Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by ahmad

What is it like to live in Istanbul? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Taking the 10-minute ferry ride from Europe to Asia never ceases to thrill. Istanbul enjoys a unique geographical position straddling two continents, and even though I have lived here for over a year, I still cannot make that crossing without a childlike sense of excitement. And yet, thousands of inhabitants of Istanbul make this crossing daily, as a matter of routine, leaving their homes in Asia and heading to work in one of the many banks in the modern business district of Levent, in a bar or restaurant in central Beyoglu, or perhaps in one of the inevitable carpet shops in the historic and touristic quarter of Sultanahmet. As the boat turns and begins its brief journey across the Bosphorus, the domes and minarets of the historical centre of the city swing into view. The swarthy men sitting opposite me on the benches that line the deck dig their hands deep into their jacket pockets and stare out over the waters, all of us silent in our contemplation of the fusion of past and present.

There are many things about Istanbul that continue to surprise me with their beauty, constantly affirming my decision to come and teach here for a year or two. What had attracted me in the beginning was the lure of the exotic, differences of culture, language, and religion. But I was also to find much that was familiar, and it is this mixture that defines Istanbul. For Istanbul is indeed a city of two halves, and not just in the geographical sense. In fact, there is no neat separation of the “two cities,” rather they are mixed up in one joyful boiling pot. Contrasts are everywhere... an orthodox church nestling in the same street as a mosque; a man atop a horse and cart negotiates his way amidst the traffic jams; old men sitting and playing backgammon in tea houses, while modern business women in short skirts sip their Starbucks coffee; families shop in huge, fashionable, glass-fronted shopping malls, while others barter for goods beautifully displayed in old bazaars; small fishing boats jostle for position amongst luxury yachts; the poor live in ramshackle housing while the elite sit on the balconies of their mansions overlooking the Bosphorus

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

I don't know because i am not studing in istanbul.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Well istanbul is considered among the expensive cities in the world. And it is an expensive city.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Istanbul? Is there any advice you can give?

No its not difficult to rent a house in istanbul. Though they are a bit expensive if you rent a house at European side. But houses at Asian side are not much expensive

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

I don't like the food in Istanbul because the food is not spicy enough..i could'nt had habe developed the taste yet. But sometimes Doner kebap is much better than the other Turkish food....

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Many places such as Hagia Sophia
Sultan Ahmet
Topkapi Measeum
Taksim square/Istiklal Street
Kadikoy
Princess Islands.

Is it good to eat out in Istanbul? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Restaurants are a bit expensive in Istanbul but the food is good sometimes. There are many restaurants in Taksim square kadikoy sultan ahmet and many other places
.......

Is the nightlife good in Istanbul? Where is good to go?

Sometimes its borimg and sometimes its amazing....

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

I think students should come here for study. The people are friendly and helpfull.