Istanbul – The most populated city in Europe

According to European Union statistical foundation Eurostat, Istanbul became the most populated city in Europe. In this list, other Turkish cities Ankara takes the fourth, Izmir takes the ninth place.

Istanbul has a population of 9,898,000 and it is followed by London with 7,429,000, Paris 6,385,000, Ankara 3,402,000, Berlin 3,388,000, Madrid 3,100,000 , Athens 2,884,000, Rome 2,554,000 and Izmir 2,387,000.

It is also stated that 65,000,000 lives in the biggest 26 cities of Europe. Another interesting statistics about burglary and stealing cars. Brussels is the leader in this category and is followed by London and Amsterdam. The most active car stealer cities are from Italy. Turkish cities were not in the first 20.

A view from Istanbul business area – Levent.

Istanbul - Rising skyscrapers every new day

Turkish Upside down House in Antalya

It is from an entrepreneur in the Turkish tourism city Antalya to boost their villa type home sales.

The weird home is situated in Goldcity Tourism Center. The roof, balcony, toilets, rooms, windows, the door and even the garden and the tree is upside down. It fast became one of the most popular attractions for tourists in Antalya region. It is funny to learn that you open the doors by pulling to the up.


Actually, Turkish people began to build do very creative things concerning the homes in the latest years both intentionally and unintentionally as we show in building to building bridge and tree in a home examples :)

Tree in home

Tags:

The Genius of Billiards – Semih Sayginer

I will introduce you Semih Sayginer, Turkish legendary billiards player who had won 25 times Turkish Grand Prix Championships and several World Championships and tournaments. One of them is by beating another legend, World Champion Ceulemans 3-0 in Germany in 1994. Unbeatable master of trick shots. Inventor of 40 authentic shots which became a part of the Billiards History. His efforts made the billiards an official sport with federation in Turkey. You can read further on his own website but first watch the following impressive videos that I have compiled for you from Youtube. Even if you don’t understand a word of billiards watch them. You will shout one word : Unbelievable !

Yerebatan Sarayi - Basilica Cistern

Tags: ,

The Basilica Cistern of Istanbul : Ancient Dark Wet Mysterious

Yerebatan Sarayi - Basilica Cistern

Medusa Head Did you know that Istanbul is a city of underground cisterns? There are hundreds of them beneath Istanbul. Yerebatan Sarnici (The Basilica Cistern in English) is one of the largest cistern in the world and one of the most popular tourist attractions of Istanbul. This facility, preserved up to the present day, was built in the 6th century by order of Emperor Justinian as a reservoir for the Great Palace of the Byzantine Empire. It is 140 m long and 70 m wide. The vault is supported by 336 columns, 8 m tall. After the invasion of Istanbul by Ottomans, they didn’t notice the cistern almost 100 years. Then, it is discovered because people were fishing there.

Pulsing lights, water dripping from the ceiling and music played over strategically placed speakers add an air of mystery to the place. You can see fish swimming in several areas.

It is a tradition to throw coins and wish for. Interestingly there are two Medusa heads supporting the column as in the photos heads down. According to some sources, they were placed intentionally at that position to humiliate pagan cultures and previous Roman religion. As a fun fact, James Bond canoed his way through the cistern in a scene from From Russia With Love movie!

There are several cultural activities like acoustic concerts, exhibitions during the year. There is a small cafe inside where you can drink coffee and feel the athmosphere.

Located near to Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet region.

Yerebatan sarnici

Image shows the donkey and its drivers!

Tags: ,

Long Donkey (Uzun Essek) Traditional Turkish Game

Image shows the donkey and its drivers!

Well you can wonder what these boys are doing in such position. Don’t have evil ideas instantly :) Actually it is an entertaining traditional Turkish game played in two teams. There are donkey team and jumpers team. Jumpers try to crash the donkey line by jumping on them. If they become successful they get the points. There is in most cases a prize like baklava or something similar to eat for the winners. Many people have backaches or other problems with their spines in Turkey and non surprisingly they played this games in their young times !

Look other funny photos and a video!

Turkish play even at the sea!

A girl donkey construction. Who wants to jump on them?

In schools

Video : Long Donkey in Classroom