AN UNFORGETTABLE IN İSTANBUL

2012 YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY
AN UNFORGETTABLE
RAMADAN
IN İSTANBUL
www.ramadaninistanbul.org
Ramadan: A Time of
Love and Sharing
A
s Ramadan—one of the holiest times of the year in
Islam—approaches, the excitement of reuniting
with a dearly missed friend appears in Muslims’
hearts. Containing Laylat al-Qadr, the eve of which is more
precious than a thousand months, Ramadan is a time when
we desire the same things we want for ourselves for other
people, too.
The month of Ramadan, which believers pray earnestly for
eleven months to see, has a very special significance to our
lives, and İstanbul—a city that is itself special—presents
various beautiful offerings suiting the significance and
spirituality of this month.
The month of Ramadan brings people who live in separate
lands but believe in common values closer together. And
as Turkish Airlines, we are bringing İstanbul closer to our
guests from afar who wish to experience the abundance and
peace of the month of Ramadan in this beautiful city.
We have prepared very special opportunities for you to
meet and experience the rich traditions, incredible natural
environment, and culture of İstanbul during Ramadan.
For specially discounted tickets and opportunities that allow
you to shop freely with free-of-charge extra luggage, we
suggest you visit our website at www.turkishairlines.com.
To express the spirit of Ramadan in İstanbul using words
is impossible. We therefore invite you to spend this holy
month in İstanbul, which regards this holy month with love,
respect, and ceaseless excitement, and wish for Ramadan to
bring peace and camaraderie to all of humanity.
www.ramadaninistanbul.org
RAMADAN IN İSTANBUL
İSTANBUL IN THE
HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN
W
hen the crescent heralding the arrival of the
month of Ramadan appears over the horizon
of İstanbul, the entire city is ready to welcome
this sacred month awaited with longing and love. For
559 years, İstanbul has experienced the tradition of
the high esteem and spiritual exuberance present both
daytime and nighttime during Ramadan.
The legendarily splendid mosques of İstanbul complete
their preparations for Ramadan. The luminous messages
spelled out on the signs hung between minarets, a
centuries-old tradition in Turkey of the auspicious
month of Ramadan, say “Welcome to our city,
Ramadan,” and, “Know the value of this month.”
The warm aroma of the special Ramadan pita bread
wafts above dinner tables near the time to break the fast
as people wait to hear the sound of the call to prayer that
will soon arise from thousands of mosques. Whether
you break your fast at street eateries or restaurants
acclaimed for their special Ramadan menus, the
common feeling is in the spiritual peace of Ramadan.
As the Koranic chants of world-famous Koran scholars
fill the hearts of believers, visitors flock to book fairs,
exhibitions, and fruitful shopping sessions until the start
of the fast.
In every way, İstanbul is the place for love, sharing, and
peace of mind during Ramadan.
And it is for these reasons that spending Ramadan in
İstanbul is a peerless experience.
MUST-DOS
EXPERIENCING
RAMADAN IN İSTANBUL
İstanbul welcomes Ramadan—the sultan of the eleven months—with the values it has been keeping
alive for so long in history. Tolerance, camaraderie, and gracious hospitality are among the foremost
qualities of Ramadan in İstanbul. The waves of spiritual peace created with the fast grow with meals
to break the fast and the special events being held this month. During this time, İstanbul presents
a massive world to be discovered with its colorful world of shopping and its historic and cultural
treasures. With the Bosphorus, with its legendary and wondrous beauty; the Princes’ Islands, with
their emerald-green hills, horse carriages, and tranquil atmosphere; its palaces, which reflect the
splendor of the past; its monumental mosques; colorful bazaars; and modern shopping centers,
İstanbul is a center of attraction that generously offers everything expected of it. Here, we open the
door of the rich world of this city as the peace of Ramadan reigns in İstanbul…
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Free luggage
allowance
for Ramadan
turkishairlines.com
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1 Sultanahmet Mosque
is also known as the
Blue Mosque due
to the blue color of
its tiles and glass
windows.
2 Located in
3
Sultanahmet
Square, which has
the quality of an
outdoor museum, the
Museum of Turkish
And Islamic Arts
hosts a selection of
artwork from the
Islamic civilizations.
