Istanbul is a huge city, and this creates a massive crowd of people, traffic and more. When this is the case, we all often need to escape the noise of the city, to move away, and to fill our lungs with clean air. When we feel this way, our eyes are immediately turning out of Istanbul. Yet in Istanbul, there are still areas where we can spend time in nature. Some are even in the middle of the city! If you want to escape from the noise of the city and breathe fresh air, look at these green areas of Istanbul. Macka Democracy Park “If you want to go to a green area where I can get fresh air without getting too far away,” the venue is Maçka Democracy Park. You can have fun walks in Maçka Democracy Park; you can work cardio in the park, you can have a picnic and spend your day here. Belgrad Forest Belgrad Forest, one of the most visited green areas in Istanbul, is a great option to escape the noise of the city. There are many trails in the Belgrad Forest where you can walk or jog. Apart from that, you can take your own food and ingredients and have breakfast or barbecue. Gulhane Park Gülhane Park, which is used as an outer garden of Topkapı Palace during the Ottoman period, is one of the points that should be visited after making the historical peninsula tour. You will feel yourself in the past when you are sitting in this park with colourful flowers and majestic trees. Atatürk Arboretum Atatürk Arboretum, located on the Kemerburgaz-Bahçeköy road in Sarıyer, was founded in 1949. Completed in 1982, you can see all shades of green in this place. Walk here, more than a green field! Because there are many different types of trees and plants brought together in the forest. Yıldız Park Located in the vicinity of Maçka Democracy Park, Yıldız Park is an alternative to it. Therefore, the park is a frequented place for the people living in Besiktas, Sisli, Taksim and Mecidiköy areas. The trees in this park, which has excellent running parkour, are quite imposing. Therefore, it is possible to break away from the city while spending time here. Buyukada and Heybeliada Istanbul residents and tourists coming to Istanbul is seriously interested in the most popular islands of the Prince’s Islands Büyükada and Heybeliada… With the ferries from Bostancı, Kadikoy, Eminonu and Besiktas you can visit the islands to take long and pleasant walks while making a sigh you can breathe the air. You can also experience the magnificent history of Buyukada and Heybeliada. Polonezköy Natural Park Polonezköy Nature Park is a great option to get away from the city. Here you can go trekking, jogging, hiking, camping and picnicking. You can also stay in hotels in the area. You can enjoy a pleasant meal in the self-catering restaurants in the region. Validebağ Grove There are more than forty different types of trees in Validebağ Grove which is located at the intersection point of Altunizade and Barbaros neighbourhoods of Üsküdar. Here you can exercise and breathe plenty of oxygenated air. You can also end up with an excellent meal and tea in the restaurants and cafes located here. Kaymakdonduran Forest Akbaba Village is 5 km away from Beykoz Beach, and there are beautiful picnic areas with wooden tables. You can have pleasant forest walks and breakfasts at this place, which is quite calm in winter and autumn. Ballı Kayalar Nature Park Located on the Istanbul-Ankara motorway and reaching the Dilovası turnout and located in Gebze, Tavşanlı Village, this place is an excellent destination for rock-climbing people. If you want to do mildly hilly trekking, we would definitely recommend Ballı Kayalar Nature Park. Bebek Park Bebek Park, which is primarily active during the spring months, is one of the stops of Istanbulites with the options around it. This park, which is near the sea, is ideal for getting a sore air in a green area. Aydos Forest Aydos Forest, which is one of the most favourite green areas on the Anatolian side and which is located in Kartal district, has abundant trees and therefore plenty of oxygen. It is also possible to enjoy sports and nature in the place where the trails are.

