. It remained in Byzantine control for a further century, but following the Byzantine defeat at the Battle of Bapheus in 1302, it was threatened by the rising Ottoman beylik. The city was twice blockaded by the Ottomans (in 1304 and 1330) before finally succumbing in 1337.

This slideshow is formed from the photos I have taken in the museum of archeology, the old train station and the clock tower.

Enjoy

Istanbul Holidays



5. The Arcadia Hotel

Along with the first class accommodation and cuisine you would expect with holidays in Turkey, this hotel offers some of the best views in the city. You can lose yourself in staring from your room's windows across the Sea of Marmara or share a romantic moment looking out over the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque at night. The perfect view to start or end a day on, and you don't even have to leave your hotel room.

4. The Hagia Sophia

No holiday to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Hagia Sophia. There are many great views of building around the city, and as an imposing monument it is hard to miss, but one of the best views is actually inside the Museum. Originally a patriarchal basilica and then a mosque, the "Church of Holy Wisdom" (as Hagia Sophia translates) is huge and awe inspiring. It is the third church to be built on the site and has a chequered history involving Catholic, Christian Orthadox and Muslim ownership. The scale of the outside is nothing to the artistry of the inside of the building, and the best views of the structure are to be had from beneath the dome or from the upper galleries.

3. Çamlica Hill

The view from the top of Çamlica Hill is popular with those on Turkish holidays, and the first truly panoramic view on our list. The view encompasses the Levent and Maslak financial districts, the Bosphorus bridge and the Bosphorus Strait itself. Equally grandiose in the day or at night, it gives you a great feeling of the scale and feats of modern engineering in Istanbul that are often ignored in favour of the more historic sights.

2. The Bosphorus Bridge

The bridge is a technical wonder to behold, but it is the view from the bridge that we're most interested in. The views offered are those into the Golden Horn harbour, the Black Sea and the Marara Sea and give the viewer the feeling of being at a true crossroads. While on the Bridge your holiday takes on a truly international feeling, standing as you are between Asia, Europe, the Black Sea and the way to the Mediterranean. A must on any visit to Istanbul.

1. The Galata Tower

At about the same height as Tower Bridge in London, the Galata Tower is a great vantage point for the quintessential panorama of Istanbul, and a highlight of many people's holidays to Turkey. It provides great views of the entire city, all of the major monuments and the incredible scenery of the area, and is the top of our list as it towers over obstructions and gives you a great sense of Istanbul as a whole.
Richards Wilson is sharing knowledge about Istanbul weekend break. Get more details on www.myvacations.co.uk

Istanbul, Turkey - Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)

Here is a video that I think readers of our blog will find interesting. It is titled "Istanbul, Turkey - Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) ". I hope you enjoy it.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Top Istanbul Attractions



There’s a whole world waiting to be discovered in Istanbul, famous for its traditions of hospitality. Start your exploration in Sultanahmet where a plethora of architectural marvels jostle for space in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing in the Hippodrome (Roman racecourse), now a park, is Istanbul’s oldest monument, the 3,500-year-old obelisk of Theodosius.

Close by is the famous Imperial Sultanahmet Mosque or the Blue Mosque, so named because of its beautiful interior paneling of blue and white Iznik tiles. Its six elegant spires become the backdrop for a son-et-lumiere during the summer months. Considered one of the beautiful of all the imperial mosques in Istanbul, the white marble Imperial Suleymaniye Mosque was built by Sinan, the most famous architect of Ottoman times. Situated on the West Bank of the Golden Horn, its vast domes and slender minarets dominate the skyline. Other grand mosques in the city are the Rustem Pasa Mosque, the Imperial Fatih Mosque, the Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, the Mosque of Eyup, and the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.

