Istanbul, where East meet the West

By Joseph Varghese

Beautiful Bosporus bisecting it into Europe and Asia, Istanbul in Turkey is one of the very few cities and the most populated metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. The Golden Horn which is one of the most wonderful natural ports in the world, adds to the charm of the city.

It is also a paradise for tourists and historians as the city offers a perfect fusion of socio, cultural and ethnic components of the East and the West. It is literally the melting pot of the eastern and western civilisations with a historical background that lasts for several centuries and beyond.

With Qatar Airways offering additional four flights weekly to the city, taking the total number of its flights to 14 per week, the city has become all the more accessible for the tourists from Qatar and the region. As the airline flies to Sabiha Gokcen Airport which is on the Asian side of the city, the travellers have easier access to various parts of the city than the Istanbul Ataturk Airport which is highly congested already.

Istanbul has the perfect mix of ethnicity and modernity offering a wide range of choices that a tourist looks for. You name it and have it from history to entertainment to cuisines to leisure to shopping and many more. Even the snarling traffic at certain parts of the city will not deter you from exploring the city and enjoying its oriental charm as well as the occidental beauty.

Ali Riza Kurtul, business manger, Mercan Tourism, the largest tour operating company in Turkey said that Istanbul is growing by minutes. “We see huge increase in the number of tourists from time to time and the city is the most favourite hangout for tens of thousands of people every month.”

The newly opened Hilton at Bemonti, Istanbul which is the largest hotel in the country is already reaching the maximum occupancy.  Duygu Unal marketing and PR manager of the hotel said “ Opened just a few months ago, we offer the best facilities in the city. With 829 guest rooms and suites, as well as 12,000 square metres of event space, the visitors are set for ultimate luxury.”

Daniele Fabbri, manager Hotel Conrad, Istanbul, said “Everyday we receive  more tourists. The population of the city is almost 15 million already. We have started the renovation of the hotel  and we will be happy to receive  more guests from Qatar and the Middle East.”

While the narrow roads are a test for thousands of tourists that flock the city, they are also a marvel to watch. With huge tress – properly trimmed and treated- on both the sides of the streets, one always have the feel of travelling through a countryside and  in the company of Mother Nature. The flower beds strewn across the city are not just a visual treat but a mindboggling experience.

For those who love food, it is the place to be in. With its renowned Mediterranean delicacies that pinch the taste buds, Istanbul offers a wide range of food items that are ethnic, traditional and healthy. While all the types of food are served in most of the restaurants, there is great demand for the seafood delicacies offered by the restaurants.

Hippodrome which  was the sporting and social centre of the Byzantium Empire is a major attraction for the tourists.  It was an arena for chariot races and other entertainments. Blue Mosque, next to hippodrome is another landmark of the city. Built in 16th century  it owes its name to the magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles and is the only imperial mosque with six minarets.

Plenty of avenues are open for various other activities such as the newly opened amusement park Vialand. According to one of the officials of the park, the one year old park receives over 100,000 visitors monthly. “It has the fourth largest rollercoaster in the world which also has the deepest downward slide. Moreover, the park shows the history of Turkey through motor controlled figures set at different stations of the park  which can be enjoyed through a boat ride,” he added.