istanbul

Everything You Need to Know About Turkish Carpets and Kilims

Undoubtedly, any visitor to Turkey will quickly notice the obsession with Turkish carpets and rugs. Adorning the tiled floors of most Turkish homes, shops in touristic centres make a roaring trade as people scramble for a traditional Turkish carpet as an ideal holiday souvenir or gift for a loved one. Have a read of everything you need to know when looking for carpets in Turkey.

istanbul tourism in turkey
2016-July-04

Beautiful Green Parks of Istanbul

The last 15 years has seen a new trend across the world to preserve parks, squares, and gardens, within cities that are typically nicknamed concrete jungles. Istanbul is likewise rising to the challenge to provide sustainable living spaces away from tall skyscrapers and traffic jams. Have a read of the best green parks you will find in Istanbul.

istanbul
2016-July-04

Istanbul Real Estate – Why and Where to invest

Turkey’s most popular city, Istanbul straddles two continents and provides a natural gateway between the East and the West. In the last 10 years, stratospheric development in Istanbul has seen investors rush to capitalise on Istanbul’s property boom. Stats show that one in five Turkish property sales are now being made in Istanbul, making the city one of the most exciting markets in the world. So, WHY and WHERE should you invest in Istanbul? Read on to discover just what sets this metropolis city above the rest.

istanbul , istanbul investment , real estate investment , investment
2016-June-16

Want to work in Turkey? Government to offer work visa with property purchase

With the aim of boosting the property market, the government is planning to offer work permits to anyone who buys Turkish real estate above a certain level. The move follows the 2013 offer of residency visas for home buyers, and will probably extend to allowing buyers to become Turkish citizens. Turkey's property market is booming, with properties increasing by 93 percent in the last five years. However, critics say the market still has room to grow.

turkish economy , istanbul investments investment in turkey
2016-May-30

A tale of blood and slaughter: the fall of Constantinople

May 29 marks the anniversary of The fall of Constantinople, in 1453. Although the Byzantine occupants of the city were outnumbered ten to one they fought valiantly against the invading Ottoman army. The 53-day siege and subsequent conquering of the city marked a turning point not just for the Ottoman Empire, but for the future of Islam, Turkey and the wider world.

Turkish history istanbul
2016-May-27

Istanbul's Street Art: Graffiti or Talent?

Some of the most creative designs, motifs, logos and stencil drawings are seen across a variety of districts, but the stand out neighbourhoods are usually around Istiklal Avenue, in Taksim Square; Tunel, Karakoy; Sishane; as well as Maltepe, Kadikoy and Moda. Is Istanbul street art graffiti or talent? Have a read of this blog and discover some of the best street art of Istanbul.

istanbul , tourism in turkey , arts culture
2016-March-30

8 hidden Istanbul gems you really should discover

Every visitor to Istanbul knows Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi. However, there are some incredible suburbs and rural regions just a short drive from the central city. Some are leafy, some are coastal - some are in up-and-coming parts of Istanbul itself. Join us on a tour of Istanbul’s best kept secrets.

istanbul investment
2016-March-15

Istanbul's newest bridge a third link between Asia and Europe

Istanbul's Selim Bridge, the third link between the Asian and European sides of the city, was completed on Sunday in an official linking ceremony attended by Turkey's president and prime minister. The enormous suspension bridge will officially open in August and will help ease traffic in the city, as well as being an important link to the Marmara Motorway. The bridge is one of a number of city-changing infrastructure projects championed by President Erdogan.

istanbul
2016-March-08

Istiklal Caddesi: A Guide To Turkey’s Busiest Street

Stretching for more than 1 mile, from the tunnel funicular to the independence monument in Taksim Square, Istiklal Caddesi is the busiest street in Istanbul and a must-see for anyone visiting. Its primary function is shopping and entertainment but old buildings still stand among modern and new builds. More than 3 million people walk it every day - let us take you through the best things to see and do on Istiklal.

istanbul , life in turkey
2016-February-22

Baklava: The Sweetest Delight and the National Dessert of Turkey

Carefully baked using filo pastry and nut fillings, then covered with thick sticky syrup, thousands of Baklava are sold all over Turkey every day, it is easy to see just why Baklava is the national dessert of Turkey. Read on to discover more about this tasty snack.