Undoubtedly, our lungs and the peace was given to our soul, and happiness is one of the most beautiful regions of our country is the Black Sea. The Black Sea welcomes thousands of visitors both from our country and the world with its magnificent nature every year. Here is one of the unique and beautiful values ​​of our country to visit the Black Sea Region; 10 places to see! Karagöl, Artvin When you go to Karagöl, which is home to wildlife and magnificent rich vegetation, you will be intertwined with nature. You can see the hornbeam, beech and spruce trees around the lake formed in 19 century by a landslide. Located at an altitude of 1550 meters, the lake has a depth of 25 meters. Yason Church, Ordu Yason Church, located in the district of Ordu, is the only church on the seaside of the region. The region still does not open to the construction of the magnificent beauty. You can come to this region in 1868 by the Greek church built by the Greek you can see. Sumela Monastery, Trabzon It is known that Sumela Monastery in Maçka district of Trabzon was founded by two rivals named Sophronios and Barnabas from Athens at the time of the Byzantine Empire. How the monastery was built between 375 and 395 is still wracking their minds. His majesty is fascinated! Zilkale Located in Rize, Zilkale is one of the places to visit when you go to the Black Sea. The castle is situated on the western slope of a hill in the Storm Valley. The history of the fortress is thought to date back to the Middle Ages. Zilkale, like other castles in Rize, was built to ensure the safety of the caravan road. Ulugöl Natural Park, Ordu Ulugöl, which is the largest lake in Ordu, is located in the lush green forests. There are not any settlements around about 700 meters. The region has separate beauty in spring and autumn. The park is reddening especially in the autumn. Palovit Waterfall, Rize Palovit Waterfall, located in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, is one of the most visited places in Rize with its fascinating nature. Around Palovit Waterfall, there are historical bridges, wildlife, various vegetation and natural forests. Palovit Waterfall is also the largest waterfall in the region. Verçenik Plateau, Rize Verçenik Plateau, which is 60 km away from Çamlıhemşin district centre, has an altitude of 2618 m. There are more than ten lakes in the vicinity of Yayla. The highest point after the Kackar peak is located within the boundaries of the highland. It is possible to go here by using Çat-Çamlıhemşin road. Yedigoller National Park, Bolu Of course, the list of things to see in the Black Sea and Yedigöller National Park would not be available! The lakes in Yedigöller National Park in the Western Black Sea Region are the result of landslides. The region is an indispensable part of the winter months and autumn months. You can camp here or stay in hotels if you wish. Gökgöl Cave, Zonguldak Gökgöl Cave, located in the centre of Zonguldak province, has a length of 3350 meters with its arms. This length makes it the second longest cave in Zonguldak. Damlataş accumulations can be seen in the cave. Apart from the damlataş accumulations, it is very rich in stalactites, stalagmites and travertines. Bulak Mencilis Cave, Safranbolu We know Safranbolu, the touristic district of Karabük, from the stone streets, historical houses and delicious food. This magnificent place also includes hidden beauty. One of these hidden beauties is the recently opened Bulak Mencilis Cave. The cave has a length of 6.5 kilometres. The cave is still hydrologically active. The cave has impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers. With the cultures it contains, provides fabulous tastes to the food lovers. Of course, every culture has a suitable alternative for every budget. Istanbul which has numerous options for restaurants and delicacies also has luxury, well-known and expensive ones too. Here are the luxury and expensive restaurants where you can experience your wonderful activities in Istanbul. Papermoon Papermoon Istanbul has branches in New York and Milan. One of the best representatives of Italian cuisine, Papermoon guarantees its customers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. By