Through the city’s heart runs the sea channel called the Bosphorus which reaches north to The Black Sea and south to the Marmara Sea. Istanbul is located in the Marmara region of Turkey and is a major seaport city as well as an industrial, commercial, educational and financial center and trade center. Manufactures include ship building, glass, textiles, shoes and cement. The city’s inhabitants is about twelve million.

The city is divided into three parts - the old city , the new city and the Asiatic side. The old town and new town which encompass the greater part of the city are located in Europe. The Asiatic side can be reached from the European side by two bridges, the Bosphorus Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.

  The Old City and the New City are separated by the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus. It is a natural channel seven km long and is connected by two bridges, the Galata Bridge and Atatürk Bridge.

Within the urban district of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, there are nine islands, called Princess Islands, where Byzantine Princes used to be exiled. The largest and the most popular one is Buyuk Ada, because the island is larger and there are many things to see and do, such as dining in the fish restaurants, visiting places to worship (mosque, churches, synagogues), fishing, swimming, hiking, donkey riding, cycling, boating, touring the island by horse and carriage, and picnicking. The island is famous for wooden mansions, well kept flower gardens and acres and acres of pine trees. The rest of the popular islands are Kinali Ada, Burgaz Ada, Heybeli Ada, and Sedef Ada.

There are also a number of stores selling Turkish handicrafts, hippy gear and incense, brass trays and lamps, and Izmir pottery. The added bonus is that there are none of the annoying spruikers that hassle you in the Grand Bazaar. The tranquil arcade may not get the stream of tourists that the Bazaar does, but the storekeepers here seem to like it that way. This is a place for serious collectors and people who appreciate beautiful things. Browsing is encouraged because these guys know that the longer you look the more unlikely you’ll be able to resist buying something special.

When 19th-century travelers spoke of Constantinople (Istanbul) as the Paris of the East, they were thinking of the Grande Rue de Péra (Istiklal Caddesi) and its half-European, half-Asian culture. The avenue begins at Taksim Square, the hub of modern Istanbul.

Nostalgic Istiklal Caddesi tramway cars rattle and clank along Istiklal Caddesi from Taksim Square to Tünel Square just as they did in the 19th-century heyday of this Europeanized corner of the Ottoman sultan’s domains. Halfway along the avenue toward the southwest is Galatasaray Square, easily recognizable by the grand gates to Galatasaray Lisesi, the first European-style lycée (high school) erected by the Ottoman government.

At the far southwestern end of Istiklal Caddesi is Tünel Square, site of the upper station of 19th-century Beyoglu’s little two-station underground train, the Tünel, and southern terminus of the nostalgic Istiklal Caddesi tram. Come in the daytime for shopping, in the evening for strolling, people-watching, supper in one of the many restaurants, a drink in a cafe or bar, and some music in a little nightspot.

Stroll through the market (free, 1/2 hr, closed Sunday), and if you have the time, stroll for another hour through the surrounding bazaar. Hasircilar Caddesi, the narrow bazaar street running west from the market building, is particularly colorful, with lots more shops selling spices, snacks and housewares.

The mouth-watering result is an original, innovative menu filled with dishes that appear to be traditional Turkish fare, but which are garnished with a delicate finesse that would be almost impossible to find anywhere else. In summer, there are several tables outside.

The English menu lists a vast selection of Turkish and Ottoman delights. It’s an excellent place for lunch. A colourful display of preserved pickles and fruits brightens up the entrance. Try the Kunefe for dessert; it’s to die for.

It is now open to the public and offers a splendid restaurant for its visitors. It’s a popular place for Sunday brunch. It’s not the easiest place to find for tourists, but its stunning architecture and view are well worth the effort.

Try dishes like Prawns in a Jar with Lemon Grass, or the Bollywood Chicken. Stick to Turkish cuisine or go in for some sushi, but definitely order something from the imported wine list. The DJ and the live music keep you on your feet - the atmosphere gets more vibrant as the night progresses.

Taksim is a main transportation hub and a popular destination for both tourists and the native population of Istanbul. ?stiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), a long pedestrian shopping street, ends at this square, and a nostalgic tram runs from the square along the avenue, ending near the Tünel (1875) which is the world’s second-oldest subway line after London’s Underground (1863). Surrounding Taksim Square are numerous travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and international fast food chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Burger King. It is also home to some of Istanbul’s grandest hotels including the InterContinental, the Ritz-Carlton and The Marmara Hotel. Taksim is also a favourite location for public events such as parades, New Year celebrations or other social gatherings.

The square has been an important venue of political protests during much of its existence. Groups from all sides of the political spectrum in Turkey, as well as many NGOs, try to demonstrate in the square to use the visibility of the square for the benefit of their cause. In the events known as the Taksim Square massacre, thirty-six left-wing demonstrators were killed by unidentified and allegedly right-wing gunmen on the square during Labour Day demonstrations of May 1, 1977. Following many other violent incidents, all forms of group protest were banned in the square and the police units maintain a round-the-clock presence to prevent any incidents. The ban doesn’t apply to surrounding avenues or streets.

A Large Selection Of Restaurants And Bars Provides Guests With A Broad Choice Of Cuisine. A Wide Range Of Facilities Are On The Premises, Such As Fitness Club, Beauty Parlour And Outdoor Pool.