PALACES
Istanbul’s stunning palaces are one of the reasons why this city is such a magnet for visitors. The spectacular Topkapi Palace was once the home of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. Must-sees are its Harem and its Treasury Room with its dazzling 86-carat teardrop-shaped Spoonmaker’s Diamond (the fifth largest in the world), the emerald-studded Topkapi Dagger, the bejeweled sword of Suleyman the Magnificent, and the mother-of-pearl inlaid throne of Ahmet I. And, while entering the Imperial Gate of Topkapi, don’t miss the ornate Fountain Sultan Ahmet III built in 1728. The palace has even been the subject of a Mozart opera, The Abduction from the Seraglio. The Ottoman-European Dolmabahce Palace, with its ornate gate and beautiful gardens, spans 600 metres of the European shore of the Strait. Visit the lavish selamlik (ceremonial suites) and harem and concubines’ quarters to see its extravagant interiors. Beylerbeyi Palace us a stunning creation in white marble set in fragrant magnolia-filled garden, overlooking the Bosphorus. Built by Sultab Abdulaziz as his summer residence, it once hosted many royal guests including Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie. Istanbul’s other splendid palaces include Ciragan Palace, Goksu Palace and Yildiz Palace.

MONUMENTS & MUSEUMS
Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, the Basilica of Hagia Sophia (now called the Ayasofya Museum) is one of the finest architectural masterpieces of all time. Once the most magnificent church of the Christian world, it was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, and then into a museum by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and the first president of the Turkish Republic. Its awe-inspiring dome and stunning Byzantine mosaics cannot fail to dazzle even the most blasé of visitors. The Kariye Museum, in the Chora complex, is an important Byzantine monument, especially for its stunning 14th-century mosaic depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The beautifully restored Haseki Sultan Hamami, now an exhibition center for Turkish textiles and carpets, was once one of the most magnificent hamams in Istanbul with its two grand domed halls. There are many more palaces, monuments and museums to explore in Turkey. Car rental Istanbul is for the confident tourist who wants to explore the sites which feature in any list of Turkey’s top tourist attractions.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT…
It would be a shame to leave Istanbul without taking an unforgettable boat ride up the Istanbul Strait that separates Europe and Asia. Its shores offer breathtaking views and are lined with beautiful palace, majestic fortresses, wooden villas and trendy hotels-a curious blend of the past and present. Embark at Eminonu and sail past Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Goksu Palace the fortresses of Rumeli Hisari and Annadolu Hisari, and the two bridges that link Europe and Asia – the Bogazici Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. A traditional boat excursion is a great way to see some of the stunning sights of this fabulous city. Leaving Istanbul Turkey car hire is the most convenient way to explore beautiful places and attractions.
Myself Kathy Green and traveling is my passion, I like to travel in different destinations all over the world and mostly prefers to book my car at car rental Turkey . Especially car hire Istanbul service in Turkey made my last trip very successful and explored many nearby places.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Basilica Cistern or Yerebatan Sarayı ( Sunken Palace) in Turkish

The Basilica Cistern had been constructed by 1. Iustiniaus in 542 BC to supply water for the surrounding palaces. The locals called it the Sunken Palace because it looked like an undreground Bzyantian Palace.  The cistern was next to a square called Basilica Stoa this commercial building also gave the cistern its name.  Istanbul city was growing rapidly.
 The emperors were bringing water from outskirts of Istanbul.  However in war times these channels were being demolished that was why they had needed these huge cisterns.



In the borders of the old city it was explored over 70 cisterns.  The basilica Cistern is the biggest of all.  The dimensions are 138 x 64.6 meters and the height is 9 meters.  Thişs counts roughly 80000 metric tonnes of storage capacity.  The walls and base of the cistern is 4.8 meters thick brick walls covered by 5 cm insulation concrete.  It have been used 336 columns have been used to carry the ceiling that were placed every 4.80 meters.  These columns and some of the materials have been brought from old or antique buildings.


It has been used for the watering system of Topkapi Palace for a while then has been forgotten.  In 1150 the Dutch travveller P. Gyllius has explored the cistern again.  After 1940 in The Turkish Republic the renovation has started and in 1987 after extracting 50000 metric tones of mud in 2 years the museum started to accept visitors.