istanbul turkish cuisine
2016-February-19

A beginner's guide to investing in Istanbul property

Istanbul is Turkey's beating heart. It's the cultural capital and the historical centre of the country. And of course, it's the economic powerhouse driving the Turkish economy. Investing in Istanbul has always been an attractive prospect and in the last decade investment in the city has grown exponentially. Discover how you can make a start navigating Turkey's largest and most prosperous city.

real estate investment , istanbul , luxury living investment
2015-November-10

Bosporus Glory: The Pride of Istanbul

Separating Europe and Asia, the Bosporus strait in Turkey’s biggest city, Istanbul, is a pinnacle feature of its landscape. Throughout history, great empires have waged war to control it and many men have fallen defending it. These days, the 31-kilometre stretch of water is a symbol of unity and a main feature of tourism in the city. Paying homage to its magnificent glory, this blog takes you on a magical journey through the history of the Bosporus.

istanbul
2016-February-08

18 awesome things to do with kids in Istanbul

Istanbul's reputation as one of the world's most popular cities is well founded. As well as holding delights aplenty for adults: wining, dining, culture and music, there are also a large number of things you can do with your little ones in tow. From toddler to teen, we've rounded up a few suggestions to make sure everyone has fun in the city - even adults.

life in turkey istanbul
2016-February-02

4 Luxurious and Extravagant Palaces in Istanbul

As the former capital of both the Byzantium and Ottoman empires, Istanbul has housed and hosted many famous figures throughout history and the palaces are a perfect way to get to know their stories - here are four luxury palaces that you will find in Istanbul.

istanbul , ottoman empire
2016-January-28

Top Museums of Istanbul to visit

As interesting tourist attractions, and an eye into the past, museums highlight the best and worst of humanity and history. In Istanbul you will find an abundance of museums for you to discover and take a walk through Turkey's rich past and culture. In this blog you will find our favourite museums in Istanbul that you just have to visit.

istanbul , tourism in turkey
2016-January-28

Golden Visa scheme a golden ticket for Turkish property buyers

Turkey's property market is set to receive a huge boost with the introduction of a "Golden Visa" scheme, like that already in operation in Portugal and Cyprus. Anyone investing $500,000 will receive automatic residency, a move likely to attract more investors, especially in Istanbul, Turkey's number one spot for overseas property buying. The move will also net billions for the Turkish economy.

turkish economy , istanbul investments investment in turkey
2016-January-25

The Delicious Culinary Scene of Istanbul

Dining out in Istanbul is an appetising journey through some of the best cuisines of the world. It's diverse multicultural population ensures a host of international food ranging from A la carte delicacies to tasty street snacks. Travellers looking for cheap meals are just as delighted as the tourists who prefer to dine in prestigious restaurants - have a look at the mouth-watering culinary scene of Istanbul.

istanbul turkish cuisine
2015-December-21

10 best markets in Istanbul

From textiles to tomatoes, Turkey's largest city offers a wealth of bargains for keen shoppers. Istanbul is a shopper's paradise, with markets found in every corner of the city on every day of the week. There is truly something for everyone - even non-shoppers will enjoy sitting down with a cup of tea and watching locals and tourists sift through the piles of antiques, leather goods, brassware and produce. We give you the lowdown of the 10 very best markets.

life in turkey , tourism in turkey , istanbul shopping in turkey
2015-October-20

Navigating Istanbul’s Transport System

As the largest, and certainly the busiest city in Turkey, Istanbul is a hive of frenzied activity for the tourism, business and financial sectors all fighting for public transport and highway access. Naturally, these are all supported by an intense network of transport options, ranging from the Metro, tram, car hire, taxis and buses, all used by millions of people per day. Here is the lowdown on navigating and moving around Turkey's greatest city.

istanbul , life in turkey transport in turkey
2015-August-31

Why Buying Property in Istanbul is a Good Idea

As real estate agents, we often meet international investors who want to know if buying property in Istanbul is a good idea. With average prices looking better than those of other global cities like Milan and New York, Istanbul is worthy for good returns on investment. The unique culture makes this Turkish city intriguing for potential buyers looking to spread their wings overseas.

istanbul , istanbul investment , real estate investment , investment
2015-August-04