Istanbul - Page 3

Istanbul’s two main shopping streets are now among the world’s 20 most expensive streets to rent retail space, according to a new report by a leading commercial property consultancy. Rents for retail outlets in the streets of Bagdat Caddesi on Istanbul’s Asian side and Istiklal on the European side are together ranked 20th in a … Continued

Fans of Turkey and its colourful lifestyle will enjoy a new TV series covering Turkish food and hosted by TV chef Rick Stein, which is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC 2 next year. Turkey’s well known for its beaches, sunshine and exciting culture, and Stein’s new series will help to open more people’s eyes … Continued

Istanbul’s status on the global tourism stage moved up a notch this month, following the opening of an iconic new hotel by one of the world’s largest hotel companies, American group Choice Hotels International. Choice’s newly built Clarion Hotel & Suites Istanbul Sisli is located between the Levent and Taksim business areas and close to … Continued

Istanbul’s appeal to wealthy jet-setters and homeowners who enjoy eating out has just shot up, after Ristorante ltalia, a contemporary Italian fine dining restaurant inside Istanbul’s new Eataly, was opened by world renown chef Massimo Bottura at the end of May. Massimo Bottura is the highly regarded chef-patron of the three Michelin-star Osteria Francescana in … Continued

Istanbul has been voted the best place to visit in the world in the sixth annual Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations, organised by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is the country’s cultural capital and embraces both its European and Asian roots as the country bridges the two continents. … Continued

The air is heavy with the sweet scent of pine resin, mingling harmoniously with the fragrant odours of Mediterranean shrubs and herbs. The desultory drone of a few early-rising honey bees, the clip-clop of a horse’s hooves in the distance and the soft slop of waves breaking gently against the shingle shore are the only … Continued

Watching the visually stunning “Byzantium: A Tale of Three Cities”, first screened on BBC 4 towards the end of 2013, makes for a better introduction than most to one of the world’s most compelling cities, Istanbul. Its presenter, the erudite historian and writer Simon Sebag Montefiore, is an engaging companion, carefully unravelling the past of … Continued

Giant of the Hollywood blockbuster Russell Crowe, who starred in the movie Gladiator, has been in Turkey confirming arrangements for the filming of his next film and whilst there he revealed how much he liked the country. In his film, Crowe will bring to the big screen the story of an Anzac soldier who fought … Continued

Istanbul football club Beşiktaş announced in August that it has signed a $145-million deal with British telecommunications group Vodafone, making it the country’s biggest ever sponsorship deal. The deal includes shirt sponsorship for five years and sponsorship of the new Beşiktaş stadium, expected to be completed next year and named the Vodafone Arena, for 15 … Continued

Istanbul has scored big once again in Mastercard’s Index of Global Destination Cities, securing itself the 6th spot among 132 cities ranked in terms of international visitor arrivals and spending. The survey predicted that Istanbul would welcome 10.4 million international visitors this year, putting it in front of Dubai, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Milan, Roma, Amsterdam, … Continued