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Business Insider
21-05-2025
- Business Insider
I spent a month in Turkey with friends. Our trip was great, but would've been better if we'd avoided these 5 mistakes.
I spent a month in Turkey with a group of friends. We had fun, but made a few mistakes. We didn't realize Istanbul had two international airports or that çay had so much caffeine. I wish I hadn't exchanged my currency in the airport or bought so many souvenirs at Grand Bazaar. In November, I went on a monthlong girls' trip to Turkey. Before we left, I spent many evenings researching must-see attractions, searching for cute lodging options, and maintaining my Diamond League status learning Turkish on Duolingo. My preparations paid off, and we had a great trip — but my friends and I made a few mistakes that we'll be sure to avoid next time. We didn't realize there was more than one major airport in Istanbul. Istanbul is the biggest city I've ever visited — it's so large that it actually hosts two international airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side of the city and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side. It can take about two hours to get from one airport to the other by bus. My friends and I all flew into IST, but some of our group booked domestic flights out of SAW the following morning without realizing it was a different airport in Istanbul. We all made our flights, but we had to split up into different hotels during our Istanbul layover, one near IST and one near SAW. I shouldn't have exchanged my money at the airport. Since I arrived in Istanbul was after business hours, I figured my best option was to exchange US dollars for liras at the airport despite the poor exchange rate. After all, it seemed like a bad idea to enter a new city without any cash. However, I regretted my decision as soon as I left the airport and found that many exchange counters in the city were open late — and had better rates. It was also easy to find ATMs throughout the trip. After that first money mishap at the airport, I got all my liras from Halkbank ATMs, which didn't charge me fees. It took me too long to realize one of the most popular local drinks is packed with caffeine. Turkish tea, or "çay" (pronounced like "chai"), is a popular drink in Turkey, and sharing tea is an important part of Turkish culture. For my first few days in Turkey, I accepted tea whenever it was offered. It was inexpensive and delicious, and I was eager to participate in local rituals. I was offered the tea at restaurants, shops, and even at the dentist's office (I was there for a bit of medical tourism). What I didn't realize at first, though, is that çay is pretty caffeinated. Although it varies depending on the strength of the brew, an average cup can contain over 40 milligrams of caffeine — about half of the caffeine in a standard cup of coffee. I ended up overpaying for souvenirs at the famous Grand Bazaar. I loved browsing the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, but I wish I hadn't bought souvenirs there. The famed Turkish market and its mazes of different stalls felt overwhelming in a good way. I was captivated by the endless colors of Turkish textiles, the rich smells of spices and teas, and the banter of shopkeepers trying to entice us into their stores. I bought a few things at the Grand Bazaar, but I wish I'd held out on shopping until the next day, when we took the ferry to Kadikoy, a neighborhood on the other side of the Bosphorus. I found many of the same wares in Kadikoy that I'd seen at the Grand Bazaar, oftentimes for almost a tenth of the price. It also would've been smart to check US customs regulations before buying souvenirs. Turkey is famous for its cuisine, and eating my weight in baklava was a highlight of my monthlong trip. When it was time to return home, I wanted to bring back some of my favorite Turkish delicacies as Christmas gifts for my family. Shops in Istanbul made it easy to bring home food, with some sellers even offering to vacuum-seal items like baklava and olives. Most of my culinary delights made it home, but I was heartbroken and slightly embarrassed when my giant bag of dried persimmons was confiscated upon my return to the US. As it turns out, most dried fruits and vegetables from other countries aren't allowed to be brought into the country. I should've checked the guidelines before shopping.
AU Financial Review
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AU Financial Review
Delicious cake knives and interiors to boost your mood
here's plenty to be inspired by in this week's edit of luxuries, from chic eveningwear to jewellery from artisans in Turkey's Grand Bazaar.
