Istanbul

Gastronomy is becoming the main motive of tourism. The hospitality and catering industry is growing quickly in Turkey; one proof is that the worldwide event Sirha is now celebrating its second year in Istanbul. The event took place last week between Nov.

Pope Francis has started the second leg of his three-day visit to Turkey, in a richly-symbolic trip. Like his predecessor, he prayed at the Blue Mosque, which was his first stop in Istanbul, before visiting the Hagia Sophia, the St. Esprit Cathedral and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate on Nov. 29.

A fire erupted in an underground passageway in central Istanbul's Topkapı neighborhood on Nov. 28. Smoke rapidly filled the passageway and spread in the surrounding areas from the entrances, but no casualties were reported in the incident.

Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş has rejected a controversial plan that would allow construction in the historic Yedikule Gardens, a UNESCO-protected site near the Marmara shoreline along the Byzantine-era ramparts surrounding the old city.

An Istanbul public prosecutor’s office has demanded permission from a district governor’s office for an investigation into officials from the Zeytinburnu Municipality, as a part of the legal process over three skyscrapers spoiling the city’s historic silhouette on the European side.

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Secretary General Gürsel Tekin has criticized the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s decision to possibly hold a referendum for construction plans in Gezi Park, asking, “Why didn’t you hold referendums before the construction of the 200 shopping malls in the city?”

Founded under the name ‘Darülbedayi’ in 1914, the Istanbul City Theater celebrates its 100th anniversary. A gala event was held for the celebration The 100th anniversary of the Istanbul City Theater, formerly known as “Darülbedayi,” was celebrated at an event at the Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall on Nov. 17.

Founded under the name ‘Darülbedayi’ in 1914, the Istanbul City Theater celebrates its 100th anniversary. A gala event was held for the celebration The 100th anniversary of the Istanbul City Theater, formerly known as “Darülbedayi,” was celebrated at an event at the Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall on Nov. 17.

“I don’t run in the Istanbul marathon. It really isn't an athlete-friendly event. Just trying to reach the starting point is a hassle, while trying to get to your house after the finish is another hassle,” a friend told me.

A new project titled “The World’s Largest Museum: Turkey,” which includes a book, photography exhibition and a documentary film, was launched over the weekend at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.

The project was initiated jointly by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Turkish Travel Agencies Union (TÜRSAB) Museums Initiatives, and the Bilkent Cultural Initiatives.