3 Another ravishing
4
location on the
Historic Peninsula
is Topkapı Palace.
Within this
magnificent palace
complex you will find
traces of a worldly
realm as well as
valuables of figures
in the Islamic culture
starting with the
prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). If you’d like to
taste the wonders of
the Ottoman cuisine,
the restaurants inside
the palace are ready
to serve you.
4 With its legendary
dome, fountain,
and beauty, the
Hagia Sophia is an
İstanbul monument
that contains works
both Byzantine and
Ottoman.
MUST-DOS: CULTURE
The Hagia Sophia Mosque
and the Blue Mosque are
monumental buildings that
have witnessed time for
centuries in Sultanahmet
Square. The Historic
Peninsula’s other treasures
are the Grand Bazaar and
Beyazıt Square.
THE CROWN SEAT OF EMPIRES:
THE HISTORIC
PENINSULA
With its unique ambiance
and incredibly interesting
shops, the Grand Bazaar
attracts visitors all the time.
The Grand Bazaar is the
most important center of
jewelry in İstanbul. With
dozens of streets and large
avenues, the Grand Bazaar
is the most important hub
of shopping in İstanbul.
The time-defying, splendid traces of Roman,
Byzantine, and Ottoman history behind the
city walls are İstanbul’s cultural treasures. Go
and explore the Historic Peninsula to trace and
discover the millennia-long history of İstanbul.
Among the places you can visit in Eminönü
are the vicinity of Yenicami, the Spice Bazaar,
Rüstempaşa Mosque, and Tahtakale Bazaar.
For Ramadan
opportunities
turkishairlines.com
While walking from Eminönü
to Sirkeci, you can stop by the
traditional candy shops to buy
Turkish delight.
You may take the tram or opt for
the open-top red double-decker
to get around in the city. You
may choose to wander on foot
as well.
Places to visit along the Golden
Horn include Süleymaniye Mosque,
Pierre Loti Hill in Eyüp, and
Feshane.
Ramadan, which Turks call “the sultan of months,”
has been celebrated cheerfully every year in
İstanbul. With the illumination of the whole city
and mosques, İstanbul becomes enveloped in a
completely different atmosphere. I STRONGLY
SUGGEST A VISIT TO THE BOOK AND
CULTURE FAIR IN BEYAZIT SQUARE, WHERE
THE SALE AND PROMOTION OF MANY
BOOKS IN ARABIC IS TAKING PLACE. Besides
shopping in Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar for
traditional sweets, clothes, and souvenirs, one can
PROF. KHALED AL-MUTLAQ choose from numerous big shopping centers that
CULTURAL ATTACHÉ OF THE present shopping opportunities at an affordable
SAUDI ARABIAN EMBASSY price to their domestic and foreign customers with
their Ramadan campaigns.
MUST-DOS: TRAVEL
FROM THE BOSPHORUS TO THE
PRINCES’ ISLANDS
Located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, the Bosphorus conceals dozens of
natural and historical treasures within its unique scenery. On the natural wonders
that are the Princes’ Islands, you can enjoy the cool seaborne breezes as you
refresh in the shade of emerald-green trees.
For exclusive
Ramadan prices
turkishairlines.com
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The Princes’ Islands are İstanbul’s most favorable places for vacation and trips.
You can easily reach the islands all day long by ferry and rapid ferry from Kabataş.
With no car traffic, you will find yourself in a nostalgic place with horse-drawn
carriages, exceptional meals. and a historical architectural setting.
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Bebek’s seaside cafes and ice cream parlors are among the best places on the
Bosphorus shoreline.
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A Bosphorus boat ride is ideal for enjoying İstanbul’s scenery. You can take a
Bosphorus trip with boats from Eminönü, Kabataş, Beşiktaş, and Ortaköy until
late hours.
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Ortaköy is one of the most popular locations of the Bosphorus shoreline. With its
restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, Ortaköy keeps busy until the meal before
dawn.
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You can reach the restaurants and cafes at the Maiden’s Tower via boats from
Üsküdar and Kabataş.
