conference guide - international organization for migration
TRANSCRIPT
5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference
Conference Guide
Ministerial Conference “A Silk Routes Partnership for Migration” on 19 April 2013
Senior Officials Meeting on 18 April 2013
Istanbul, Turkey
5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference 1
Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................2
Registration and Accreditation...........................................................................................................................2
Meeting Venue...................................................................................................................................................3
Security..............................................................................................................................................................4
Accommodation.................................................................................................................................................4
Travel Arrangements.........................................................................................................................................6
Transportation....................................................................................................................................................6
Visa Requirements................................................................................................................... .........................7
Meals ....................... ........................................................................................................................................7
Meeting Venue Orientation................................................................................................................................8
Cultural / Social Programme..............................................................................................................................9
General Information...........................................................................................................................................9
Contacts...........................................................................................................................................................11
Annex...............................................................................................................................................................12
Annex I: Registration Guide.............................................................................................................................12
Annex II: Cultural Places in Istanbul................................................................................................................13
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Introduction
The Republic of Turkey is honoured to welcome you to the 5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference “A Silk Routes Partnership for Migration” on 19 April 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. In order to facilitate the logistical arrangements for the participation of your delegation, we have compiled the following conference guide. We hope that this information package will provide all necessary background information for you, but are happy to assist you further at any time: [email protected]
Registration and Accreditation
The format of this Ministerial Conference is 1 + 2 participants, i.e. each delegation consists of the head of delegation and two delegates. Security officers and accompanying person of the head of delegation can be registered additionally. At least one delegate should take part in the Senior Officials meeting on 18 April 2013. Each delegation is requested to appoint one contact person to register the whole delegation. Only this contact person will receive access to the registration system. The registration system for the Ministerial Conference is online on the Budapest Process homepage www.budapestprocess.org under the link “Ministerial Conference 2013”. Please go to the “registration” page (on the left bar under “quick links” or under “Ministerial Conference 2013” –> “Registration”) in order to create a username and a password. Once you have received your access information, your account will be activated and you can start the registration process. Detailed instructions on the registration process can be
found in the “Registration Guide” in Annex I of this document.
Participants are kindly requested to complete their application in the registration system until
25 March 2013. Please note that each security officer travelling with firearms and/or specific fire equipment also has to register their firearms online. Furthermore, they also have to possess a special letter of authorisation issued by the relevant embassy or consulate of the Republic of Turkey. Security officers cannot carry their firearms without a special letter of authorisation. The firearms carried without the letter of authorisation shall be detained by the police until their departure from Turkey. In order to receive the letter of authorisation, security officials have to apply at their ministry or the Turkish embassy or consulate in their country along with the model, serial number, magazine and shot number of the firearms. If the application is made to their ministry, the relevant ministry shall deliver it to the Turkish embassy or consulate. If the application is made to the Turkish embassy or consulate, the relevant embassy or consulate shall deliver the application to Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Turkish MFA shall deliver it to the Department of Security of TNP. The relevant department of TNP will review the application and accordingly issue or deny permission. This letter of permission or denial of permission shall then be delivered to the applicant. For detailed information regarding the registration system, please consult the Registration Guide in Annex I or online at www.budapestprocess.org. Should you have any further questions or requests concerning the registration, please send an email to [email protected].
Accreditation
For the duration of the conference, different access rights to the events will be granted for participants. Each delegate will receive a badge with a colour signifying the type of access they have. Please note that following colours will be assigned:
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- Accreditation Pins - heads of delegation
- Red Badges - senior delegates and floater
- Blue Badges - delegates
Badges and pins will be provided upon arrival by the respective liaison officers. Participants arriving separately from the official delegation may also obtain their badge at the information/registration desk in the entrance hall of the conference venue.
Meeting Venue
The 5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference “A Silk Routes Partnership for Migration” will take place at
Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, Turkey
Bayildim Cad. No.2 Macka
34357 Besiktas Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 326 1100
Fax: +90 212 326 1122
Web: http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/istanbul
The hotel is centrally located in the European part of the city, near the popular shopping and business
district Taksim, overlooking the Bosphorus.
