Real Turkiye

Neve Shalom Synagogue

2014-12-26T05:58:00.000-08:00

NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE

Probably, Neve Shalom is the most famous synagogue in Turkey. many Jewish citizens prefer Neve Shalom to pray. It is very close to Galata district and so Istiklal avenue and Taksim Square.

The synagogue is on the Buyuk Hendek Street in the Kuledibi district of Beyoglu square. The Neve Salom ("Peace Oasis") Synagogue was built by renovating the gymnasium was converted to a synagogue in 1938, but it couldn't be used because of a lack of permission. Permission was granted in 1949, and the project was prepared by Elio Ventuos and Bernard Motola, two graduates from Istanbul Technical University. It was opened for prayer and worship in 1951.

Its most striking attractions are the dome which holds an eight ton chandelier, the stained glass windows which were imported from England, and the marble sections.

Hidiv Pavilion in Istanbul

2014-12-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

Hidiv Pavilion, Istanbul

As a citizen of Istanbul, one of my favourite place to visit in Istanbul is Hidiv Pavilion. It is in the Asian side of Istanbul. Hidiv Pavilion ( Hidiv Kasri in Turkish) is very close to the town, Kanlica where is in the Asian part of Bosphorous. You can come to Kanlica by ferry and then you can take a taxi to climb to the hill.

"The garden of Hidiv Pavilion"

"The Hidiv Pavilion"

On the slopes of Çubuklu, within a large grove of trees, the mansion was built for the Egyptian Hidiv Abbas Hilmi Paşa in 1907 by the Italian architect Delto Seminati. The building- of completely western style, occupies an area of 1000 square meters. In the middle of the main entrance is a marble monumental, its stained glass ceiling reaching to the roof. There are in many parts of the building very elaborate foundations and pools.

By means of interconnecting salons the building forms a circle only being interrupted by the entrance hall. Rooms are located on the upper floor and the two large bedrooms located above the chimneyed entrance salon are without peer. They are especially noteworthy for the wall panelling and the bathrooms. Another feature of the building is the tower from which half of the Bosphorus vista can be seen. Ascending to the tower by elevator or stairs you come to a balconied middle floor and above that is terace open to the sky. This tower adds markedly to the beauty of the building.

Source: http://www.ibb.gov.tr/en-US/KenteBakis/IstanbulGuide/Mansions/

Travel to Turkey

2014-08-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

Travel to Turkey

Christians, Muslims, Jews have been living together in peace in Turkey. Historical buildings that belong to different cultures can be seen in Turkey. Capital city of Byzantium and Ottoman Empire, Istanbul exists in Turkey. Sun, beach, and fantastic sea also exist in Turkey. Travel to Turkey!

Babazula, psychedelic music band

2014-06-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Baba Zula

If you want to listen Turkish sound and see original scene show, you should go to concert of Baba Zula.

Babazula defines their sound as oriental Istanbul rock'n roll that rolls in a futuristic way inspired by the late 60's.

You can check their concert schedule below:

http://www.babazula.com/
( check the "dates" section in the webpage of Baba Zula )

Below, you can see two videos of Baba Zula.

Baba Zula - Hey

Baba Zula - Istanbul Cocukları / Children of Istanbul

You can buy concert tickets by biletix
( online ticket service company ). Just write "baba zula" in search box.

http://www.biletix.com/anasayfa/TURKIYE/en

"Real Turkiye"

The Map of Istanbul

2014-06-11T23:13:00.000-07:00

Old Istanbul

The Great City, Istanbul is shown on the map! Left side is Europe and the right side is Asia. What a wonderful meeting it is!

"The Map of Istanbul"

You see the "Old Istanbul" map here! If you click on the image, you can see the details on the map.

The old town, Samatya

2014-06-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

The old town, Samatya

This is the photo of Samatya which is a small town in Istanbul. Samatya is famous for fish, mussel and calamary. We often buy fish from Samatya.

This is the photo of a church in Samatya which was built in the times of Byzantium. There are still old buildings that stand on narrow streets.

Mihrabad Grove, Istanbul

2014-06-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

Mihrabad Grove, Istanbul

Mihrabad Grove is one of the places that you should visit.

