The gem that is Istanbul is the 5th largest city in the world; by population, it serves as home to 15 million people. It is bound to the north by the Black Sea and to the south by the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus Strait splits the city and two suspension bridges offer transport from the European side on the west and the Asian side to the east.
Business Center
The European side of Istanbul has a strong commercial center. It is here that citizens and travelers find access to banks and a great deal of the shopping. This area of Istanbul is also more crowded; 2/3 of the population live in this region.
The Asian side of Istanbul is less crowded but offers fewer amenities. Because the majority of the historic elements of this ancient city are on the European side, there are fewer tourists on the Asian side. Streets are wider and calmer. Residents can enjoy a quieter way of life on the Asian side of the city.
Tourism
Istanbul is the home of the second oldest subway in Europe, the Tünel. There are many ferries you can take to cross the Bosphorus Strait. There are also many bus routes on both the European and the Asian side. Finally, you can take a tram on the European side to get from point to point.
The primary language of Istanbul is Turkish, though there are many English speakers about. Learning new languages is good for the brain and can make your trip much more enjoyable; even picking up simple greetings such as Hello and Please can be a good use of your time.
If travel to Istanbul is on your bucket list, consider signing up for some historical day tours. Such tours will be led by English speaking guides and allow you to study the art, architecture and history of the European side of the city. Bring your bathing suit, sunscreen and a collapsible umbrella. Very good walking shoes and a windbreaker are a must; the breeze off either sea can be brisk. Binoculars to help you catch architectural details and a camera with no flash are also a good choice.
Food
Istanbul was established as Byzantium around 600 BCE. Tea didn’t get there until 1856, but is a common beverage breakfast among the locals. Eggs are also a common staple; if you love a hearty breakfast when traveling, consider a Turkish omelette loaded with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers dipped in yogurt sauce and plenty of goat cheese. Savory pancakes are also a wonderful option.
For lunch and dinner, think seafood. Because Istanbul is bounded by water to the north and the south, fresh seafood is always available. If your budget is tight, look for bonito or palamut on the menu. Fresh vegetables and fruit are nearly always in season. Fans of red meat may pay a bit more for beef. The more adventurous may love a serving of goat, paired with red wine.
Whether you are looking to relocate or are simply hoping to travel this area, your initial visit to Istanbul should include plenty of time to savor the treats and the sights. Plan a time to visit a café for a bowl of aşure or Noah’s pudding and a cup of Turkish coffee.
Celebrate the Unique History of Istanbul!
There are few cities in the world that have a footprint on two different continents. The history of this remarkable city includes both feast and famine; war and migration have changed the face of this city many times and across generations. Each new immigrant brings a fresh flavor to this region.