having an elegant interior and professional lighting, the restaurant has been awarded by Restaurant and Institutions- New York with the “Best Interior Design” in 1997 and by Lumens- New York with the “Best Interior Lighting” in 1998. Address: Etiler District, Ahmet Adnan Saygun Street, Beşiktaş- İstanbul Maiden’s Tower Restaurant kız kulesi osmanlı dönemi When we called Istanbul’s most expensive and luxurious restaurants, it would not be without the Maiden’s Tower Restaurant. It is an excellent choice for those who desire to eat against the glittering views of Üsküdar, the Maiden’s Tower Restaurant is very suitable for special occasions and business dinner invitations. Address: Salacak, Üsküdar Nicole Modern Mediterranean cuisine served at a chic terrace with a rhapsodic view of the Old Town, Prince Islands, Nicole is one of the gastronomic restaurants in Istanbul. The present collection of dishes is designed around seasonal produce and changes accordingly. Address: Tomtom District, Tomtom Kaptan Street, No:18, Beyoğlu- İstanbul Ulus 29 Opened in 1993, Ulus 29 is the classic spot to view Bosphorus from the restaurant’s terraces. Ulus 29 stations on gastronomic ideas with conventional cooking techniques to offer local cuisine with seasonal freshness. You will discover many tastes from the world cuisine in their menus. Adres: A. Adnan Saygun Street, Ulus Park, No:71/1, İstanbul Duble Meze Bar Duble Meze Bar is the beaten track place for the tavern concept enthusiasts, serving them a beautiful selection of mezes with magnificent presentation against the Istanbul view. It is also possible to have romantic dinners at the place. Address: Asmalı Mescit Mah., Meşrutiyet Street, Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, İstiklal- Beyoğlu/İstanbul La Petite Maison Combining the best fresh seasonal ingredients with the culinary magnetism of the Côte d’Azur and neighboring Liguria, La Petite Maison provides an inspired yet delicious and straightforward presentation of French Mediterranean and Niçoise cuisine. Adres: Pınar Mahallesi, Markalar & Katar Street, İstinye Park AVM, No:519, Sarıyer/İstanbul Alancha Alancha is exploring the secret tastes of Anatolian history and presenting them to you. Alancha is located near Maçka. They are offering the flavors of kitchens of Turkey’s seven regions, get inspired and present them with new identities. Adres: Maçka Kempinski Residence, Hüsrev Gerede Street, Şehit Mehmet Sk., No:9, Maçka/İstanbul

Our beautiful country has very fertile lands due to its climate diversity. These fertile soils of our country allow growing many fruits and vegetables. Due to this richness, our areas have been preferred by numerous societies in the past and have hosted many civilisations. This historical richness and fertile soils have created a rich cuisine in our country. In almost every city in our country, you can sample different tastes. In this article, we will present Istanbul restaurants where you can eat these different flavours. Here are the restaurants you can taste unique tastes of different regions of our country without going away! “Hayvore” For Black Sea Flavors Located in Taksim, Havyore is a restaurant that attracts the attention of the Black Sea cuisine lovers around the clock. In the menu, there are many Black Sea dishes and pita varieties prepared with unique flavours from the Black Sea. It is worth mentioning for enthusiasts: Havyore means “I’m here” in Laz language. Address: Kuloglu Dist., Turnacibasi St., No: 4, Beyoglu “Kydonia” For Aegean Flavors Located in Besiktas, Kydonia has a vibrant fish menu and delicious appetisers. Kydonia, where you can taste unique Aegean flavours, has a delightful sea view. Address: Kurucesme Dist., Muallim Naci St., No: 107, Besiktas “Lacivert” for Mediterranean Flavors With its best Bosphorus view of Istanbul, the Lacivert Restaurant offers delicious tastes of Mediterranean cuisine on the menu. This chic restaurant has an original list of Mediterranean cuisine, including seafood, chicken and duck. Address: Anadolu Hisarı Dist., Korfez Street., No: 57 / A, Beykoz “Hamdi Restaurant” for Eastern Anatolian Flavors Hamdi Restaurant located in