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FAYZA EL KHAZEN TRAD
PUBLISHER, LEBANON
İstanbul is one of the most important
junctions in the world for the
Abrahamic religions. EVERYONE
OF EVERY BELIEF CAN BE
SURE TO FIND SOMETHING
HERE THAT BELONGS TO HIM
OR HER. In this fabulous city, which
brings together thousands of years of
human heritage, one can find many
things with regard to art and culture.
This enchanting city is ready to greet
you with new surprises on your
every visit.
MUST-DOS: PALACES
GROVES,PARKS,
SUMMER MANSIONS,
PALACES
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Beşiktaş’s Dolmabahçe Palace makes quite an
impression with its dashing architecture, vast gardens,
and rich collection. Built during the reign of the Ottoman
Sultan Abdul Mejid I, the palace is open to visit every
day except Monday and Thursday. The Palace Collection
Museum within Dolmabahçe Palace is worth a visit.
Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side is another popular
palace that is open to visitation.
Many mansions in İstanbul offer a plethora of special
Ramadan options for breaking the fast.
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The mansions of Malta and Şale in Yıldız Park in Beşiktaş
welcome visitors amid lush greenery.
2
Ihlamur Summer Mansion near Beşiktaş presents history
and nature together in a neat package.
3
Hidiv Summer Mansion near Kanlica is a historical location
on the hills of Beykoz. Located in a grove, these facilities
present options for breaking the fast, too.
4
Emirgan Grove is one of the hidden treasures of the
Bosphorus.
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4
AVENUES OF
MUST-DOS: AVENUES
İSTANBUL
İstanbul is a city known
for its avenues. İstiklal
Avenue, which stretches
from Taksim Square to
Tünel, is the beating heart of
the city, active 24/7. There
are many restaurants that
serve traditional Ottoman
dishes within reach of İstiklal
Avenue.
The neighborhood of
Nişantaşı is İstanbul’s
fashion center. On Rumeli,
Maçka, Valikonağı, and
Abdi İpekçi avenues, you
can find a selection of world
brands including Armani,
Prada, Louis Vuitton, and
Hermès.
Bağdat Avenue is the center
of attraction of Istanbul’s
Asian side. Its spacious
sidewalks are lined with chic
restaurants, cafes, and
high-end stores.
İstiklal
Avenue
Bağdat Avenue
Nişantaşı
TAHA OUDA
APTN TV NEWS MIDDLE
EAST AND TURKEY
REPRESENTATIVE
İstanbul becomes a completely
different city during Ramadan.
ILLUMINATED TO CELEBRATE
ISLAM’S HOLY MONTH, THE
CITY LOOKS ABLAZE AND MORE
DIVINE THAN EVER. When this city
is adorned with rings of light on every
single minaret, it is one of the most
beautiful spectacles in the world. The
possibility that the twenty-seventh eve
of Ramadan could really be Laylat alQadr makes it even more beautiful.
İstiklal
Avenue
MUST-DOS: MALLS
SHOPPING CENTERS IN
İSTANBUL
İstinye Park Mall
Presenting cool environments and rich options that cater
to many needs, shopping centers are popular places in the
summertime. With the many shopping centers in it, İstanbul
has been a renowned shopping destination as of late. In some
shopping centers, you will ve entranced by illuminated shop
windows from global brands, and in others you will be forced
to make a decision from among hundreds. You are certain to
find something pleasant in all of them.
Kanyon Mall
Nautilus Mall
Among the city’s shopping centers on the Anatolian side are Kozzy
(which was named Europe’s best shopping center in 2011), Palladium,
Meydan, Buyaka, ViaPort, Capitol, Optimum, and Nautilus.
On the European side, on the other hand, are such world-famous
shopping centers as Cevahir, Kanyon, İstinye Park, City’s, Akmerkez,
Forum İstanbul, and Torium.
Metrocity Mall
MUST-DOS: ACTIVITIES
A COLORFUL
RAMADAN
Ramadan events in İstanbul are centered on the Historic
Peninsula. There are various concerts and art events as well
as dining opportunities until the meal before dawn.
Different kinds of books in Arabic and English can be found
at the book fair being held in the courtyard of the Blue
Mosque.
Beyazıt Square comes alive with concerts, exhibitions
worthy of the Ramadan spirit, and Koran chants by the
most famous hafiz from around the globe.