I will addd my photos
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Brilliance of the Seas gemisi ile Ege Gezisi notları 2 ...Her sabah başka limanda uyanmak


Uğradığınız limanlar ve adalarda gördükleriniz adadaki yapılanma ve insan manzaraları nasıldı?
Saat 22.00 sularında muhteşem bir havi fişek gösterisi ile İstanbul’un ışıkları gözden uzaklaşırken güvertedeki eğlenceye katıldık. Kokteyl ve dansla denize açılmayı kutladık. Bütün gece süren yolculukta ne bir sallantı nede bir gürültü vardı.Sanki yüzen bir adada muhteşem bir otelde idik.Yolculuğumuzun ilk günü denizde geçtikten sonra ilk limana sabah 7.30 da Akdeniz’in mavi suları içinde Yunanistan’ın en davetkar yerlerinden biri olan Mykonos Adasına demir attık.
Yunan mitolojisine göre burası Herkül’ün devleri öldürdüğü yer. Adanın etrafını çevreleyen büyük kayalıkların bu devlerin taşlaşmış gövdeleri olduğu söylenmektedir. Mükellef bir kahvaltı ettikten sonra saat 10.00da 'mecburi yolcu toplanma tatbikatı' yaptık. Odadaki TV'den sürekli tatbikat eğitimi veriliyordu zaten. Dolabın içinden can yeleklerimizi alarak bizim gitmemiz gereken 6.güverteye gittik. Can yeleklerimizi takarak eğitimi aldık. Tabi herkes gırgır şamata yaptı... Tatbikat sonrası sea pass kartlarımızı alarak gemiden ayrıldık. Gemiye dönüş saat 22.00 eğer dönmezseniz pasaportunuzu bırakıp gemi limandan ayrılıyormuş. Her sabah başka bir limanda uyanmak, çok güzel bir duygu...
Yüzen dev bir adada bir oteldesiniz ve her sabah başka bir limanda uyanıyorsunuz.
Mykonos Yunan adalarının içinde en çok ziyaret edilen adaların başında geliyormuş.
Özellikle dünya jet sosyetesinin müdavimi olduğu adada sınırsız eğlence ve sınırsız alışveriş imkânı olduğu için pahalı. Bu nedenle alışverişlerimizi Santorini Adasına saklıyoruz. Zamanımız kısıtlı olduğu plajlara gitmek yerine şehri turlamayı tercih ettik. Bembeyaz badanalı evler, rengarenk kapıları, balkonlardan sarkan begonvil ve sardunyalarla rıhtımda yan yana dizilmiş yel değirmenleri ile ışıl ışıl kuyumcu dükkanları ile görülmeye değerdi Mykonos...


3.günün sabahı Santorini limanında uyandık.
Santorini volkanik püskürtmeler sonucu, denize dik siyah kayalardan oluşan uçurumlarla kaplı bir ada. Merkeze çıkabilmek için, teleferik katırlar ve dik merdivenler var. Adanın denizden görünüşü harika. Adayı turlamak için motosiklet veya araba kiralamak mümkün.
Biz otobüsle gezmeyi tercih ettik. Santorini bir zamanlar çok büyük bir ada imiş (Thera).
4-5 tane volkanik dağ varmış. M.Ö 1400 yıllarında büyük bir volkanik patlama olmuş ve adanın ortaları suların altında kalmış. Böylece kocaman Thera adası 4-5 tane irili ufaklı adadan oluşan bir takım adaya dönüşmüş. Sonraları bu adalardan en büyüğü olanında medeniyet ilerlemiş ve Hıristiyanlık döneminde Aziz İroni'ye ithafen adaya Santorini adı verilmiş. Santorini'nin hemen batısındaki adanın adı hala Thera ve üzerinde aktif bir volkan var. Her gün tekneler dolusu turist volkanı görmek için Thera'ya gidiyorlar. Bize volkanı uzaktan Santorini tepesinden seyretmek daha cazip geldi. Neme lazım patlar matlarJ
Santorini ayrıca şarapları ile de ünlü. Santorini'de genelde her şey mavi. Beyaz badanalı parlement mavisi kapı ve pencereleri kubbeli yapı tarzı ise karakteristik özelliklerinden en önemlisi. Dünyanın en meşhur günbatımı manzarası adanın en kuzeyinde bulunan Oia'da bir Kafede oturuyoruz. Her milletten, her renkten insanla güneş batarken Santorini'nin gerçek ruhunu hafızalarımıza kazıyoruz.