It is next to Second Bosphorous Bridge ( Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge) in Asian part of Istanbul.

Here are some photos of Mihrabad Grove.

Where is Assos?

2014-06-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Where is Assos?

Wonderful Aegean Sea, clean air and ancient Greek city Assos...

I advise you to travel to Assos... so where is Asssos? I show it on the map.

The anicent theater in Assos

Seven Towers Dungeon, Istanbul

2014-06-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Seven Tower Dungeon

These are the photos of Seven Towers Dungeon which was built in the times of Byzantium as a part of city wall. Ottomans used it as dungeon for famous prisoners.

"Seven Towers Dungeon"

Below, You can see the Istanbul map that shows the location of Seven Tower Dungeon. I have marked its location with a red window.

"The Istanbul map that shows the location of Seven Tower Dungeon"

Mehter, Ottoman military band

2014-06-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Mehter, Ottoman military band

Below, you can find the video of Army march, Ceddin Deden

This is the Attack march of mehter.

"Real Turkiye"

The interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople)

2014-06-09T03:44:00.000-07:00

Interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople)

I have found an interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople) on the web. You can see the topography, ancient walls, Constantinian walls, Theodosian Walls, Gates, Churches, Monasteries, Lykos River... on the map by selecting the options.

To see the interactive map of Istanbul: http://individual.utoronto.ca/safran/Constantinople/Map.html

"Real Turkiye"

Where to buy Turkish delight in Turkey?

2014-06-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

Ali Muhiddin Hacıbekir - The Oldest Turkish Delight

"Ali Muhiddin Hacıbekir - The oldest brand name for Turkish Delight"

"Famous Turkish Delight"

Ali Muhiddin Hacıbekir, established in 1777, is the oldest firm of Turkey and it has worldwide fame for Turkish delight. It is accepted as the inventor of Turkish delight. You can find the shops of Ali Muhiddin Hacıbekir below.

HEAD OFFICE
İstiklal Cad. No.83 / 6 34433 Beyoğlu / Istanbul
Tel. 212 245 13 75 - 76
Fax. 212 252 33 50
e-mail : hacibekir@hacibekir.com.tr

http://www.hacibekir.com/en/

PARMAKKAPI
İstiklal Cad. No. 83A 34433 Beyoğlu / Istanbul
Tel. 212 244 28 04

EMİNÖNÜ
Hamidiye Cad. No.83 34110 Eminönü / Istanbul
Tel. 212 522 06 66

BAHÇEKAPI
Hamidiye Cad. No. 81 34110 Bahçekapı / Istanbul
Tel. 212 522 85 43
Fax. 212 513 04 19

KADIKÖY
Muvakkithane Cad. No. 14-16 34710 Kadıköy / Istanbul
Tel. 216 336 15 19
Fax. 216 346 06 20

HACIBEKİR ANKARA
Hoşdere Cad. 201/12 Çankaya/ Ankara
Tel. 312 441 84 07
Fax. 312 441 84 06

"Real Turkiye"

Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar)

2014-06-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Grand Bazaar
Shortly, the oldest shopping mall in the world :)
Visit Grand Bazaar and experiece the extremely crowded place that you have ever seen.
See the chaos! We are used to it and we enjoy it :)

Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar) : It is the oldest and biggest closed bazaar in the world, also known as the Grand Bazaar, has around 4000 shops and over 60 alleyway, covering a huge labyrinth in the city centre. The original two structures, covered with a series of domes and remains of the 15th century walls, became a shopping area by covering the surrounding streets and adding to it over the following centuries. In Ottoman times this was the centre of trading, and a vital area of town. The Sandal Bedesten was added during Süleyman’s reign, to cope with the rising trade in fabrics, during the 16th century.

Traditionally the more valuable goods were in the old central area, called Ic Bedesten, because it was more secure. As quite typical of the area, most streets are laid out and devoted to a particular trade, for example gold on Kuyumcular Caddesi, leather on Bodrum Han, and shoes on Kavaflar Sokak. But the trade has also spilled out onto the surrounding streets, and it is very common to see Russian traders buying up huge sacks of leather jackets or shoes outside the main entrance. Even the streets leading to the Golden Horn are lined with outdoor stalls, which have traditionally been controlled by strict trading laws to reduce competition between traders.