Swissôtel The Bosphorus offers a spacious area accommodating the meeting room for the Senior Officials Meeting on 18 April 2013, the venue for the Ministerial Conference on 19 April, several rooms for bilateral meetings, a press conference room, printing facilities and work space and a large reception area. The hotel also offers wireless internet access for all delegates.
Plenary Rooms
The Senior Officials Meeting on 18 April 2013 will be held on the 7th Floor of Swissôtel, in the conference
hall named Neuchâtel.
The Ministerial Conference will take place on 19 April 2013 in Fuji Ball Room on the 5th Floor of Swissôtel.
During the Ministerial Conference only participants with an accreditation pin or a red badge will have access to the plenary room. Each delegation will receive two seats at the conference table (for the head of delegation and the Senior delegate). One additional delegate per delegation (with red floater) will be granted access to the conference room.
A listening area will be available in the foyer outside the main conference room on 19 April 2013 for all other delegates. It will provide a live video stream of the discussions of the main conference hall.
Bilateral Meetings Rooms
A limited number of bilateral meeting rooms will be made available at Swissôtel on 18 April 2013 and on Friday, 19 April 2013 from 14:30-15:00 and 17:30-19:00 upon request. Please send a written request to the organisational team in order to reserve a bilateral meeting room, indicating the counterparts and the number of delegates participating. Please send requests to [email protected] by 8 April 2013.
Interpretation
The official languages of the SOM on 18 April will be English, Russian and Turkish. For the Ministerial Conference on 19 April 2013, the following languages will be made available for simultaneous interpretation: English, Russian, Turkish, Arabic and Farsi. In certain circumstances, additional interpretation can be arranged. Additional booths will be provided for personal interpreters in case the heads of delegation would like to bring their personal interpreters. In order to ensure that a booth is made available for your personal interpreter, please notify the Secretariat in advance at [email protected].
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Liaison Officers
Liaison officers will be assigned to each head of delegation for the duration of the conference. Liaison officers will assist the heads of delegation by providing information and attending to logistical matters throughout the entire official programme. They will serve as a link between the delegations and the organisational team. You will be informed of the name and contact details of your liaison officer by 8 April 2013 and upon your arrival to Istanbul.
Transportation during the Official Programme
The organisation team will provide transportation to the dinner venue for all delegations. Your designated liaison officer will provide you with all the necessary information. Limousine – type vehicles will be made available to all ministers and deputy ministers throughout the official programme from 08:00 – 24:00.
Security
Security staff will be positioned at all relevant places at Swissôtel for the duration of the official programme of the Ministerial Conference. The security staff will ensure that visitors entering the conference venue and other official venues of the conference are permitted according to their protocol position.
Please ensure that valid badges or pins are worn and visible at all times while attending the official programme of the 5
th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference: “A Silk Routes Partnership for Migration”.
Delegates should also retain their badges at all times in the hotel to facilitate security checks. The head of delegation may be accompanied by security personnel. If the delegation is accompanied by any security personnel, this personnel is also required to register through the online registration system. For more details, please refer to the section “Registration and Accreditation”.
Accommodation
Accommodation has been pre-booked for all delegations at Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul.
Swissôtel The Bosphorus
Bayildim Cad. No.2 Macka 34357 Besiktas Istanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 326 1100 Fax: +90 212 326 1122 Web: http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/istanbul Cost of single room: € 270 incl. breakfast and VAT Check – in: 14:00 Check – out: 12:00 Accepted Credit Cards: American Express, Visa, Euro/MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available in the Swissôtel Location: Swissôtel The Bosphorus is only 15 minutes’ drive to the historical peninsula of Istanbul where Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque are located. Moreover, it is only five minutes’ walking distance from Nisantasi, an upscale shopping district of Istanbul, with various lively cafes and restaurants.