4.gün Kuşadası’ndayız. Bir başkadır benim memleketim...
Efes'in giriş kapısı. Cleopatra, Markus Antonius, Meryem Ana ve Aziz John'a ev sahipliği yapmış bir kent. Turistlerin çoğu Artemis tapınağı ve Meryem Ana'nın evini ziyaret ederken, bir kısmı da plajlara, kasaba ve köy turlarına katıldı.
5.gün denizde geçti. Geminin tüm imkânlarından faydalandık. Karaoke şarkılar söyledik. Muhteşem Kabare şovlar izledik. Diskosunda Türk şarkılarıyla herkesi coşturduk. Bir çok ülkenin insanı ile tek yürek olduk...
6.gün İstanbul'a varış. Bir rüyadan uyanış ve eve gitme vakti.
Çok keyifli bir seyahat geçirdiğiniz anlaşılıyor. Bir sonraki seyahatin nereye olmasını isterdiniz? Sardunya veya Kanarya adaları olabilir.









Brilliance of the Seas gemisi ile Ege Gezisi notları 1





*Özgür Kocaeli Gazetesi’nden Semahat Gün’ün Müzeyyen Topçu TAN ile yaptığı röportajdan alıntı.
Dişhekimi Müzeyyen Topçu Tan ve eşi Dr. Ömer Tan’ın Brilliance of the Seas (Denizlerin parıltısı) gemisiyle; İstanbul’dan başlayıp Yunanistan’ın Mykonos ve Santorini Adaları, Kuşadası ve tekrar İstanbul’a dönüş ile tamamlanan muhteşem seyahatini dinleyeceğiz.
Bu güzel seyahati dinlemek bile yaşamak kadar güzel. Bize bu seyahati anlatacak olan çifti tanıyalım önce…
Müzeyyen Topçu TAN; SAKARYA-Hendek doğumlu…
1988 İstanbul Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi mezunu. O tarihten bu yana ilimizde (Kocaeli) serbest dişhekimi olarak çalışmakta... Birçok sivil toplum örgütünün aktif üyeliği dışında; CHP Kocaeli il örgütünde il kurul üyeliği, il eğitim sekreterliği, il sekreterliği, 2007 genel seçimlerinde milletvekili adaylığı var yani gerçek anlamda elini taşın altına sokan ender kadınlarımızdan…
Ömer TAN Erzincan-Kemah doğumlu...1981 Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi’nden mezun olup, çeşitli sağlık kurumlarında görev yaptıktan sonra iş yeri hekimi olarak mesleğini sürdürüyor. TAN çiftinin Kadir Has Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi’nde okuyan Ozan Kutay isimli bir oğulları var.
Müzeyyen hanım, seyahate çıkmaya karar verdikten sonra, gemiyi gördüğünüzde neler hissettiniz. Kısaca gemiyi anlatır mısınız?
Seyahate çıkacağımız ‘‘Brilliance of the Seas’’ gemisi Almanya’da yapılmış. Ayrıntıyı sevenler için belirteyim; Gemi 290 metre uzunluğunda, 32 metre genişliğinde, 8,5 m. su altı derinliği olan, 12 yolcu güvertesi, 9 yolcu asansörü, 3 pervanesi 2 dumansız gaz türbini ile 14 katlı muhteşem bir tasarım yani kısacası yüzen bir ada…
2500 konuk için hazırlanmış bu muhteşem gemi, kamaraları ve uluslararası 848 mürettebattan oluşan hizmetlisi, solaryum, güzellik salonu, üç havuz, üç jakuzili havuz, basketbol sahası, kaya tırmanış duvarı, golf sahaları, koşu yolları, dükkânlar, butikler, sanat ve foto galerisi, kahve evi revir vs. mevcut.
Böyle bir gemiyi görünce ve içeriye girince neler hissettiniz?Büyük bir gemide olacağımızı ve onunla seyahat edeceğimizi biliyordum ama geminin bu denli görkemli, bu denli büyük olacağını düşünememiştim açıkçası. Karaköy rıhtımında demirlenmiş Brilliance of the Seas gemisini görünce hayallerimin çok üstünde olduğunu fark edip, şaşırdım…
Yaklaşık iki bin kişinin seyahat edeceği Avrupa’dan uçakla İstanbul’a gelen yolcular vardı. da gemiye binilmeye başlandı. Gemiye binerken pasaportlarımızı aldılar ve bize ‘sea pas’ denen manyetik kartlar verdiler. Gemiye bu kartları kullanarak girebiliyorsunuz ve limanlarda inerken bu kartlarla çıkış yapabiliyorsunuz. Gemiye binip kamaramızı bulduk. İçeride PortoRicolu Richardo bizi güler yüzü ile karşıladı.

