View of the Asian side of Istanbul across the Bosphorus. Pic: Fazeena Saleem /The Peninsula
Istanbul remains one of the top destinations for travellers from Qatar. Its status as a regional hub for tourists and investors alike, are driven by its abundant tourism features spanning unique geographical location, charming nature, modern infrastructure development, hospitality, as well as being a budget-friendly spot compared to many other cities.
For a first time visitor or a seasoned traveller, the first attraction is the new Istanbul International Airport, one of the biggest airports in the world and named as the busiest airports in Europe in 2021. It is new, modern and luxurious compared to the old airport. The airport’s ambiance, architecture and services altogether make it welcoming.
Istanbul is the only transcontinental city in the world, with part of it being in Asia and the other in Europe. The largest city in Türkiye, officially known as the Republic of Türkiye, Istanbul has more than 15 million population. On the other hand, there is an equally large population of cats -- they are hard to miss in this bustling metropolis!
It is fair to say that heart and soul of Istanbul is Bosphorus, which has played a significant role in world maritime trade for centuries. The Bosphorus became popular among Ottoman Sultans in the early 1800s, when they began placing their properties along the waterfront.
Standing on the shores of the scenic Bosphorus – the world’s narrowest strait used for international navigation that links Europe and Asia – is Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, which occupies a restored, 19th-century Ottoman palace. The historic structure blends Istanbul’s ancient architecture, warm Turkish hospitality and contemporary accommodations. It is a favourite place to stay for many travelers from Qatar as well.
Senior General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul, Tarek Mourad who has rich experience of working in Qatar, speaking to The Peninsula said, “As I reflect on our Qatari guests I can only re-live my beautiful ten years in Qatar and they are the living example of what I just explained, they are kind, humble, generous, warm and very understanding. Our Qatari guest appreciates our genuine hospitality that is coming from the heart and all our offerings big time and even when we make some mistakes, because we do make mistakes like any luxury business in the industry.”
“They are forgiving and very understanding and actually these are the moments that make us bond even further with them. When we say goodbye to them it is exactly the same when we are saying goodbye to dear family members that we can’t wait to have them back with us to enjoy their beautiful presence and company.”
“So to our wonderful Qatari guests and family members thank you for who you are and what you are and how you make us feel. We always look forward to having you more and more with us at Four Seasons Hotels on the Bosphorus and Sultanahmet,” he added.
A view of Istanbul from QNB Finansbank Tower.
Istanbul is also home for many successful Qatari investments such as the Borsa Istanbul, QNB Finansbank, and Istinye Park, a luxury shopping centre.
Although nothing can be compared to the historical Galata Tower and the magnificent view of Istanbul from it, the 35-story skyscraper - QNB Finansbank Tower - gives almost 360-degree view of the iconic city.
For anyone imagining a mini botanic garden in the office campus, the Borsa Istanbul will be an ideal place. Borsa Istanbul Exchange Group doesn’t just offer an integrated business model, but also contains landscaped gardens with a number of native trees. During autumn, it is a perfect place to walk along the woods.
The Istinye Park, being the address of luxury shopping in Istanbul, continues to be a major attraction of domestic and foreign visitors with its spacious architecture, customer experience and various activities. It responds to different tastes and needs with its open and closed shopping areas; it remains the only shopping center that offers every alternative at the same time, with 41 new brands entering the Turkish market for the first time, as well as multiple restaurants offering cuisine from around the world.
“With 100% occupancy since the opening, the mall’s potential new tenants are on the waitlist. It has received 7 million visitors as of 2022 July,” said a representative of Istinye Park.
Istinye Park also hosts Turkish owned Nusr-Et Steakhouse, the internationally acclaimed destination that serves a celebrity clientele.
Many tourists to Istanbul stay in the European side and rarely explore beyond this or even travel to the Asian side. They prefer the European side of Istanbul because of its historical significance. The European side is also the city’s commercial center with banks, stores and corporations and two-third of its population. The Asian side feels more relaxed, with wide boulevards, residential neighbourhoods and fewer hotels and tourist attractions.
To cross the Bosphorus Bridge, known officially as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, and unofficially as the First Bridge, takes only a few minutes. This is one of the three suspension bridges spanning the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul. The bridge extends between Ortakoy in Europe and Beylerbeyi in Asia. It is exciting for any traveler to cross a continent in just a few minutes sans a new stamp on the passport!
Teknopark Istanbul is situated in the Asian side of the city. It is the only Teknopark that is not associated with a university but is bringing together more than 12 universities and is a centre that establishes the cooperation between the public sector, universities, and private sector.
Most Istanbulites commute from Asia to Europe for work daily. Some travel by road while others by ferries that crisscross the Bosphorus all day long. The ride takes 20 minutes, and any route provides some of the best views of Istanbul’s historical monuments.
Some locals believe that the most beautiful place in Istanbul is the upper deck of a public ferry. A cruise across or along the Bosphorus is a traffic-free, relaxing way of immersing yourself in the city.
“I live in the Asian side and travel to the European side everyday for work. It will take about one and half hours to travel from home to office everyday in the morning – it includes one hour by road and half an hour by the ferry,” said Ilay, who finds it more convenient than staying at a rented place on the European side.
Blue Mosque
It is a must to visit Blue Mosque, also known by its official name Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, which was once home to generations of sultans and their wives. The grand bazzar and famous Taksm square are also iconic places not to be missed in Istanbul.
But it is also magnificent to watch a sunset over the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. Located in the middle of Istanbul’s Old City, Sultanahmet, is bounded by the mystic waters of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus.
For those planning a visit to Istanbul, as a widely preferred global airline and a Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines delivers a delightfully different travelling experience to its guests in Economy Class and Business Class, and is internationally recognised for its excellent products and services.
For many tourists that stroll along the streets of Istanbul, one cannot miss Turks who are extremely generous. Traditional flavors of the royal Ottoman cuisine in the comfort of a vibrant ambiance, the Ottoman grandeur and Turkish hospitality is also something one shouldn’t miss.
Autumn in Istanbul.
One of the top popular countries for medical tourism today is Türkiye. But in case of an unfortunate situation, ambulances and walk-in emergency medical services are free for foreign tourists on a short-term visit at both private and public healthcare institutions, however, travellers are required to have travel insurance while applying for a tourist visa to Türkiye. The medical services are also efficient, especially at public hospitals.
Experiencing Istanbul during the autumn is pleasant; it adds much more essence to the scenic city, rich in culture, history, and its charming people.
The writer was a member of a group of journalists who travelled to Istanbul recently. The trip was organised by the Turkish Embassy in Doha.