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Accommodation for Heads of Delegation
For country delegations the Turkish host will cover the costs of accommodation for the head of delegation and one additional delegate (1 + 1) for a maximum of 3 nights. Further delegates must cover their own expenses for accommodation. For delegations from international organisations, accommodation will be covered for the head of delegation for a maximum of 3 nights. Please note that the reservation system will be closed on 25 March 2013! In case of late registration, please contact the Secretariat immediately (please see contacts). Furthermore, please note that the pre-booking was only made at Swissôtel. Delegations in need of alternative accommodation are kindly requested to make their hotel reservations individually. The Budapest Process Secretariat and the Turkish Ministry of Interior do not guarantee the availability of the rooms at Swissôtel The Bosphorus when booked after 25 March 2013.
Additional Accommodation
Since a limited number of rooms has been pre-booked at Swissôtel, larger delegations can contact the Secretariat for additional rooms at Swissôtel or can book alternative accommodation in the suggested hotel below. Please book your alternative accommodation as soon as possible, as this is a busy period in Istanbul. Please note that the availability of a certain number of rooms has been arranged at this alternative hotel. Please book the rooms for your individual accommodation on the basis of a private request and cost coverage by referring to your participation at the 5
th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference at Swissôtel.
The Plaza Hotel Istanbul
Gayrettepe Mh., Barbaros Blv No:165 Beşiktaş, Turkey Tel: +90 212 370 20 20 Fax: +90 212 370 20 70 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.theplazahotel.com.tr Cost of as single room: € 130 incl. breakfast and VAT Location: Hotel is located 4.5 km from the conference venue, which is 12 min drive. It is 33 km away from Atatürk Airport and 40 km from Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Cancellation
In case delegations (or single participants) will not be able to participate at the conference or will not use the booked rooms at Swissôtel, please contact the Secretariat immediately so that we can cancel the reservation.
Travel Arrangements
Support
Country delegations traditionally receiving assistance from the Budapest Process Secretariat for their travel arrangements should indicate this on their registration form. Upon such notification the Secretariat will contact you to explain the options and details of such assistance.
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Airport
There are two international airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Atatürk Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
Atatürk Airport is located in the Yeşilköy district on the European side of the city. The distance to the conference venue is 26 km and it is 24 km to the City Centre. We would like to encourage you to arrange your arrival/departure to/from Istanbul Atatürk Airport as this would facilitate logistical matters for the airport transfers. The Budapest Process Airport Information Point will be located in the international arrival hall at Istanbul Atatürk Airport where our liaison officers will welcome each delegation (Terminal 2). Sabiha Gökcen Airport is located on the Anatolian shore of Istanbul at Pendik/Kurtkoy and is approximately 40 km from the conference venue. Please indicate your arrival at Sabiha Gökcen Airport for the arrangement of your airport transfers.
Further Information regarding Atatürk Airport:
Items lost by passengers at the airports are kept at the Lost & Found Office in the international terminal arrivals floor which is open 24/7: Phone: +90 (212) 444 9 TAV (828)
Lost luggage offices are located at the baggage claim area.
Medical service:
Port clinics are located in the arrival hall of both the International and Domestic Terminal buildings and are open 24 hours to provide rapid health service. Contact: +90 212 463 77 77 extension: 5555
A pharmacy (Turkish: Eczane) is located in the arrival hall of the airport
Currency exchange/ATM:
There are bank and currency exchange offices located in the airport as well as various ATMs.
Transportation
The Turkish Ministry of Interior will provide limousines for Ministers and Deputy Ministers only and cars/minibuses for delegation members upon their arrival in Istanbul. All delegations will be welcomed by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey at the airport and directed to their transfer cars to the hotel. Heads of delegations and delegates arriving with their heads of
delegation will be received through the VIP Entrance. The Ministry will also provide airport transfers for members arriving separately from their heads of delegation.
Delegates are kindly requested to enter their flight arrival/departure details in the registration system in order to arrange for the airport transfers. If your flight details are not available during the registration period, please e-mail them to [email protected] when available, but at the latest by 8 April 2013.