New York Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Doing Business Casual With a Bomber Jacket
Justice Omoruyi had just wrapped another photo shoot before ours took place. He and some friends were in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood taking pictures for CunyOutfits, an Instagram account showcasing the style of City University of New York students, when we crossed paths on a Tuesday in mid April. 'We go around the city, take pictures and just have fun,' said Mr. Omoruyi, an 18-year-old mechanical engineering student at City College in Harlem. His style has been influenced by his love of thrift shopping, he said, noting that he bought the bomber jacket he was wearing over his shirt and tie at the Grand Bazaar, a resale market on the Upper West Side. What Mr. Omoruyi likes most about thrifting is the journey some items take before he finds them. 'I could thrift a shirt from Texas, or Jersey,' he said, 'because someone may have moved here and decided to give it away.' Tap to see more looks
The Independent
25-04-2025
- The Independent
The best hotels in Istanbul to stay right next to historic architecture and sprawling spice markets
History and hideaways come together in Istanbul, a dizzying array of Byzantine treasures and soaring minarets, bisected by the Bosphorus strait. Awe-inspiring architecture, including the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – first a church, then mosque, then museum, now mosque again – is a must-see and within walking distance of most leading hotels. Also easily reached from many are the sprawling markets from the heady scented spice market – perfect for honing your haggling skills for prized saffron and green-hued local pistachios, to the Grand Bazaar meandering the winding lanes to find handmade leather shoes, intricate jewellery or statement evil eye decorations. On top of the historic attractions are diverse districts themselves, whether you're after a bohemian vibe in Bomonti, high-end shopping spree and a plush meal in Zorlu, or maybe a boat trip exploring newly emerging neighbourhood Tersane, in the heart of Haliç, largely unknown as it was a shipping dockyard for 600 years but now has its sights set on being the cultural hub. Whatever you're looking for, Istanbul has it – and here's where to stay. The best hotels in Istanbul 1. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus There's a regal feel to this 19th-century Ottoman palace sea-facing hotel, located in popular Beşiktaş and touting immediate views of the Bosporus. Contemporary, colourful artwork is displayed throughout communal areas and changes monthly to keep up with the times. In just 15 minutes you can walk to Dolmabahçe Palace, another 10 and you hit high-end shopping street Nişantaşı. You'll be forgiven for not straying from the property,, given everything on offer: a huge outdoor pool lined with sun loungers, a sprawling plush spa, preened gardens, exquisite restaurants serving tantalising Turkish pide – the local pizza – to delicate Mersin prawn tartare to tempting kebabs cooked over charcoal, not to mention the flawless rooms, clean-lined with Ottoman touches. 2. Pera Palace hotel This hotel takes you back in time to a glamorous era, oozing historic sentiment (it has the first elevator in Turkey, made of wood and cast iron, dating to 1892 and working still). Every floor has something of interest, be it an antique red silk chaise lounge or opulent chandelier. Don't miss room 101, where Mustafa Ataturk stayed during his Istanbul visits – now a museum room. There's a spa with a pool fit for lengths, delicious dining includes a must-have afternoon tea, think Turkish delicacies alongside French macaroons, a fabulous feast in a stunning setting. Located in bustling Beyoğlu, it's a 10-minute walk to Galata tower, or renowned shopping street Istiklal, a further 10 and you reach Taksim square. 3. Ritz hotel Conveniently located in the swish Dolmabahçe area, with desirable direct views of the Bosphorus sea, Taksim Square is a 10-minute walk away and Beyoglu is 20 minutes. The hotel respects its location with traditional Turkish rugs and fabrics set against a modern setting, with ample places to sit and relax throughout; the rooftop offers awesome bird's-eye city views. If you book a room with access to the Club Lounge expect perks including afternoon tea. Rooms are cosy meets luxury, with pretty touches such as tiles patterned with tulips, Turkey's national flower. The food on offer is fantastic: Turkish restaurant Atölye serves tasty traditional dishes, and the hotel is also home to Istanbul's only Nobu, for exceptional Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. 