I think Turks are one of the most friendly and helpful nations in the world. I love the country and its people. And they literally adore cats 😊 Cats are also aware of this. That's why they act as if Istanbul belongs to them 😅
I’m here now. The people do not give af about you and they’ll try to scam you any chance they get. If they know you’re not from there, they’ll take advantage any chance they get. Plus the people don’t have an identity, everyone looks at everyone in dirty ways and they’re jus plain racist
Hijab was only recently allowed. Baffles me as a woman how Turkish men for so long had to tell Turkish women how to dress. Anyways, the country is truly liberalising, unlike in the earlier periods where it was secular just in name
For those who will visit Turkey, I will give you two recommendations that you should pay attention to "as a Turk". 1. Never hail a taxi in Istanbul. If you are going to take a taxi, use phone applications. Even we, the people of Istanbul, do not use taxis as much as possible. Istanbul has been experiencing a major taxi problem for the last 5 years. Scammers have taken over taxis. You don't need a taxi anyway. Istanbul is very rich in terms of transportation. There is no taxi problem in any city other than Istanbul. 2. Stay away from shoe shine shops while traveling. Gypsies do this job and they are definitely dangerous. Don't be interested in people selling things to you unofficially on the street. Selling random things is prohibited in Turkey.
I was in Istambul two weeks ago, and I did not take the Metro because I got to late, so I took the Havaist to Taksim, this transport is safety and cheap I recomended it.
Heres something you may find interesting. :) The name of my country has nothing to do with the interesting and delicious bird 'turkey'...... .....but the name of the bird does have a connection with the name of my country, let me explain. :) In the past 40 years 37 countries have changed their name. Obviously one can not change the name of an apple or an orange etc in other languages, but country names are like peoples' individual names, so if you're named John we don't call you Karen. :) Name of my country has always been Türkiye, it's been known as such since around the 1200's. The name it self has a suffix, '-iye', that is Turk-iye, where the -iye suffix means 'land of/belonging to', just like the Latin suffix of '-ia', which exists in such country names like Austr-ia, Austral-ia, Indones-ia etc. Basically, the use of '-iye/-ia' is the same as the the use of '-land' suffix in country names like Ire(Eire)-land, Po(le)-land, Eng(Anglo)-land and so on and so on. Many would remember the country Czechoslovak-ia which changed it's name to Czech Republic and a few years ago changed that to Czechia (that is Czech-ia). The Latin suffix -ia probably originates from Turkish -iye as Turkish been over 10,000 years is much older than Latin which is around 1300 years old. Spelled in different languages in different ways to phonetically resemble (to sound like) 'Türkiye' we got various spellings like; Turq-uía (in Spanish), Turch-ia (in Italian), Turq-uie (in French) Turk-ei (in German) Turk-ey (in English) Mind you this was way before the animal we currently know as turkey was found by the europeans when they explored the north americas. The bird was first sent to europe from north americas in the year 1519, so up until that point there was no bird named turkey.... ...they came across the bird and thought it was a specie of the fowl/chicken they had been buying from the country of Turkiye at the time, so they named the bird 'Turkey Fowl' to define 'Turkish Chicken'... ....just like how a dog breed is known as German Shepherd (because it's from Germany), American Bulldog, British Terrier, Greek Harehound etc etc. In time you don't get to call the harehound simply as Greek or you don't call the terrier Britirsh, or shepherd as simply German, but in time the Turkish Fowl started to be called just 'Turkey' and later 'turkey', and this went on for hundreds of years. Now in modern times, this caused confusion, especially when we have people across the world unable to point to their own country on an atlas. Basically we didn't change the name of our country, we changed the mistake made in the English language. : ) So, there's some tid bit information for you to have a great day, if you read upto this point you have a great night too, ohh just have a wonderfull life. : ) Best wishes. ;)
Sly, it's such nice surprise you're in Turkey and I'm sure you're enjoying yourself in Istanbul now. It's a beautiful country with very exotic cultures, history, food, customs, nature and most beautiful beaches in the world. You'll find Turks are very hospitable people. You need at least 10 days to 2 weeks to see Turkey in a nutshell. I went to Turkey 3 times (my first visit was over 2 decades ago) in the past year and a half. Turkey has modernized itself to a middle to up class country. I absolutely enjoyed my stay in Turkey. In fact, I'll go to Turkey again soon. Remember, if you stay in Istanbul for a while, it's better to have a Istanbul Card, which can take you everywhere in the city. Have a fantastic time in Turkey, Sly!!!