"Grand Bazaar"

Apart from the usual shops selling clothes, textiles, jewellry and carpets, there are small workshops, where craftsmen cast and beat silver or brass, in a skilled trade handed down through the generations. If all that shopping, bargaining and fending off persuasive salesmen is a little too tiring, there are also traditional cafes dotted inside the bazaar in which to relax, eat and sip tea. There are also money-changing booths inside and out. It is slightly less crowded during weekdays, as most locals shop at weekends.

Where is Grand Bazaar? This map shows the exact location of Grand Bazaar.

"The map of old Istanbul"

"Real Turkiye"

Turkish Kebab - Where to eat?

2014-05-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

Develi Kebap Restaurant

Develi Restaurants, which serve the Turkish Cuisine delightfully since 1912. Especially Develi is famous for its kebaps.

"Develi Kebap Restaurant"

You can find the web page address of of Develi Kebap Restaurant below.
http://www.develikebap.com/

Develi Kebap has seven restaurants in Istanbul. I advise you Develi Kebap restaurant in Samatya where is lovely and very historical town of old Istanbul

"Real Turkiye"

Where to stay at Istanbul?

2014-05-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

Where to stay at Istanbul?

Yes, it is a big question for the tourists to choose the right town and the right hotel to stay at.
There are generally two options: Taksim and the old town. Many tourists prefer old town. But as a citizen of Istanbul, i dont think that it is a good idea.The old town has Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet mosque ( blue mosque), Grand Bazaar etc. many historical attraction points but you will not be able to experience the real city life in Istanbul there. Those place mostly focus on tourists and most of the citizens of Istanbul do not spend their time there.

In my opinion, you should stay around Taksim. You can experience the real Turkish lifestyle in Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. We, the citizens of Istanbul also often visit Taksim Square and Istiklal Street to have fun, meal, to attend concerts etc.

Hotels in Taksim Square:

1) Taxim Hill Hotel

Taxim Hill Hotel is special class hotel that tells about the neighborliness of the past and today with its peculiar style, historical distinguished and modern decoration where you may feel the heart beats of Istanbul. It's located in the historic Taksim Square, the commercial and the cultural center of the city.

Room Rates ranges between 90 euro to 160 euro

"Scene from Taxim Hill Hotel"

Web site: http://www.taximhill.com/index.aspx

2) The Marmara Istanbul

The Marmara Istanbul is not only in the heart of Istanbul, it is a big part of it. Like its trademark discreet and efficient service. It carries you above the bustle on the city, with a stunning view of both classic and contemporary Istanbul. To get the most out of Istanbul- for business or pleasure- it's where you need to be. When you stay at The Marmara Istanbul, you are in touch with the life and soul of the city.

Room rates ranges between 170 euro to 700 euro.

"The Marmara Istanbul"

Web site: http://taksim.themarmarahotels.com/

Where to have breakfast in Istanbul?

2014-05-09T04:10:00.002-07:00

Where to have breakfast in Istanbul?
In Turkish culture, breakfast is an important meal.
You can find the cafe and restaurants that i like having breakfast.

Breakfast
1) Pita Kuzguncuk
It is located in Bosphorous town, Kuzguncuk.
It is lovely town and lovely small cafe.
Address: Icadiye Caddesi No:41 Kuzguncuk Uskudar

"Pita, Kuzguncuk"

2) Sade Kahve
You can have delicious breakfast in Sade Kahve. Also they are very assertive about their Turkish coffee.
Address: Yahya Kemal Caddesi No:20/A Rumelihisarı - Sarıyer

"Sade Kahve"

"Real Turkiye"

Olympos, Antalya

2008-05-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Olympos was a very important city in the Lycian League. The town had a commercial port along the coast of Anatolia. Coins minted in the second century B.C. are among the first finds dating back to the ancient city. Olympos was established in the Hellenistic period, in the third century B.C. In 78 B.C., it became part of the Roman Empire, first under the rule of the Venetians, then the Genoese, and still later then under Knights of Rhodes.