4. Six Senses Kocatas Mansions hotel Fancy staying in a historic mansion opposite the sea? Then this hotel is ideal, it also boasts a gorgeous sprawling spa which you can either take a gentle stroll uphill through lush gardens or grab a buggy, you'll find a lengthy indoor pool, outdoor pool, and a range of treatments, you can even make your own beauty products in the Alchemy Bar. Located in the Sariyer District at the northern tip of the Bosphorus joining the Black Sea, as well as seaside air, you'll have lush forest views. Istinye, a prominent shopping mall and marina with bars and restaurants is a short walk away. The restaurant Chef Erdal Kocak Mansions serves delicious homemade meze, Toro serves pan-Latin and Asian cuisine, Scalini is traditional, Sax is for bougie burgers and cocktails. 5. Tersane hotel A statement hotel in the emerging urban neighborhood, Tersane, a historic dockyard for 600 years. The hotel is opposite the sea and you can take a boat to the other side to reach historic Sultanahmet in 10 minutes; also opposite is Balat, with its colourful houses. In keeping with its location, expect quirky vintage polished wooden boats hanging from the ceiling. As well as a spa, there's a huge outdoor infinity pool and a paddle tennis court, rooms are modern and inviting, with exotic scented Etro toiletries. Velena is an upmarket food court serving pizza to sushi, Josephine is fine-dining Mediterranean, whilst fresh seafood is served at One Table and South American small plates are offered at their poolside restaurant. 6. Raffles hotel Part of plush Zorlu Center, featuring high-end restaurants, boutiques and performance arts centre, it's also close to Levent, for more boutique shops, clubs and cafes. The hotel design is a blend of contemporary and luxury with flashes of gold, lush green foliage adds an organic dimension. Accommodation offers panoramic Istanbul city views, modern artwork and Ottoman rugs add colour to the sleekness. The 3,000sqm spa is outstanding, with a large indoor pool. Breakfast is a fabulous feast of Turkish classics including gozleme (thin pancakes filled with cheese, spinach or meat), Rocca Grill & Terrace offers a mix of Turkish meze with a contemporary twist such as prawn manti (fried pasta parcels filled with prawn on a bed of yogurt), İsokyo is an Asian-Turkish fusion, and creative cocktails are served in Long Bar or Writers Bar. 7. 10 Karakoy hotel The hotel is in one of Istanbul's oldest neighbourhoods, Karakoy, which dates back to Byzantine times and was the main commercial centre of Constantinople. The fantastic Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Egyptian Bazaar are a 10-minute walk away. The hotel is a Neoclassical building, with artistic touches throughout, and the reception encased by towering arches offers an ideal space to reset. There isn't a spa in the hotel but guests who book a visit to 15th-century Kılıç Ali Paşa hammam receive a hotel 20 per cent discount. Rooms are modern, touting sweet smelling Atelier Republic toiletries. Bahane ON10 restaurant serves excellent hot and cold meze, while visitors can enjoy cocktails with a Golden Horn view at Seagull Terrace. 8. Richmond Istanbul hotel The only hotel to have its doors opening straight onto Istiklal Street, which is full of diverse shops, galleries, cafes and bars – a hive of Istanbul activity. Outside is a brick façade while through the doors you'll find a contemporary, clean-lined interior. Rooms are modern and inviting, and while there's no spa, they do have a gym. Why not splurge on one of the five Q Suites? The White Suite has futuristic touches and an unobstructed view of the beautiful Bosphorus sea. Breakfast offers eggs how you like it – the eggs and sucuk sausage are recommended – and there are crisp salads, countless local olive varieties, jams, traditional local breads and fresh seasonal fruit, too. Sit in the open terrace behind reception to enjoy a Turkish coffee and catch some rays of sun. 9. Soho House Istanbul hotel Found in the bustling neighbourhood of Beyoğlu, you can walk to Galata tower, or shopping street Istiklal in under 10 minutes. The expected Soho House chic and design-led aesthetics can be found, with nods to Turkish culture from the rugs on the floor to the eye-catching blue and turquoise green statement walls. The gym is great, with TechnoGym machines – and even a boxing ring, where you can book a class with a boxing instructor. The Cowshed Spa is a luxurious haven, and you can also opt for a hammam. Accommodation is inviting, contemporary with retro additions such as a Marshall radio with Bluetooth to play your playlist. Breakfast at The Allis can be enjoyed inside or outside in the garden, Cecconi's for authentic Italian cuisine and Apheleia, the rooftop restaurant, serves Grecian dishes. 