@@Karakulak1071 Exactly, I was shocked to see the progress the Turkey (I know I should've used newer spelling that requires special letters ) has made. The brand new airport which was shot in Sly's video, new bridges on Bosporus, Marmaray, beautiful Metro lines, all high rise skyscrapers and new TV radio tower in Uskudar, where was non-exist 2 decades ago. Izmir was totally transformed as well. I was so impressed! I know I'll be back there again and again.
Dondurma almaya çalışırken kahkahalara boğulan ve yerde yuvarlanan bir turistle ilgili bir video gördüm. Adam gülmekten bitap düşmüştü ama satıcı hala onunla oynuyordu!😂😂
I know every tourist is confused (6:22) by it so let me say as a Turk, yes our country is "laïque" or in english secular. It is NOT a muslim country by law or any thing in that matter, however yes the majority of people here is muslim and all people can smoke or consume alcohol, women are free to wear what they want (Albeit some regions in country does not like particulary some types of clothes). These are the crucial difference between our country and other Muslim majority countries that is RUN BY RELIGION. Nice video btw!
also Egypt ,Tunisia , Algeria, Morocco , they are as same as turkey But many people were affected by the religious extremism existing in the Gulf due to the presence of many workers from these countries working in the Gulf countries, but the Emirates and even Saudi Arabia began to change this extremist approach and open up to the world. I see Turkey as a wonderful example of secularism and religious tolerance. I hope Erdogan does not cause this to change and Turkey turns into a religious state.
@@yessalah5093Erdoğan is a centrist in the sense of the word, on the other hand the Yeniden Refah Partisi is an ultra conservative party, they received a lot of votes from the AKP because Erdoğan was not Islamist enough.
@@yessalah5093Erdoğan has not changed the secularity of Turkey and he cannot change it..he was the Mayor of Instabul and has been the leader of the country for about 20 years. Turkey is the most liberal Muslim majority country.
Albeit, until Erdoğan everyone under 18 years old even kids drank alcohol was sold anywhere everywhere even in drive throug, petrol stations buy and start drinking. Erdoğan brought laws on alcohol but not as strict as the USA or Australia. I.e.you could still buy alcohol almost anywhere, anytime. Anyway! For you kids drinking and buying alcohol is democracy, bringing the age limit making the country like Afghanistan. Yet, until Erdoğan you banned women to study or have professional jobs wearing a headscarf or hijab. What you want is Soviet Union type of dictatorship. You don't even know the meaning g of ' love ' , ' democracy '
Istanbul is such an iconic city w/ so much depth; I hope you get to spend more than just a few days there. I recommend checking out the Mosques and churches in Fatih during the afternoon along with the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar; walking down Istiklal street in the later evening; and spend a day checking out Kadikoy, Moda, etc. Hang out in Uskudar for a bit down (it's super easy to get to via ferry and is on the metro as well). The city is filled with stunning views, tons of street food, and has great sports teams too.
You picked a good time to visit. US Dollar is strong there plus the food is good! Have fun bro! Most people I see on RU-vid who go to Turkey are there to get hair transplants which is crazy to me
Using the packing cubes is very smart thing to do, specially you travel with family. I went to Turkiye many many times and every time I go I really don't want to go back to NY. In fact I am going back in October which is the best time to go, because weather is great, it's not to cold or to hot and the ticket prices are reasonable.
Welcome to Türkiye my brother. Lots to do here: check out the Bosphorus and the markets around the area. Also, if you have time, take the boat over to the Asian side. You can use your metro card. I lived here for over two years. I'm from the US, and I have no desire to go back. I hope you have a pleasant stay in Türkiye, it's a wonderful welcoming country.