The city enjoyed a long period of prosperity, until it lost importance and was finally abandoned after the fifteenth century. The place where ancient Olympos once stood is now a protected area, in the Olympos Bey daglari National Park, recently instituted and extremely interesting from an environmental point of view. A stream runs through the city and on its banks, buried in lush vegetation, are the ruins of a small theater, hot springs, an agora and some tombs dating from the Hellenistic period.

"Real Turkiye"

Great Hotel in Antalya, Turkey

2008-04-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Adam & Eve Hotel in Antalya

Antalya is the city well known for its high quality hotels. Here, i advise you one of the best hotel in Antalya if you are with your girlfriend/boyfriend.

Infinite reflections in stories-high intricate mirror mosaics dazzle the eye. The view stretches across one of the world’s largest pools to merge with the sea and disappear into the horizon. A rich visual temptation, a scene that the original parents of humanity could never have imagined... Sleekly elegant restaurants, coupled with a visual celebration of pleasure for the eye and mind. This elite and exclusive destination is truly hedonistic, inviting you to indulge in the pleasures of a 100,000 square meter enclave of secluded forest, overlooking the pure, turquoise Mediterranean, the most pampering and relaxing spa treatments and the finest cuisine from cultures around the globe, not to mention seaside golf.

http://www.adamevehotels.com

"Real Turkiye"

Haydarpasa Railway Station

2008-03-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

Istanbul Haydarpaşa is a terminus main station of the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) in Haydarpaşa close to Kadiköy at the Anatolian part of Istanbul, Turkey. International, domestic and regional trains running to east- and southbound destinations depart from this major terminal which was built as the terminus of the Istanbul-Baghdad and Istanbul-Damascus-Medina railways during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

"Real Turkiye"

Crossing Bosphorus

2008-03-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

Crossing Continents

I have drawn two red arrows on the map of Istanbul. The red arrow that is the south of Istanbul is called as the First Bosphorus Bridge and the second bridge is called as Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Most of the citizens use these two briges to cross the bosphorus. Also sea transportation is used between the harbours.

"Istanbul map"

Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges allow us to cross the bosphorus by car.

"Second Bridge, Fatih Sultan mehmet Bridge"

Big ferries let you have a good time while crossing the bosphorus.

"Ferries of Istanbul"

Small ferries always work between Europe and Asia sides of the city. The most popular route is the one which is between. Uskudar (Asia) - Besiktas (Europe).

"Ferries of Istanbul"

"Real Turkiye"

Taste delicious "Simit"

2008-03-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

Simit is a circular bread with sesame seeds and Turks like eating simit. Especially, people in the business life eat simit before beginning their work if they have not had breakfast. Also in the hurry of the daily life, people often prefer eating simit.

"Real Turkiye"

The Battle of Inebahti (Lepanto)

2008-03-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

The five-hour battle was fought at the northern edge of the Gulf of Patras, off western Greece, where the Ottoman forces sailing westwards from their naval station in Lepanto met the Holy League forces, which had come from Messina, on the morning of Sunday, 7 October 1571. The battle gave the Holy League temporary control over the Mediterranean, protected Rome from invasion, and prevented the Ottomans from advancing into Europe. This was the last major naval battle to be fought solely between rowing vessels.

"Real Turkiye"

Coat of Arms of the Ottoman Empire

2008-03-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

Coat of Arms of the Ottoman Empire

"Real Turkiye"

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - The father of Turks

2008-03-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Three charismatic photos of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

"Real Turkiye"

Turkish Cuisine - Lahmacun

2008-02-29T02:05:00.000-08:00

Lahmacun is an Anatolian and Middle Eastern dish usually made up of a round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat (most commonly beef and lamb). Lahmacun is often sprinkled with lemon juice, and then served rolled up with pickles or other vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

In big cities of Turkey, there are chain fast food restaurants that serve Lahmacun as the main dish.

The famous lahmacun chain restaurant is Hacıoğlu in Turkey. You can find the restaurants of Hacıoğlu in the big cities of Turkey such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa...

"Real Turkiye"