10. Vakko Hotel Sumahan Vakko Hotel Sumahan is found on the Asia side of the Bosphorus in the Çengelköy neighbourhood. It is an upmarket residential area, more tranquil than the European side. Previously a 19th-century distillery, there's a stylish, contemporary feel to the hotel which is rooted in architectural history. The long terrace outside invites you to linger on a sun lounger looking out to the sea. It has a well-equipped gym and the private bijou Vakko hammam is beautiful; go for the Royal Bath treatment to be slathered in a mix of nourishing honey, milk and rose water. Rooms all overlook the sea and feature cosy fireplaces and contemporary design. Indulge in pain perdu for breakfast or lighter acai bowl, then later in the day choose authentic Italian, or a luxurious caviar-topped baked potato.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Economic woes cast shadow over Iran holiday season
Shops and markets in central Tehran, usually teeming with customers ahead of the Persian New Year, now barely see any buyers, a sombre reflection of the dire state of the Iranian economy. The plummeting currency and double-digit inflation, which have reduced the number of holiday shoppers to a trickle, were behind a parliament vote on Sunday to remove finance minister Abdolnaser Hemmati. At Tehran's Grand Bazaar, underwear vendor Mohsen said that "business is going very badly. I cannot describe how catastrophic it is." Another vendor, who like others interviewed by AFP declined to be named, said he was barely "selling anything as people have lost their purchasing power". The Iranian rial was trading at more than 920,000 to the US dollar on the parallel market, compared to under 600,000 in mid-2024. Hemmati, the impeached minister, was appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian with the promise to tackle a deepening economic crisis worsened by prolonged international sanctions. Many Iranians, already struggling under the weight of sanctions, fear further hardship with US President Donald Trump back in the White House. Since he began a second term in January, Trump has reinstated his "maximum pressure" policy on Iran that was a hallmark of his first term in office, sending ripple effects through the Iranian capital's famed market. "Everyone is complaining," shopkeepers and shoppers alike, said Mohsen. He pointed to a shop next door that had shut down just weeks ahead of Nowruz, the new year's celebrations beginning late March, when the traffic of shoppers was meant to be peaking. - 'Couldn't buy anything' - Iranians usually buy gifts and shop for new clothes and other items ahead of Nowruz, a two-week holiday spent with family or travelling, which this year will coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan already underway. Majid, a shopkeeper at the Grand Bazaar, blamed inflation for the slump in sales at the toy store he has been working at for 40 years. One plastic toy sold last year for 200,000 rials, the equivalent of about 30 cents, now goes for more than double that price, said Majid. The skyrocketing currency rates mean that importing toys from China, for example, now costs him much more. "I feel ashamed to sell goods at such high prices," he said. Iran's statistics bureau says the annual inflation rate was at 32 percent in early February. According to the World Bank, inflation hit 44 percent in 2023, compared to around 30 percent in 2019. According to official news agency IRNA, the minimum wage -- which changes yearly -- stood at 111 million rials (about $120) for the Persian calendar year that ends March 21. Akram, a 60-year-old woman who was at the Grand Bazaar to shop for nuts and chocolates, left empty-handed. "I saw the prices and I couldn't buy anything. Nothing," she said exiting the market normally known for its affordable rates. Reza Esmailian, 58, said he "could only buy a packet of dates" -- a staple food during Ramadan, the dawn-to-dusk Muslim fast which began in Iran on Sunday. Vendor Ali, who also works as a driver to make ends meet, said: "I have three children and I struggle to provide for them". "No one shops for Nowruz anymore." ap-sbr/rkh/mz/ami
