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ISTANBUL

INTRODUCTION

Located in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world's great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent scenic beauties. It is the only city in the world which spreads over two continents: it lies at a point where Asia and Europe are separated by a narrow strait - the Bosphorus. Istanbul has a history of over 2,500 years, and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas, the city has been a crucial trade center.
The historic city of Istanbul is situated on a peninsula flanked on three sides by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It has been the capital of three great empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and for more than 1,600 years over 120 emperors and sultans ruled the world from here. No other city in the world can claim such a distinction.

During its development, the city was enlarged four times, each time the city walls being rebuilt further to the west. more-->

AIRPORTS

There are 2 international airports in Istanbul. The major airport is Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Most of the international flights. All major airlines fly to Istanbul, mostly direct flights. If you would like to book tickets via Turkish Airlines: www.thy.com


Online arrivals to Ataturk Airport
Online departures from Ataturk Airport


VISAS

EU and US citizens can obtain visas at the Turkish border gates. They do not need to apply for visa in advance.

Visa Information for the member countries of EU:
Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain visas at the Turkish border gates.

Visa Information for the United States of America: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Visa Information for other countries: Please click for details.

WEATHER

Istanbul is mosty warm and sunny in June. The avarage temperature is 24-28°C. Unexpected showers are possible.

You may check the weather update from:



CUISINE

It is said that three major kinds of cuisine exist in the world; Turkish, Chinese, and French. Fully justifying its reputation, Turkish Cuisine is always a pleasant surprise for the visitor.

In addition to being the refined product of centuries of experience, Turkish Cuisine has a very pure quality. The variety and simplicity of the recipes and the quality of the ingredients are guarantees of delicious meals.
Kebabs are dishes of plain or marinated meat either stewed or grilled. Almost every district of Anatolia has its own kebap specialty. Lamb is the basic meat of Turkish kitchen. Pieces of lamb threaded on a skewer and grilled over charcoal form the famous "Sis kebab", now known in many countries of the world. "Doner kebab" is another famous Turkish dish, being a roll of lamb on a vertical skewer turning parallel to a hot grill. You should also try "Alanazik", "Sac kavurma", "Tandir" and different types of "Kofte" as typical meat dishes.


LINKS

Here are some useful links for Istanbul:

http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/
www.istanbulcityguide.com
www.istanbullife.org

www.worldexecutive.com
www.istanbulinfolink.com
www.istanbulguide.net