Alternative Airport Transportation
Depending on the traffic, it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to Swissôtel The Bosphorus from the Atatürk International Airport. Taxis can be taken from this airport to the hotel for approx € 25. Please note that taxis from the Sabiha Gökcen Airport may cost up to 50€. For alternative airport transfers, please visit the airport information point in the arrival hall. Alternatively, shuttle buses (Havas) leave from Atatürk International and Sabiha Gökcen Airports as well and operate non-stop to Taksim Square.
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Visa Requirements
General requirements to enter Turkey:
For general information on visa requirements to enter Turkey, please consult the following link: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa Delegates from countries requiring a visa for Turkey are encouraged to apply for their visa at the Turkish embassy in their respective country. Please also check your passport for its validity. It must be valid at least 90 days over the expiration date of the requested visa. More detailed information on visas can be found under the link:http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa. Nationals from countries who are allowed to have their visas issued upon arrival are asked to arrange their visa at the airport before proceeding to customs control. The visa sales point is located at the left-hand side of the border control gates in the Atatürk International Airport. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Budapest Process Secretariat will provide support for all visa applicants. Please include your visa information in the registration form and tick the box “visa facilitation needed”. We will then contact you with further details on the visa procedure.
Meals
The following meals are arranged for all delegations:
Every Day: Breakfast
06:30 – 09:30: at Miyako Restaurant - Swissôtel
17 April 2013: Reception, ICMPD Anniversary Celebration - 20 Years of Innovative Migration Governance
20.00: at Café Swiss - Swissôtel Terrace
18 April: Lunch for Senior Officials
13:00: in the Genève/Luzern Room - Swissôtel, Invitation to all Senior Officials participating in the 4th
Preparatory Meeting
18 April: Grand Reception for the 5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference
20.00 - 23:00: at Café Swiss - Swissôtel Terrace or Fuji Ballroom (rain)
19 April: Lunch - for Heads of Delegations Only
13:00: in the Luzern Room – Swissôtel
19 April: Lunch – for All Delegations
13:00: at Miyako Restaurant - Swissôtel
19 April: Gala Dinner Hosted by Turkish Minister of Interior H.E. Muammer Güler
19:30: Heads of delegation and all delegates – Location (tbc)
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Swissôtel – Meeting Venue Orientation
In the course of the 5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference, several events are taking place at
Swissôtel. Please find below a guide to the separate venues and do not hesitate to contact your liaison officer or the information point in the Lobby.
Venue: Swissôtel The Bosphorus
17 April 2013
Event Venue Location Time
Reception SOM – 20 years ICMPD
Café Swiss Terrace Ground Floor 20:00
18 April 2013
Event Venue Location Time
Lunch Geneve/Luzern Room Level 7 East Wing 13:00
Senior Officials Meeting Neuchâtel Level 7 East Wing 09:30 – 13:00
Welcome Reception – Ministerial Conference
Café Swiss Terrace (Fuji Ballroom)
Ground Floor 20:00
19 April 2013
Event Venue Location Time
Press Room Zurich Room + Foyer Level 7 East Wing tbc
Turkey – Meeting Room Bern Room Level 5 tbc
Ministerial Conference Fuji Ballroom Level 5 10:00
Press Meeting Geneve Room Level 7 East Wing tbc
VIP Lunch Luzern Room Level 7 East Wing 13:00 – 14:30
Lunch Miyako Level 7 East Wing 13:00 – 14:30
Cultural / Social Programme
Guided tours in specific historical areas/places can be organised for interested delegations upon request. Information about historical and cultural locations in Istanbul can be found in Annex II. A Bosphorus boat tour will take place on 20 April 2013 at 12:30. The tour will depart from Swissôtel and will last for three hours.
Tourist Information Office:
Istanbul has six tourist information offices (Turist Danışma Ofisi), which are all located on the European side. The closest information office is located at the Hilton Hotel entrance at Elmadağ/Taksim Square.
