Istanbul has been named the world’s most congested city for 2024, according to the INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard[1][2][3]. The report found that drivers in Istanbul lost an average of 105 hours to traffic congestion in 2024, placing it at the top of the global rankings[2][3]. Global Rankings Istanbul’s position as the most congested city … Read more
Istanbul Airport (IST) prices are higher than many other major European airports, particularly for food and beverages. Recent studies and reports highlight the significant cost differences: Food and Beverage Costs According to a 2025 study by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Istanbul Airport tops the list as the most expensive airport in Europe for food … Read more
I am feeling strong doses of nostalgia after taking my personal belongings from my parents’ storage place. Like many families in İstanbul, my parents finally decided to move away from their apartments because of the expected major earthquake. Istanbul is in a frenzy of urban renewal, and the building they lived in for 45 years … Read more
The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg visited Istanbul to support Acik Radyo (Open Radio), a recently closed independent radio station in Turkey. Here are the key details of her visit: Purpose of the Visit Thunberg’s visit was primarily to express solidarity with Acik Radyo, which had its broadcasting license revoked by the Turkish Radio and … Read more
http://istanbulansiklopedisi.org is live – The website brings together the printed volumes of Reşad Ekrem Koçu‘s unfinished #İstanbulAnsiklopedisi and archival documents made accessible for the first time. Check out the site here
Here are some recent photos I have taken: My own private İstanbul (!) Windows scenes from the event I attended. When I was passing through the first Bosphorus bridge to get my new car.
MLSA’s Twitter account documents the rights violations towards journalists and other activists. Historic Unkapanı towards Taksim Square is blocked by police. An iconic image of shame for Turkiye’s leaders. Photo by Umut Taştan İstanbul’da 1 Mayıs!. pic.twitter.com/L9ibgMnwGS — hilmi hacaloğlu (@hilmihacaloglu) May 1, 2024
Ahead of an upcoming workshop in Istanbul in May, Özmen opens up on the experience of shooting in his adopted home, a city of color and contradiction. See the whole piece and beautiful photos here
A few days ago, I and Sinem stopped by a newly opened museum in Taksim. Türkiye İş Bankası Resim Heykel Müzesi (İşbank Painting and Sculpture Museum) in İstiklal Street contains permanent and temporary exhibitions. Temporary exhibition includes an İstanbul section. Among all the classical paintings, I have chosen to show you an Istanbul silhouette … Read more
Istanbul Named the World’s Most Visited City in 2023 – TimeOut TimeOut Euromonitor International released its list of top 10 cities for international arrivals and the Turkish capital claimed the number one spot. How Female Chefs Are Sparkling in Istanbul – The New York Times The New York Times Women, long expected to cook for their families at … Read more
Taksi drivers attack Istanbul’s Transportation Coordination Center with stones Duvar English Istanbul’s taxi drivers reacting to the 28.09 percent increase in taxi fares at the meeting of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Transportation In other news: Rumours and Whispers in the Istanbul Art Scene An update on revolt, discussions and developments in the city following months of crisis Over the past six … Read more
I am reading a nice book A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul. One chapter deals with the fires. It was the most damaging disaster for centuries. Mavi Boncuk listed major fires: Major Named Istanbul Fires Mavi Boncuk | The period with no organized Tulumba Fire Crews until 1714. Important fires of this period; 1510 It … Read more
Istanbul Europe’s 2nd brightest Christmas city: Research According to a recent study by a U.K.-based company, Istanbul has been ranked as the second most brilliantly lit Christmas city in Europe during the month of December. This information has been reported by several reputable sources, including Daily Sabah, Hürriyet Daily News, and enginakyurekunitingheartsworldwide.org. Additionally, a … Read more
I heard the news that this building will be demolished. Its architectural style was unique in İstanbul. I would admire it when I was a child. It was futuristic when it was first built. I had been inside once when it was used as a private high school building. But it was first used as … Read more
In a recent strange interview, Ms. Erkan stated that she ‘lives with mother’ due to excessive rental prices in İstanbul I don’t know her intentions, but I list below how much she earned in recent years. It is hypocritical- but probably politically beneficial- to identify with poorer people like that. How much she actually earned recently? … Read more