Always wanted to see that new airport. Marvelous. A lot of walking though. The biggest complaint I have heard that it is way too far to the city. But, they r expanding their metro system to make it easier. $ is over 32 Lira now. Very affordable to foreigners especially Americans. I remind my friends a trip to Türkiye from US is cheaper than going to either cost . More importantly, food, historical sites and culture.
Sly, Should've gone on the Havaiest Coach/Bus that takes you all the way to Taksim and you only pay 5 dollars I think. But, you get to see the sights of Istanbul on the coach rather than stuck underground. That's your Prerogative
First of all, thank you for visiting my country and including it in your travel route. Change people's misconceptions. Türkiye is a "Secular State of Law" governed by democracy and a modern MUSLIM country integrated into the world. A modern Muslim country, where people's beliefs and lifestyles are not interfered with, regardless of religion, creed, language, race or color, and where all peoples and religions live in peace, is "not a country governed by sharia". I would be happy if you address these issues as well.
Just a reminder, please tell everyone this... If you have 2 flights with Turkish Airlines and the transfer point is Istanbul. Even if you are not a business class or star airlines member, go to the lounge and show your tickets.. they will let you in and let you lie down on a nice seat. You will sleep there until the next flight
Taksim for sheezy,hope to move their some day,sly the rand strengthened to 1.8 to to the rand,almost double from 1 rand,good for South Africans from eTekweni,deuces...
27 dollar in taksim centre is very cheap 👏👏👏hope you had a lovely time i live in London but 3 times a year i go back home but haven been to Istanbul for 6 years
I like your style....... you got a new sub. Glad you discovered/took the metro. You can now transfer seamlessly at Gayrettepe station to M2. Much easier with luggage, still quite a walk. But nice you got to see a mosque right from the start. I have no Turkish background and absolutely love the people and the country - endless fascination. I travel the world. İstanbul is the most magical city. I would avoid going there during summer. Shoulder season is best.... Millions of tulips in April. Judas trees and roses in May with the turquoise Bosphorus. It takes your breath away.
I love your video! The Guy inviting to go to club is a scan! After you go inside they will charge you a lot of money! If you don’t pay they threaten you!
@@RedgeNumber1 That is the OFFICIAL name of the country now. You call countries by what they call themselves. You say Myanmar NOT Burma, since they changed their name. stubbornness is a sign of self-righteous ignorance and disrespect for other nations
@@zackjalamani you're the stubborn one here. All the Turkish people I know still call it Turkey. It's not called Turkiye in English just because Mr Erdoğan says so
Take a rain jacket and umbrella just in case, but this is the hottest April I've experinced in İstanbul and I'm 37. It might be a bit chill at nights but you'll do fine with tshirts and shorts.
Turkey ismi Birleşmiş Milletlerin de onayı ile Türkiye olarak değiştirildi. Fakat dış basında nedense buna dikkate edilmiyor. Ciddi birkaç haber ajansı dışında kalanlar Turkey olarak kullanmaya devam ediyorlar. Anlaşılan onlar tavuk kafalılar. Yada işlerini ciddi yapmayanlar. The name Turkey was changed to Türkiye with the approval of the United Nations. But for some reason this is not taken into account in the foreign press. Except for a few serious news agencies, the rest continue to use it as Turkey. Apparently they are chicken heads. Or those who do not do their job seriously.
Ingilterenin resmi ismi de "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland" ama kimse bunu kullanmiyor. Herkes ingiltere diyor. O degisen isim sadece resmi belgelerde kullanilan isim. Kisaca kimsenin umrunda degil.
Becareful when u pick a taxi. If they dont open the taximeter, tell them open the taximeter ( taksimetreyi açar mısın ? ), if they still dont, stop him and get off the taxi, citizens of our people will help u, u will see.
Great video! I’m seeing various information regarding the visa process as well will only be there for 19 hours. Did you get a visa on arrival and is it a must that you have travel insurance for getting into the country? I was told the visa is now free but how did you acquire yours? Thanks a million for any help you can provide on this matter.
We should apply visa enforcement for all non-citizens. They can easily travel around the country but we neet to wait 4-6 months to go USA or Europe. It is not fair.