Eminönü is one of the best kebab addresses in Istanbul. The owner of the restaurant, Hamdi Arpacı, came to Istanbul from Urfa in the 1960s and started selling kebabs in a small counter. After the kebabs become very popular, they are moving to the present building and expanding the business. In the menu of the restaurant where you can taste the tastes of Eastern Anatolia in the most magnificent way, there are also kebabs, chicken and fish products, cold appetisers and desserts. Address: Rustem Pasa Dist., Tahmis St., Kalcin St., No: 11, Eminonu “Çiya” for Southeastern Anatolian delicacies For those who like the tastes of Southeastern Anatolia, Çiya is an ideal restaurant. In the menu, there are various Southeastern Anatolian delicacies such as borani, mumbar and Gaziantep cuisine. Address: Caferağa Dist, Güneşlibahçe Street, No: 43, Kadıköy- Istanbul “Delimonti” for Central Anatolian Flavors Delimonti, located in Bomontiada, is a unique Anatolian cuisine. Traditional tastes are presented with a modern presentation. Delimonti’s menu offers a wide range of Anatolian delicacies from breakfast to the main course. Address: Merkez Mah., Birahane Sok., No: 1, Sisli “Sandzak Restaurant” for Marmara Flavors When we talk about the cuisine of the Marmara region, we are confronted with a wide variety of flavours. The rich culture of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, the practical but tasting dishes of the Black Sea, the rich-grain flavours of Anatolia, the rich characteristics of the East, such as the richness of the Mediterranean Sea come together in the Marmara Region. Of course, the taste of the Thracian Balkan origin should not be forgotten! Sandzak Restaurant offers a variety of grills, salad varieties and appetisers, especially in the Balkan cuisine. If you like those flavours, Sandzak can be the ideal choice for you. Address: Batı Dist., Pendik Coast Road, Marin Turk Mall, D: E Block, No: 4, Pendik

Istanbul, as well as being a world-famous city; As many names say, it is located in a spectacular location. That is a place where many civilisations lived or wanted to settle here. Everyone who came to Istanbul to visit was fascinated in every period. That’s why many books have been written about the city, many songs have been composed, and many movies have been made. Here are 15 quotes about Istanbul by the world-famous names. “All other cities are mortal, but I think Istanbul will breathe as long as people are.” // Petrus Gyllius “If I could have nine lives like a cat, i could spend one of it for Istanbul.” // Juan Goytisolo “Oh, Istanbul! You’re the one who fascinates me the most.” // Pierre Loti “Istanbul is the real capital of the world. Regarding geographical location, there is no rival in the world.” // Joseph Heller “Istanbul is a universal and immense beauty in front of which the poet and the archaeologist, the diplomat and the merchant, the princess and the seafarer, the North and the South all shout out with the same sense of fascination. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautiful place in the world.” // Edmondo De Amicis “The one who has Istanbul rules the world. If the world were a single state, its capital would be Istanbul.” // Napoleon “If they say you will look at the world for the last time, I would like this look from Istanbul’s Çamlıca.” // Lamartine “The one who rules Istanbul becomes the ruler of the whole world. Therefore, we should advance through Istanbul as much as possible.” // Russian Tsar Petro I “No brush and pen can describe the beauty of Istanbul thoroughly.” // Alphonse de Lamartine “There is no more spectacular sight on earth than Istanbul.” // Mrs Lady Dorina kız kulesi osmanlı dönemi “Istanbul is a unique city that gives people a sense of life, joy of life, happiness and beauty.” // Mrs Max Müller “Istanbul reflects the harmonious aesthetics of Asia and Europe with harmony and becomes speechless who witness this.” // D. De Fontmagne “The imagination of humankind can only dream of a city as beautiful as Istanbul.” // Sir Henry Layard “Istanbul is the real capital of the world. In terms of its location, there is no rival on earth.” // Joseph Hellert “There is no city established on the earth as suitable as Istanbul.” // Spanish Traveler Pedro

