About Marmara |
Is there a capital city more mysterious than Istanbul? The capital city of Turkey is a treasure trove of culture and history, offering up a heritage that spans many centuries. But when you go here today, you'll find that it's also a contemporary metropolis that's present in the here and now. So with that in mind, what do you make of Istanbul? How do you see it as a city? Well, the truth of the matter is that the Turkish capital can always surprise you when you least expect it. There's always something to discover at every corner, from romantic spots to beautiful monuments.
With a current population of around 15,415,197 residents, Istanbul is one of the largest cities in Turkey. It's also the only capital city in the world that sits on two different continents, with the western half located in Europe and the eastern half in Asia. Because of this, Istanbul itself has become a central business and finance hub on both continents, particularly in the Middle East. Though despite the growing international communities here, it remains a Turkish city through and through. So when it comes to language, Turkish still reigns supreme here. Fortunately, the city has many language schools that can teach it to you when you get here.
Since Istanbul sits on the border of two continents, the city experiences all four seasons. And during the peaks of summer and winter, the weather conditions here tend to be harsh. Those who aren't used to it may find it unpleasant and uncomfortable. So in terms of the best time to go here, that'd be around March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). Apart from the milder weather conditions during these times, they're also the off-season months for tourists. This means you'll face fewer crowds, especially in the top tourist spots, as well as lower rates for accommodations.
There's truly no city quite like Istanbul. Since the Turkish capital sits between two continents, you can tell that some parts are noticeably European and some are evidently Asian. They further prove just how diverse the neighborhoods in Istanbul really are. Not the least of which is Cihangir, perhaps the most diverse district in the city. Home to many different kinds of communities, it's almost like Istanbul's own melting pot. Meanwhile, Çukurcuma bursts will sorts of charms. From its centuries-old boutiques to its modern luxury homes, the place will truly fascinate you no matter what!
You don't even have enough fingers to count all the must-see places here in Istanbul. With a city whose history spans many centuries, has had a lot of different cultural influences, and is located right smack on the border between two continents, of course, it will feature a ton of incredible attractions.
Spending a day, or even a week, there won't be enough to see every single one of them! But among the most popular, the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Galata Tower, and the Blue Mosque ought to be at the top of your itinerary. No matter how many times you see them, they'll still take your breath away!
As with any other capital city out there, Istanbul is a pretty affordable place. Although the costs of staying in this city can still get high, it all depends on where you spend your money. Let's focus on food, for instance. If you continuously eat out here, of course, you'll run out of money before you realize it. But if you simply shop for food, it will only take you around ₺341.94 (€5.81/$6.79) for groceries that will last you around one to two weeks. As for your rent, the common rental fees in Istanbul range from around ₺1,000.00 to ₺7,000.00 a month.
It's no secret that the Turkish are generally conservative people. So when you go here, you have to adhere to the country's social customs in order to avoid offending locals and getting into trouble. This means avoiding touching—whether intentionally or accidentally—people's legs as it is considered sexual to do so. If you're not careful you might get accused of sexual harassment.
You also should remove your shoes when you enter people's homes. They're very particular about the dirt that comes under your footwear which might dirty up their space. And finally, when you get invited to a wedding, always bring gold as a gift. It's the custom here.
Now, let's talk about public transport! As a central city in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, it's only natural that Istanbul's public transport runs smoothly. Many of them don't just travel throughout the various districts in the city; they cross continents every single day. So it's a good thing that the Turkish capital offers a ton of efficient options on how to get around here. From the subway system to the buses and trams, and with the help of transportation apps, there's a lot to choose from when traveling in Istanbul. And if you want less hassle when navigating the, you ought to purchase an Istanbul Kart (Istanbul Card) as well!
Since 2003, Turkey has offered universal healthcare to all its citizens and residents. In fact, around 5% of the public sector's entire funds make up 75.2% of health expenditures in the country. So in terms of the country's healthcare system, becoming a resident means you get access to the public health option. But if you're simply visiting a tourist, you'd do well in getting a private plan instead. This is the only way non-residents can get all sorts of health benefits in Istanbul and beyond. And when you need to get treated in some of the best hospitals here, you'll still get subsidized rates for your medical costs.
If there's one thing most people love about Turkey, it's their food! Turkish cuisine has become one of the most popular over the years. The country's many dishes, delicacies, and desserts continue to excite even the most seasoned and well-traveled foodies. And as the Turkish capital, there's a lot to look forward to in Istanbul.
From the exciting street food to well-prepared dishes in the city's best hotspots, exploring Istanbul is an exciting culinary experience. You should still get those best-known delicacies, ranging from classic falafel and hearty Şiş kebaps to sweet baklava squares. The latter would pair well with Turkish coffee too!
The Turkish are very religious when it comes to their national holidays. expect a good many of them to be connected to their beliefs. Since Turkish is a Muslim country, holidays like Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid-al-Adha, and Hijra (Islamic New Year) are all observed here. And during these holy days, Istanbul tends to go quiet. Most people are busy praying in their homes or nearby mosques while various establishments remain closed. So when you're planning to go here, make sure to know about the holidays that might fall on your trip. This can affect your itinerary in a big way!
It's one thing to visit Istanbul as a tourist but it's a whole different matter if you relocate here. It's not as simple as moving to a nearby neighborhood or the next city. Depending on where you're coming from, you'll have to get used to a whole other culture and way of life. Of course, as difficult as this may sound, it's not entirely impossible.
And as Turkey continues to cement itself as a major player in the world, its capital city will also remain a central hub in the region. So if you're really going to move to Istanbul, at least let this relocation guide help you out!
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