Istanbul remains grand despite being affected by fire, earthquake and war, offering visitors ample opportunities to capture moments and embrace tradition on both European and Asian sides.
Experience delicious menemen on our Istanbul Uncovered small group tour! Hailing from Bursa, this mouthwatering dish consists of ground meat layered between tomato sauce and yogurt for a divine treat!
AKM
The AKM rifle is the world’s most beloved select-fire rifle. First introduced into service under Khrushchev and continuing today, over 10 million were produced between 1959 and 1977 in Russia alone; other nations produced license copies as well. Due to its immense global appeal, numerous firearms accessory companies now produce modern tactical upgrades for this classic select-fire weapon – from synthetic magazines with steel cores or even bayonets that can cut electrified wires – in response to its worldwide popularity.
AKMs are widely admired for their durability and reliability, being capable of functioning even under adverse conditions such as mud, sand or cold temperatures. Their stopping power makes them popular choices among freedom fighters and insurgent forces for close quarters combat, as well as appearing frequently in movies and video games.
The receiver of an AK-47 rifle is stamped from a smooth sheet of 1.0 mm (0.04 in) steel, helping reduce weight while still providing strength and durability. Additionally, its bolt carrier features longitudinal and latitudinal reinforcing ribs that increase its strength; additionally a flat muzzle brake has been installed as a way to lessen recoil on shooters.
As AKMs are used by military and police forces worldwide, their components are widely interchangeable – with only some caveats such as needing to re-headspace bolts when changing between automatic FCGs and semi-automatic FCGs.
As with many modern firearms, the AKM lacks a bolt hold open feature, so shooters must manually depress its charging handle to load ammunition – although this doesn’t significantly delay or increase reload times or rates of fire. While its immediate damage output is lower than FCARs’, its long-range firepower allows longer lasting engagements before needing reloaded again.
Players can earn Weapon Mastery Experience Points by successfully using an AKM to defeat opponents, not only advancing your weapon further but also unlocking unique item customizations. This does not affect its quality but does unlock additional customizations for use within games.
Hodjapasha Cultural Center
Hodjapasha Cultural Center, nestled between Hagia Sophia Basilica and Topkapi Palace, is an irresistibly engaging piece of Istanbul’s vibrant cultural landscape. Here you’ll find mesmerizing shows showcasing Turkey’s rich traditions like Whirling Dervish Show and Rhythm of Dance; an experience which enables visitors to gain greater insights into both its history and culture.
Experience Turkish classical music before Mevlevi dervishes begin whirling. Whirling is a spiritual ritual meant to remind God and experience is deeply moving and deeply spiritual. Instrumental music creates an hypnotic effect which some may find boring while others will find calming and relaxing.
Hodjapasha offers more than just the Whirling Dervish Show; the venue also hosts other events and exhibitions that showcase Istanbul’s artistic traditions. Travelers often use Hodjapasha to embark on Bosphorus cruises that provide visitors with breathtaking views of Istanbul’s gorgeous scenery.
Hodjapasha is the ideal spot for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking entertainment – or simply those seeking something fun to do! Housed within an elegant 15th-century hammam and renovated as a cultural center since 2008, it provides the ideal way to spend a night exploring Istanbul culture.
Hodjapasha offers an unforgettable whirling dervish performance that will leave lasting memories of Istanbul behind. Though not an all-out sema experience, the show remains authentic and will transport guests into Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi’s mystical world that inspired this tradition. To ensure they secure a seat on one of their tours (free for Istanbul Tourist Pass holders!), guests should arrive early at the theater. Tickets may be purchased either online or at the venue and include a multi-national booklet as well as bottled water; wheelchair accessibility isn’t possible during these shows (although photography may not be allowed during these performances).
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square is one of Istanbul’s must-see spots. Once home to horse chariot races, today it boasts some of its most renowned sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace; making this area an abundance of history and culture.
Sultanahmet’s old-world charm can be seen both in its architecture and shops and cafes, where visitors can purchase souvenirs such as Turkish carpets and calligraphy art, or enjoy delicious local delicacies such as roasted corn and chestnuts, simit (Turkish pretzel) and various types of tea from restaurants and food carts in the area. Also worth seeing are Ottoman and Islamic Arts Museum with its impressive examples of Islamic calligraphy as well as mesmerizing Iznik tiles – these museums make great places for visitors!
Sultanahmet Square is an excellent spot to people-watch. From families enjoying Artezian fountains to older people walking along alleyways, everyone from families with young children enjoying colorful Artezian fountains to older folks strolling alleyways can be seen here. There are also friendly cats and dogs roaming freely here who often remain hidden until disturbed. Many major landmarks can be reached within walking distance – but this area should be enjoyed best during cooler months when mosques and other sites become less crowded due to Ramadan festivities!
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly known as the Blue Mosque, stands as an impressive landmark on Taksim Square. Dating back to 16th-century Islamic architecture and constructed during its most magnificent era – 16th Century Ottoman. Adorned with 6 minarets and intricate tile designs it should not be missed when visiting Istanbul! A must see!
Istanbulkart
If you’re planning a visit to Istanbul, the Istanbulkart (public transport card) is essential. This card enables access to all public transit in the city and works like a credit card; multiple people can share one as long as it has enough credits available; plus it’s cheaper than purchasing individual one-ride tickets! You can purchase this card at IETT stations and machine dedicated solely for its sale – or at an airport after exchanging money into Turkish lira first!
The Istanbulkart can be used across nearly all forms of transportation – subways, trams, buses, nostalgic trams, Metrobus and ferry boats are just some examples. Available both to local residents and visitors alike – those staying longer term especially benefit from this card! Additionally students and faculty receive discounted fares on all modes and it can even be topped up using the app!
Another advantage of Istanbulkart is that it can be easily reloaded with credit, with any expenditure automatically deducted from its balance. Plus, multiple people can share one card, making it ideal for families and groups. Plus, yellow Biletmatik machines located throughout public transportation points offer refilling capabilities. KU’s Student Center Lower 1st Floor near Yapi Kredi Bank also provide refill services; other locations to fill your card include newsstands bearing signs “Istanbulkart Bayii” or “Akbil”.
Zusatzlich to the regular Istanbulkart, special cards exist for people with disabilities to help make public transit easier and less cumbersome for them. These cards can be found across IETT lines as well as certain municipal bus lines and shuttle buses serving airport shuttles; certain ferries and even the HAVABUS bus from Sabiha Gokcen airport accept these cards too! They can be purchased from “Biletmatik” ticket machines located both inside airports as well as Metro and Metrobus stations.