Istanbul has always been regarded as a very important city since 638 BC, which is considered to be the official founding date. That city which was the capital city as Byzantion in Ancient Greece; as Constantinople in the Roman Empire, was also the capital of two great empires such as Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Due to this rich history, Istanbul has an open-air museum in its own right, and there are many museums in the city where you can see various works from ancient times. In this article, we will give place to museums where the historical artefacts are exhibited from the Ottoman period. Here are the museums you should see in Istanbul and valuable works in them! Topkapı Palace topkapı sarayı Topkapı Palace was built in 1461 following the conquest of Istanbul and was completed in about 17 years. At the request of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, the palace was used as a barrack-palace where governmental affairs were carried out for a long time; Since Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent the throne, the sultan and his family lived here. Topkapi Palace, today; It is one of the most visited museums in Istanbul. Many items from the Ottoman Empire are exhibited in various collections in the palace. In the Palace Museum; a collection of watches and weapons, Chinese porcelain collections, a collection of clothes, sacred relics, Topkapı Dagger in the Department of Treasure and precious pieces such as the Kasikci Diamond can be viewed as valuable works that can be seen. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, located right next to the Blue Mosque, is one of the precious museums in Istanbul that exhibited artefacts from the Ottoman Empire. There are some historical artefacts in the museum that reflect the origins of Turks in Central Asia. Besides, antique carpets belonging to the Seljuk State in the museum can be given as examples of valuable works that can be seen dating back to the caliphate period. Dolmabahçe Palace dolmabahçe sarayı Dolmabahçe Palace was built upon the request of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid and was used as the main palace in the last 70 years of the empire. In addition, the Republic of Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk lived here for a while, and he died here. Nowadays, many sections within the palace can be visited as a museum. Besides, the collection of calligraphy and writing sets, crystal chandeliers and candlesticks, a collection of lighting tools, a collection of watches and many other valuable works are exhibited in the palace and are observed with interest by the visitors. Turkish Carpets Museum The carpet collection in TİEM has more than 1700 works, and the collection is considered to be the most important carpet collection in the world. The famous examples of the Seljuk Period and all the Ottoman carpet groups are among the valuable works that can be seen in this collection. Harbiye Military Museum In the Military Museum located in Harbiye, large field tents used by the Ottoman armies during the expeditions are shown. Besides, Ottoman weapons and military equipment are among the valuable works that can be seen in the museum. During the visit to the museum, the Ottoman army band Mehter Team can be seen every day between 15.00 and 16.00. Istanbul Maritime Museum The Maritime Museum in Besiktas exhibits significant works on the history of Ottoman shipping. Also, the sailing boats used by the sultans in passing through the Bosphorus must also be seen among the valuable works. Yildiz City Museum The City Museum serves in the Fine Arts building of Yıldız Palace, the fourth largest palace of the Ottoman Empire. The collection of the museum usually contains ethnographic and historical works of 18th and 19th century. These works are reflecting the social life of the Ottoman period Istanbul, consist of objects such as paintings, calligraphy plates, fabrics, porcelain, coffee sets, jewellery, tiles and so on. Other important artefacts can be listed as edicts with tughra from II Mehmed, II Osman and I Mahmud, Tophane chunks and sect clothing.

