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By Diana

193 articles published

By Diana

Discovering Istanbul is Easier with Istanbulkart

Istanbul is an open-air museum with rich history, culture, and breathtaking architecture that you need to go around to see it all. For visitors, it can be daunting to navigate this vast urban landscape. This is where the Istanbulkart comes in as the ultimate travel companion for exploring the city’s known famous and less known gems. […]

By Diana

Beyazıt Tower: Istanbul’s Hidden Sentinel

For centuries, the 85-meter tall tower has stood sentinel over Istanbul. Iniatialy it was a fire lookout during the Ottoman era. Sadly, public access to the tower has been restricted for safety reasons.  Many years ago, it used a special lighting system to share weather forecasts with the people of Istanbul. Imagine a crystal ball […]

By Diana

Love, Tragedy and History: Istanbul’s Maiden’s Tower a Legendary Landmark on the Bosphorus 

After two years of extensive renovations, one of Istanbul’s most iconic and mysterious landmarks has been restored to its former glory. The Maiden’s Tower, a scenic stone tower sitting on a tiny islet at the entrance to the Bosphorus strait, officially reopened to the public on May 11th in a grand celebration.  For centuries, this […]

By Diana

Young Voices United for a Spectacular Show   

As a follow-up to my article on the pre-children day preparations, Istanbul came alive with the sound of children’s voices this weekend for a very special musical celebration. On Sunday, April 23rd, the city’s most talented young singers took to the stage at the Grand Istanbul Concert Hall for the annual Children’s Day Concert.  A […]

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By Diana

Istanbul Revs Up for F1 Return in 2026

Formula 1 is roaring back to Istanbul. After an 11-year absence (with a stuttering attempt to revive in between), the glitzy motor race will return to the historic Turkish city in 2026. Officials confirmed the thrilling news this week. Preparations are already underway for Istanbul’s grand F1 homecoming in 2026. A tender process for the […]

By Diana

Turkey Smashes Tourism Records in Spectacular 2024 Start

In a remarkable achievement, Turkey has kicked off 2024 by shattering all previous tourism records for the first quarter. According to a recent press briefing by Turkiye Minister of Culture and Tourism there is an unprecedented influx of international visitors. Of course, with improving numbers the revenues are also soaring. Istanbul’s status as one of the […]

By Diana

Sweet Antics on Sticks: The Playful Art of Turkish Ice Cream in Istanbul

The sun beams down on the vibrant streets of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district. Amid the lively chatter of locals and camera clicks of tourists, a rhythmic chime rings out. All eyes turn towards an ornately decorated cart where a dapper gentleman in traditional garb awaits, ringing a bell with one hand while balancing an impossibly […]

By Diana

Trails Beckon Adventure Seekers to Discover More of Istanbul

The ancient metropolis of Istanbul is being rediscovered by outdoor enthusiasts from around the world this year. As spring blossoms unfurl across the city’s storied landscapes, a network of scenic hiking trails is luring travelers to explore Istanbul’s greener side on foot. “2024 has seen an absolute explosion in hiking’s popularity here,” remarked the spokesperson […]

By Diana

Exploring Istanbul’s Galataport Storied Shores

Istanbul’s historic peninsula along the Bosphorus Strait was revitalized with the opening of Galataport, a major cruise port and lifestyle district. After years of construction, Galataport opened to the public in  2021, with the full project completed in  2022.   Karakoy and Salıpazarı neighbourhoods were transformed into a world-class tourism destinations by this development. For […]

By Diana

Turkish Airlines Boosts Flights from Manchester,UK to Istanbul

For travellers dreaming of the exotic charms of Istanbul, the gateway just got a major boost. Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Turkey, is increasing service from Manchester to meet surging demand for summer travel to one of the world’s most alluring cities. Beginning May 19th 2024, the airline will add a fourth daily flight […]

By Diana

Istanbul Reconnects with Turin

Turkish Airlines is soaring to new heights, announcing the launch of a direct daily flight between Istanbul and  Turin, Italy. This route is  scheduled to reopen on July 10th, 2024. The ties between the historic cities will be strengthened. The Reopening after more than Half a Decade After a six-year hiatus, Turkish Airlines is reigniting its love […]

By Diana

Istanbul’s Vibrant Meyhane Culture: Where Locals and Travellers Meet

For centuries, meyhanes have been the beating heart of Istanbul’s social scene. These traditional Turkish taverns offer an authentic experience, They are steeped in culture, camaraderie, and mouthwatering cuisine. Upon entering a meyhane, the aroma of sizzling meats and mezze (small appetizer plates) plays with the senses. Classic dishes like kebabs, meatballs, and fresh fish […]