Open: daily from 08.30 – 16.45, closed on SundaysTel.: +90 212 233 05 92
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General Information
Information on Turkey and Istanbul
Turkey is located mostly on Anatolia in Western Asia and on East Thrace in South-Eastern Europe. Istanbul is a transcontinental city, straddling the Bosphorus in north-western Turkey between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Istanbul’s’ strategic position along the historic Silk Road, rail networks to Europe and the Middle East, and the only sea route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean have helped foster an eclectic populace. Seven million foreign visitors arrived in Istanbul in 2010 when it was named a European Capital of Culture, making the city the world's tenth-most-popular tourist destination.
1
The average temperature in Istanbul in April is 15 - 25 C° (56 - 77 F) with an average humidity of 76%. The local currency (Turkish Lira) can be obtained from ATMs, banks and exchange bureaus, known as DOVIZ in Turkish. ATMs can be found all around the city. US dollars and Euros are the easiest currencies to change. Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. Turkey is UTC/GMT +2 hours and belongs to the Eastern European Time zone. More information on Turkey: http://www.goturkey.com
Information on Istanbul: http://www.theguideistanbul.com
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey: www.mfa.gov.tr
Ministry of Interior: www.icisleri.gov.tr
Insurance
We encourage all participants to make sure that they have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover costs of any medical treatment before travelling to Turkey. Please inform yourself in advance about whether the insurance plan will transfer payments directly to the service providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures (in Turkey doctors generally expect payment in cash). If you are required to pay upfront, make sure you keep all documentation.
Medical Services in Turkey
For minor medical problems it is customary to consult with pharmacists (Eczane) who can also prescribe basic treatments. If you require special medication, please inform yourself about the generic name of your medicine as the commercial name may not be the same in Turkey. The word for hospital is ‘Hastane’. Most doctors in Turkey speak English.
Hospitals with English speaking doctors:
Name Address Contact Open Hours Comment
Taksim Hastanesi Sıraselviler Caddesi,Cihangir
Tel.:212-252 4300
24hr Emergency Hospital
1 Wikipedia (2013): Istanbul, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul
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Alman Hastanesi German Hospital
Sıraselviler Caddesi 119, Taksim
Tel.: 212-293 2150
Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6pm Sat: 8.30am-5pm
This hospital is a few hundred meters south of Taksim Square on the left-hand side. It has eye and dental clinics, and an English-speaking staff. It is managed by a Germany company.
American Hastanesi American Hospital
Güzelbahçe Sokak 20,Nişantaşı
Tel.: 212-311 2000
24hr
This hospital is about 2 km NE of Taksim Square. It is managed by a US company (all doctors speak English) and has a dental clinic.
Emergency Information
Emergency Call Numbers
Medical emergency / Ambulance: 112
Fire: 110
Police: 155
Emergency Words
Basic phases to describe emergency situation in Turkish
Accident Kaza
Emergency Acil / Yardim
Fire Yangin
Help me Yardim edin lutfen
Medicine Ilac [Ilach]
Faint Bayilma
Injured Yaraliyim
Heart attack Kalp krizi
Very sick Cok hasta [chok hasta]
Burn Yanma
Laws and Customs
There is a general smoking ban in all public transportation, such as trains, ferries and taxis and in public venues such as stadiums, playgrounds, cafes, bars and restaurants. Smoking areas, however, will be made available at the conference venue. It is required in Turkey to carry some form of photo ID with you at all times. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.
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Contacts
For any additional information on the meeting please contact:
General Requests
The organisational team will attend to your questions at: [email protected]
Budapest Process Secretariat
Ms. Cecilia Lundstroem Carniel
Tel. +43 1 504 46 77 23 31 Fax. +43 1 504 46 77 23 75 Email : [email protected]
Ms. Sedef Dearing Tel: +43 1 504 46 77 23 58 Fax. +43 1 504 46 77 23 75 Email: [email protected]
For logistical matters, accommodation and flights Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber
Tel: +43 1 504 46 77 23 56 Mobile: +43 699 100 70 660 Fax: +43 1 504 46 77 23 75. Email: [email protected]
Ms. Aynura Yessimbekova Tel: +43 1 504 46 77 23 73 Fax: +43 1 504 46 77 23 75 Email: [email protected]
Turkish Ministry of Interior
Mr. Kurtuluş Seloğlu Tel: +90 0312 417 30 59 Mobile:+90 533 206 88 43 Fax:+90 312 425 37 69 Email: [email protected]
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Annex
Annex I: First Registration Guide
The registration system for conference accreditation is available at www.budapestprocess.org.
