Old or New Turkish Lira, What’s in the Name?

February 26, 2008

The Turkish lira (Türk Lirası – TL) was introduced in 1844 and was the currency of Turkey until 2005. That year Turkey switched to the New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası – YTL, or more officially TRY). They dropped six zeros of the old banknotes and introduced new banknotes and coins. As you can see […]

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Hard Currency, Plastic or Turkish Liras?

February 24, 2008

With some 25 million visitors finding their way to Turkey every year, tourism is a key player in the country’s economy. Since tourists shouldn’t encounter any difficulties spending their money, all options are open: cash, credit cards and maybe even still traveler’s cheques. But what is the most sensible way to bring your money along? […]

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Safety First: Health & Security – Part 2

February 20, 2008

In my previous post, I described some basic guidelines to stay healthy while enjoying the city. Today, we’ll be focusing on how to survive in Istanbul’s traffic, what to do if you experience small or more serious discomforts and how to locate the Tourist Police. Cars rules in Istanbul Streets are clogged all day, all […]

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Safety First: Health & Security – Part 1

February 14, 2008

A city-trip to Istanbul doesn’t require any special vaccinations or health preparations, as long as you observe a few basic guidelines. The same applies to personal safety. Istanbul is as safe as any other major European city, if not safer. Visitors rarely become the victim of violence or theft, certainly when they stay away from […]

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Turkey’s Visa Price List

February 12, 2008

So you don’t belong to the happy few that don’t need a visa to enter Turkey. This means you can either obtain your visa a few weeks prior to your visit in a Turkish embassy or consulate in your country; or buy your visa upon your arrival at the Turkish border. But how much will […]

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Will They Let Me In?

January 31, 2008

When you travel to Turkey, the general rule is that you need to obtain a visa to enter the country. How you can get your visa and how much a visa costs is based on the type of passport you’re holding, the country that issued it and whether you need a tourist, study or work […]

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Don’t Judge Hotels by Their Facade

January 25, 2008

Once you decided on the area your hotel should be located in, it’s time to pick one that fits your needs. A tough choice. Istanbul has been accommodating curious Westerners for over two centuries and therefore has plenty of choices. Whether you want to pass the night in an Ottoman palace, a renovated manor, a […]

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In What Area of Istanbul to Look For a Hotel?

January 22, 2008

There are basically two options: south of the Golden Horn or north of it. The good news is that there is no good or bad area. It’s just a matter of preference. The bad news is that you should expect to spend plenty of time in taxis, regardless of the area you choose. Why? Because […]

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The Republic Turkey: Istanbul Today

January 17, 2008

Atatürk Had it not been for Mustafa Kemal, there might not be Turkey today. Most Turks rejected the terms of the peace agreement and rallied behind him in a war of independence from 1912 to 1922, banishing the Greeks and deposing the sultan. Mustafa Kemal founded the Turkish Republic on 29 October 1923 and took […]

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Istanbul During the Ottoman Empire

January 15, 2008

Ottomans at the Gate The Seljuks had become a force to be reckoned with, growing from a small principality in Anatolia to a powerful army, known as the Ottomans. They ruled over the Balkans, the area all around Constantinople and much of the remainder of the Byzantine Empire. The fall of Constantinople can be attributed […]

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