Tünel, the Shortest and Third-Oldest Passenger Underground in the World

January 14, 2009

Inaugurated on 17 January 1875, Istanbul’s Tunnel (Tünel) is the world’s shortest and third-oldest passenger terminal, after the underground systems of London and New York. This one-stop funicular climbs the steeply uphill for 500 meters from Karaköy to Tünel Square at the southern end of Istiklal Caddesi in the Beyoğlu district. Only recently, after five […]

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The Golden Horn Separates the European Shore of Istanbul into Two

January 6, 2009

The Golden Horn (Haliç) is an inlet of the Bosphorus with two rivers draining into it at the far end. It is considered to be the world’s largest natural harbor and separates the European shore of Istanbul into two. The best places to observe the Golden Horn’s activity and grace are the Galata Bridge if […]

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Turkish Lira (TL) Replaces New Turkish Lira (YTL) as of January 1, 2009

January 4, 2009

The New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası, YTL) – which was introduced on January 1, 2005 – will be replaced by the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası, TL) as of January 1, 2009. At the same time, the 200 Turkish Lira banknote has been introduced. Turkey Drops the ’Y’ in Its National Currency After a 4-year […]

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Happy New Year

January 1, 2009

He who breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool. ~ F. M. Knowles The New Year also marks the first anniversary of Istanbul Trails. A year in which 133 articles were written about this marvelous city. Thank you all very much for your attention, comments and compliments! Despite the […]

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Deciphering What Is On the Menu – Turkish Language for Tourists

December 30, 2008

The Turkish menus often have English translations to make the life of the tourists easier. Unfortunately, a fair share of the restaurants in Istanbul either didn’t put much effort in the translations or didn’t have enough money to hire a professional. Although some of these translations are hilarious, if you want to be sure what […]

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Useful Everyday Phrases – Turkish Language for Tourists

December 28, 2008

I the previous posts of this Turkish Language for Tourists series I focused on providing useful Turkish words. If you want to construct simple, everyday sentences to impress the locals, try to master some of the sentences listed below. How are you? Nasılsın? I’m fine. İyiyim. Do you speak English? İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz? Pleased to […]

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Merry Christmas

December 25, 2008

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it ‘Christmas’ and went to church; the Jews called it ‘Hanukkah’ and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say ‘Merry Christmas!’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah!’ or (to the atheists) ‘Look […]

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Accommodation, Getting Around, Sightseeing & Shopping – Turkish Language for Tourists

December 23, 2008

Whether you want to find your way around town, do some sightseeing, indulge in a shopping spree or book accommodation in Istanbul, I’m sure you’ll find some useful words in this forth post of my Turkish Language for Tourists series. Accommodation air-conditioning klima balcony balkon bathroom banyo bed yatak breakfast kahvaltı dinner akşam yemeği double […]

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Communication Essentials – Turkish Language for Tourists

December 22, 2008

In this third post of the Turkish Language for Tourists series, I’ll provide you with a list of basic words you’ll need to establish some kind of communication. Before learning these words, make sure to master the Turkish pronunciation rules first. Basic Turkish Words yes evet no hayır hello merhaba ok tamam Mr bay Mrs […]

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Numbers, Days, Months & Seasons – Turkish Language for Tourists

December 18, 2008

This is the second post in the Turkish Language for Tourists series. Before you start browsing the numbers, days, months and seasons, do get yourself acquainted with the correct Turkish pronunciation rules first. Numbers in Turkish 0 sıfır 1 bir 2 iki 3 üç 4 dört 5 beş 6 altı 7 yedi 8 sekiz 9 […]

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