Each delegation is requested to appoint one contact person to register the whole delegation. Only this contact person will receive access to the registration system.
Please follow the steps below to register for the 5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference: “A Silk Routes Partnership for Migration”:
1. Please access the Budapest Process webpage at: www.budapestprocess.org
2. Please go to the tab “Participants” and click the sub-tab “Register”
a. Here you can create a “Budapest Process Username” for yourself, allowing you to access
restricted sites on the webpage and to register for the 5th Budapest Process Ministerial
Conference.
b. The stored information will only be made accessible to the organisational team.
c. Only one “Budapest Process User” can be created per delegation in order to register the
whole delegation for the event.
3. After submitting your registration for the “Budapest Process Username”, you will receive a
confirmation e-mail with your username and password. Your registration will then be processed.
4. Once your registration has been validated, you will receive an e-mail informing you that your
account has been activated and that you are eligible to register for the 5th Budapest Process
Ministerial Conference and to access all logistical information and updates in the respective sub-
tabs of “Ministerial Conference 2013”
5. Please go to the webpage www.budapestprocess.org and enter your username and password
either in the upper left corner or click the sub-tab “Login” under the tab “Participants”.
6. Now, please login with the username and password which you have created for yourself.
7. Please go to the sub-tab “Registration” of the tab “Ministerial Conference 2013”.
8. Please click the event “5th Budapest Process Ministerial Conference: “A Silk Routes Partnership for
Migration’”. Now you have reached the registration form for the Ministerial Conference!
9. Please fill out all required fields. You will be asked to upload your photo and a copy of your
passport. Please have these documents ready.
10. In case you have not finalised your travel details when registering for the event, you can still
register. However, we ask that you provide your travel details by 25 March 2013.
a. If you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please indicate this in the field
“Miscellaneous Travel Information” as well as your preferred arrival and departure dates.
The Budapest Process Secretariat will then contact you.
Accessing your registration form once it has been submitted
In case you need to change any of your registration details until 25 March 2013, please login at www.budapestprocess.org with your username and password. Go to the sub-tab “My Events” under the tab “Participants”. Click “edit” next to your registered event and access your filled-in registration form.
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Annex II: Cultural Places in Istanbul
Ayasofya - St. Sophia Museum:
One of the most important Christian
monuments of all times, this ancient
basilica, built by Constantine the
Great and reconstructed by Justinian
in the 6th century is one of the
architectural marvels of the world.
Topkapı Palace:
Topkapı Palace was used as the
centre of administration and as the
residence of the ruling dynasty in
İstanbul, the capital city of the
Ottoman Empire. It was completed in
1473 only two decades after Fatih
Sultan Mehmet conquered the city.
Members of the Ottoman dynasty
resided in the palace until they moved
to the Bosphorus Palace in the 19th
century. By the order of Atatürk,
Topkapı Palace was opened as a
museum after the proclamation of the
Republic of Turkey on 3 April 1924.
Grand Bazaar:
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in
Istanbul is one of the largest covered
markets in the world with 60 streets
and 5,000 shops, and attracts
between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors
daily. It is well known for its jewellery,
hand-painted ceramics, carpets,
embroideries, spices and antique
shops. Many of the stalls in the
bazaar are grouped by type of goods,
with special areas for leather, gold
and jewellery.
The Bazaar has been an important
trading centre since 1461 and its
labyrinthine vaults feature two
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bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of
Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.
The complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafés and restaurants. In the
centre is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most valuable items and antiques were to
be found in the past, and still are today, including furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid
weapons, icons, moth er-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and
silver and gold jewellery set with coral and turquoise. A leisurely afternoon spent exploring the bazaar, sitting
in one of the cafés and watching the crowds pass by, and bargaining for purchases is one of the best ways
to recapture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul.
Caria Museum:
Caria is located in the Edirnekapı section
of Istanbul. The dictionary meaning of
Kariye (Caria) is "outside of the city", or
"rural" in old Greek. The existence of a
very old chapel outside the city walls is
mentioned in some sources. The first
Khora Church was built on the site of this
chapel by Justinianus. The building
managed to survive until the time of the
Commenos with various additions and
repairs and gained importance when the
Imperial Palace Blakhernia near the city
walls was expanded. At the end of 11th
century Maria Dukaina, the mother-in-law of Emperor Alexi I, had it rebuilt. The church has a kiborion-shaped
space with a dome carried by four arches. During the Latin occupation of 1204 - 1261, both the monastery
and the church became extremely run down. During the reign of Andronikos (1282 - 1326), one of the
prominent names of the day – the writer, poet and the minister of treasury, Theodore Methocite – had the
monastery and the church repaired in 1313, and added an annex to the north of the building, an outer
narthex to the west and a chapel (Parekklesion) to the south. These new additions were decorated with
frescoes and mosaics. Parekklesion, which is a long single naved chapel along the southern facade, was
built above a basement floor. It is partially covered with a dome and the remaining sections are covered by
vaults. It has a single abscissa. The outer narthex which runs along the full western facade forms the present
facade. The northern wing is only an insignificant corridor. The central dome has a high drum, which is a
Turkish period restoration and made of wood. Outer facades are given plasticity and movement with round
arches, half braces, niches and rows of stone and brick. The eastern facade is finished with abscissa
extending to the exterior. The middle abscissa is supported with a half-arched brace.
Galata Tower:
Although it is not completely certain as to when the Galata Tower was built, it is claimed that it was built
during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Lustinianos in 507 CE.
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It was called the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese and the Megalos Pyrgos (The Great
Tower) by the Byzantines. It took its present shape during the Genoese period. The Tower was heavily
damaged during an earthquake in 1509, and it was renovated by the architect, Hayrettin, who was very
famous during that period. During the reign of Süleiman the Magnificent (1520-66), it was used as a jail for
prisoners who were sentenced to work at
the Kasımpaşa Naval Dockyard. The
head astrologer, Takıyeddin Efendi,
established an observatory on the top of
the tower at the end of the 16th century,
allowing it to function as an observatory
for a period of time. Later, it was closed
and again turned into a prison by Sultan
Murat III (1546-1595). In 1638, Hezarfen
Ahmet Çelebi flew as an early aviator
using artificial wings from this tower
across the Bosphorus to the slopes of
Üsküdar on the Anatolian side during the
reign of Murad V. Towards the 17th
century, it was used by the Mehter Band,
the janissary band of musicians. After
1717, it was used as a fire-observatory
tower, but the tower itself was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1794. After it was repaired, a cumba, a little
room made of wood, was added to the tower during the reign of Sultan Selim III (1761-1808). After another
fire in 1831, Sultan Mahmut added two more floors to the tower and covered the top of the tower with a
famous cloth in the shape of a conical hat. An inscription written by Pertev Paşa concerning the tower’s
repair work was affixed during that time. After a strong storm in 1875, the framework of the roof was
damaged and was later repaired in 1960. Today, the Galata Tower operates solely as a touristic attraction by
a private company. The elevator only goes to the 7th floor, and the last two floors of the tower must be
climbed by stairs. After passing through the restaurant on the top floor, there is a balcony that encircles the
tower. The balcony allows for a stunning view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. The height of the tower is
66.90 meters (62.59 meters non-including the ornament on top), the outer diameter is 16.45 meters, the
inner diameter is 8.95 meters, and the thickness of the wall is 3.75 meters.
You can visit www.goturkey.com for more information about Turkey and Istanbul.