Kamaramız çok büyük değildi (daha büyük kamaralarda vardı) ama alan iyi değerlendirilmiş ve ergonomik kullanılmıştı. Eşyalarımızı yerleştirip gemiyi keşfe çıktık. Gezdikçe hayretimiz daha da arttı. Aklınıza gelebilecek her türlü konfor ve eğlence için gereken ne varsa düşünülmüştü. Gemide Süleyman Demirel Kültür Merkezi (Kocaeli) büyüklüğünde 1 tiyatro salonu, bilardo masaları, her katta ikişer üçer tane piyano ve oyun makineleri mevcuttu. Gemide hiç bir anınız boş geçmiyor. Sabah güvertede koşabilir veya spor salonunda aletli jimnastik yapabilirsiniz. Sonra yüzebilir ya da jakuzi de dinlenebilirsiniz. Masa tenisi, mini golf, basketbol oynayabilirsiniz. Kısacası spor yapmak için çok seçenek var. Zaten sürekli yemek yedikten sonra spor yapmazsanız on kilo fazlayla seyahati bitirirsiniz herhalde.
Gemide mutfak nasıldı, özellikle yedikleriniz?
Her saat atıştırabileceğiniz hafif yiyeceklerin sunulduğu açık büfelerin olduğu güvertelerin yanı sıra şık bir lokantada, klasik müzik eşliğinde yemek istiyor ve hizmet bekliyorsanız, Ministreal Restaurant’ı tercih ediyorsunuz. Bu lokantada canlı müzik eşliğinde size hizmet eden 75 ayrı ülkeden 1 müdür,3 şef garson,75 garson, 90 komi bulunuyor. Her masaya düşen garson sayısı da en az 2-3 kişi. Önce şef garson gelip hangi dilde mönü istediğinizi soruyor ve tavsiye edeceği yemeği söylüyor. İnsanı hizmet bunalımına sokuyorlar desem yeridir. Hatta ‘‘Istakoz ve karidesleri ayıklamamızı ister misiniz?’’ Diye soruyorlar. ‘‘Yok, o kadarda değil artık.’’ İnsan hizmetten sıkılır mı? Burada sıkılıyorsunuz. Bu arada İtalyan, Japon, Fransız mutfağından değişik lezzetler tatmayı da ihmal etmedik. Mahi mahi balığı, suşi İtalyan sebze çorbaları, risotti, pastalar (İtalyan makarna çeşitleri) ve inanılmaz güzel tatlılar. Garsonlar günde 16.000tabak yemek hazırlıyorlarmış...