One of the most important locations for Ramadan events
is Feshane in Eyüp. Feshane delights visitors with local
products, street dining, candy sellers, a theme park, and a
household goods fair.
People assemble to break the fast together in the large iftar
tents set up in almost all major squares around İstanbul.
Most shopping centers hold various events throughout
Ramadan to join in with the excitement of this holy month..
HABIB TOUMI
BUREAU CHIEF FOR
BAHRAIN, KUWAIT, AND
SAUDI ARABIA GULF NEWS
When it comes to the few cities genuinely suiting
the spirit of Ramadan, İstanbul stands out as the
most appealing combination of faith, spirituality,
culinary traditions, shopping, and weather. A TRIP
TO İSTANBUL IS THE BEST RAMADAN GIFT
OF ALL AND NO WRAPPING IS NEEDED.
Travelling so often to İstanbul, I have discovered that
Ramadan is the best time to visit this city, which has
always attracted commerce but earned its lasting
fame with religion. During the sacred month, the
queen of the Orient, embellished with its magic
parade of slender minarets, shows off its age-old
mélange of dedicated energy by day, gracious
hospitality for iftar, religious devotion in the early
evening, and great entertainment for the whole
family following the last prayers.
MUST-DOS: DINING
BREAKING THE
FAST IN İSTANBUL
Iftar—the breaking of the fast—is truly something else
in İstanbul. Iftar in İstanbul is sharing. It is joy; it is one of
the loveliest ways to give thanks. Great tables are set up
and a vast array of delicious foods is eaten with merry
conversation. Home to various cultures for millennia,
İstanbul offers almost unlimited options for iftar.
One of the most popular cuisines during Ramadan is
Ottoman cuisine. Based on hundreds of years of culture,
this cuisine is noted especially for its olive oil-based
dishes served cold, meat dishes, and desserts. Hünkar
beğendi—“Sultan’s delight,” lamb stew served on a bed of
eggplant puree, tandoori-cooked meat, dolmas and baklava
are the first options to come to mind. Kebabs, too, are
delicious—a feast ranging from döner to shish kebab and
lamb to chicken awaits you.
İstanbul is a hub of world cuisines, too. In addition to the
balanced, light delicacies of the French and Italian cuisines,
exotic options from East Asian cuisine and the fantastic
flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine await you with hundreds
of options.
İstanbul’s flavor parade continues from iftar until the
start of the next fast. Enlivened with shows, festivals,
and celebrations, İstanbul’s streets give you the option
to continue your feast with such delicacies as streetside
snacks to regional favorites from all over Turkey.
İstanbul becomes a true capital of flavor during Ramadan.
You’ll hardly be able to get enough of İstanbul during iftar!
With cafes that offer traditional
delicacies in the open air after iftar,
the neighborhood of Tophane is very
popular in İstanbul.
Many venues can get quite full
during Ramadan—reservations
are recommended. Some venues
offer only a set menu, so if you
prefer dining a la carte, be sure to
ask beforehand. Don’t overdo your
meal: first, quell your huger with
some soup, take a small break, and
consume the rest of the dishes in
small portions. Find out whether
or not there is a special dish for
Ramadan at the place you’re going
so you can be sure not to miss it.
Lastly, a tip isn’t generally included
in the bill, but it is customary to leave
one of about 10 to 15 percent.
JUST FOR RAMADAN
Ramadan has its own delicacies,
too. Many savory and sweet options
that are not available during the
rest of the year appear on tables
as a symbol of the abundance of
this month, like the dessert güllaç,
which is both light and incredibly
delicious. Warm Ramadan pita bread,
traditional sherbets, and big cups of
Turkish coffee are also among the
great delicacies you should try.
WHAT TO EAT & WHERE
KEBAB: Aksaray, Beyoğlu, Samatya
OTTOMAN CUISINE: Beyoğlu,
Historic Peninsula, Üsküdar
SEAFOOD: Bosphorus shoreline,
Karaköy
WORLD CUISINE: Hotels,
Nişantaşı, Bağdat Ave., shopping
centers
Fly with us and discover the colors of Istanbul in Ramadan.
We are Turkish Airlines, we are globally yours.
turkishairlines.com | +90 212 444 0 849