Karaköy, one of the historical districts of Istanbul, is now one of the most preferred neighborhoods for many people to spend time because of its food and entertainment options. Because Karaköy is one of the places that continue to develop and renew itself with its streets intertwined with art. Therefore, when it comes to having a pleasant time, many Istanbulites are returning to this route! Especially during the last few years; Karaköy is located in the center of our lives with its changing dynamics, historical texture, and new generation coffee shops. We can often encounter in the streets of Karaköy with the sincerity and mobility that we cannot find in many districts of Istanbul. Well, what to eat, what to do and where to visit while spending a day in this delightful neighborhood where we cannot get enough appreciation? One of the first things to be done in Karaköy is undoubtedly visiting one of the fishermen on the shore and eating fish or bread with fish. While enjoying your fish, on the one hand, watching the old Istanbul view, on the other hand, is invaluable! You can taste delicious Baklavas by visiting Güllüoğlu which is one of the essential values of Karaköy and serving in the same place for about two centuries. karakoy sokaklari After a short taste tour, you can start exploring the streets of Karaköy. You can see many places in the streets of Karaköy, from Simit sellers to small restaurants that are keeping alive the neighborhood culture. These are the things that are preserving the charming atmosphere of Karaköy. In these streets, the historical and majestic buildings located next to new and modern buildings are reflecting the unity of the old and the new. Another thing you can do in Karaköy is to visit the gift shops and boutiques which are located on the side streets. In these shops; you can find whatever you want from shabby clothes to vintage items, from design products to necklaces. karakoy_2 You can have a little coffee break while exploring the streets of Karaköy. For example, Brew Coffee Works (located just below The Wings Hotel, Karaköy), which has many branches in Istanbul and is preferred for its delicious coffees, can help you to relax. After discovering the streets and crowning your trip with a delicious coffee, what you have to do is to take pictures in front of the walls decorated with graffiti as a Karaköy classic! Finally, after doing this, the only thing we can say about Karaköy is “We’d like to see you again!” 🙂

Istiklal Avenue, a small reflection of Istanbul with its diversity, texture, and people, is visited by millions of local and foreign tourists every year. Istiklal Street has great importance regarding social and economic aspects. If you are going to Istiklal Street for the first time, you need to look at our guide. Here is Istiklal Street with all its beauty. istiklal-caddesi-rehberi About Istiklal Street The history of Istiklal Street dates back many years. The region is a Genoese colony with Latin inhabitants in the Byzantine period. During the Ottoman Empire period, the district developed day by day. Many nationalities such as French and Italian have lived here. The main reason for this existence is the commercial efficiency of the region. The street, thanks to the French, has also progressed on to trade and architecture. The French influence made the street known as ”Grande Rue de Pera.” The street continued to expand between the 17th and 18th centuries. It was entirely populated in the 19th century. The infrastructure work on the street began in the period of Abdulaziz. Istiklal Avenue was also called Cumhuriyet and Cadde-i Kebir from time to time. Later on, the foreign population decreased with bad political decisions. Places to see in Istiklal Street There are many places to see in Istiklal Street. Some of these places are at the top of the street, some of the short walk from the main street. Among these places; there are Taksim Square, Galatasaray High School Square, St Anthony’s Church, Asmalı Mescid, Tünel Square, German High School, Swedish Consulate, Santa Maria Draperis Church, Salt Beyoğlu, Borusan Culture and Art Center, Egypt Apartment, Aznavur Passage, Hacopulo Passage, Panayia Greek Orthodox Church, Atlas Passage, Cicek Passage, Sahne Street, Aleppo Passage, Terkos Passage. galatasaray lisesi Street Foods To Eat in Istiklal Street Istiklal Street is a vibrant street regarding street tastes. You can find stuffed mussels at any time of the day on the road, you can beat Maraş ice cream with humorous presentations, you can eat wet burgers as a snack, you can choose chestnut kebabs in winter, in addition to these, milk corn, ring sweet, kokorec, chickpea pilaf and stuffed meatballs are the street flavors that can be eaten on Istiklal Avenue. kestane kebap What to do in Istiklal Street? Istiklal Street is a very cosmopolitan area. Therefore, there is no limit to be entertained during the day. On Istiklal Street; You can buy cheap clothing by visiting passages. Unique products can be purchased by entering the boutiques. You can listen to street musicians and watch street performers. A variety of tastes can be enjoyed at the well-known restaurants. Places with beautiful views can be experienced. Cultural activities such as Salt Beyoğlu and Borusan Culture and Art Center can be visited. The most beautiful places to view Istanbul silhouette can be visited. Architecturally exciting buildings can be explored. Historical sites can be visited. Traveling on the historical tram line is possible. Where is İstiklal Caddesi and how to get there? İstiklal Caddesi is located in Beyoğlu district. The şişhane metro stop is at the end, and Taksim metro stop is at the beginning of İstiklal Street. Therefore, it is easy to reach the street from the beginning or end by using M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman Metro Line. If you are not on this line, you can even transfer to this line. In addition to this, there are yellow buses, public buses, and funicular services to the area.