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

All in one place, in 200 meters diameter.


Most of the people even locals from Istanbul knows Tophane with the waterpipe cafes.  Actually the tobacco for waterpipes is coming from Arabic countries and the waterpi,pe itself is nothingto do with neither Turkish nor Ottoman culture that much.
 I would like to write on the real Tophane.  Top means cannon and Tophane is Cannon Factory.


In Ottoman Empire the cannons were molded in large, with dome, lots of chimney and lots of water storage capacity buildings called Tophane.  After the invasion of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet he orderer the construction of a Tophane in Istanbul.  Is is called Tophane-i Amire somewat central gun factory.  That is where the name of the town came from.




The area is full of history and unique pieces of history.  Tophane-i Amire watches beautiful Tophane Fountain that was ordered by Mahmut 1st in 1732.  The fountain is enjoying the shade of famous Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque and Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam of Mimar Sinan.

If you keep Topjane-i Amire on your left and walk around 150 meters you reach Nusretiye Mosque.  Ordered by Selim 2nd and rebuild by Mahmud 2nd after tyhe fire.  The architect was an Armenian Krikor Balyan master and the height of the dome is 33 meters while the diameter is 7.5 meters.









I am attaching some photos of these monumental historical pieces.  If you pass by Tophane visit these places and enjoy your tea with a waterpipe if you like.  It is such a place fro locals that we can understand the difference between looking and seeing.

With loves from Tophane

Hepsi bir arada, hepsi 200 metre çap içinde.


İstanbul'lu olsun olmasın herkes Tophane'yi bilir.  Daha çok nargile kahvehaneleri ve kabadayıları ile.   Ne hikmetse tömbekileri Arap ülkelerinden gelen nargilelerin tüttürüldüğü o kahvehanelerden dönüşmüş cafe'ler ile özdeşleşmiştir bu semt. Aslen nargilenin,  ne Türk ne Osmanlı ile doğrudan bir ilişkisi de yoktur da, neyse.  Ben sizlere Tophane'nin başka yönlerini anlatmak istiyorum.  


Osmanlı'da toplar büyük, kubbeli, kagir, bol bacalı ve içinde su sarnıçları olan tophanelerde üretilirdi.  İstanbul'ul fethi sonrası Fatih Sultan Mehmet buraya Tophane-i Amire'yi kurdurdu.  Ve evet Tophane adı buradan gelmektedir.  Bina hala tüm ihtişamı ile duruyor ve hali, hazırda müze olarak düzenlenmiş durumda.  Bu ihtişamlı bina, Sultan 1. Mahmut tarafından 1732 yılında  yaptırılan Tophane meydan çeşmesine bakmaktadır.
 Bu güzel ve nadide çeşme ise Koca Sinan'ın eseri Kılıç Ali Paşa Camii'in minarelerinin altında gölgelenir.  Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı ise sakine ve güzel yapısı ile Camii arkasına adeta saklanmıştır, bir de orada bulunan otoparka.




Bu muhteşem üçlü orada duruverir asırlardır ama birçoğumuz gidip bakmamışızdır şöyle gerçekten görerek.   Tophane-i Amire'yi solunuza alıp şöyle 150 metre yürürseniz bir başka güzellik çıkar karşınıza.   Nusretiye Camii,  2. Selim tarafından 19. YY da yaptırılan camii, geçirdiği yangından sonra,  2. Mahmut tarafından yeniden yaptırılmıştır.  Mimarı Krikor Balyan olup, kubbesinin yerden yüksekliği 33 metre ve çapı 7.5 metredir.




Daha fazla yazarak sizleri sıkmak istemiyorum.  En iyisi fotoğraf ve kısa bir film  ile sizleri yalnız bırakayım.  Ve lütfen çocuklarımıza öğretelim, görerek baksınlar.