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“Beyoğlu, located in the heart of Istanbul, is renowned for its unique atmosphere, historical texture, and countless side streets, stretching along both sides of bustling İstiklal Street. Side streets offer hidden treasures for those seeking to escape the noise of the main street and explore cafés, boutiques, art galleries, and historical architecture.”
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Population Density
Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s “cultural hub,” is a constantly moving thoroughfare consumed by countless shopping opportunities. If you stop, you’re likely to be walked over by the thousands of people who frequent the street every day. The density can be intimidating, if you let it get to you, and persistent hawkers are annoying. I wouldn’t want to be there during peak tourist season.
Cafés and Restaurants
I have favorite café hangouts, so when things get intense, I duck into one of them for tea or espresso. Caffè Nero is a favorite, and I can’t get enough of Güney Restaurant situated at the base of Galata Tower! Both offer great coffee, tea, food, and service, plus if tyou’re lucky, the opportunity to have interesting conversations with locals and gain better insight into busy Istanbul life.
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“Maintaining its status as one of Istanbul’s busiest hubs for tourism and retail activity, Istiklal Street continues to attract visitors through a dense mix of cultural, artistic, and tourism activities and a strong retail brand portfolio.” Daily Sabah
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I’ll venture into the Asian Side and visit the Princes’ Islands again, after acclimating a bit more. Did research, and things are OK for Americans here. Ironically, I met a couple from Salem Oregon at a café a few days ago. Police presence is dominant throughout major thoroughfares, but during outings, I haven’t seen any violence.
Street Cats
The street cat population in Istanbul is estimated to be 125K – 300K. This visit, I haven’t noticed quite as many cats, but there are some adorable kittens living down the street from my apartment. The mother cat is super friendly, but the kittens are skittish. They have a cardboard house, with water and food provided by neighbors. I’ve shared food when eating at outside cafés and restaurants. Istanbul cats seem to sense which humans are prime handout targets.
The weather continues to be fantastic, but rain is forecast for Friday. A mishmash of random Beyoğlu photos is attached. I’ll be here until the end of May.
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“Istanbul refuses to be defined by a single identity. For nearly two millennia, it has served as an imperial capital – first for the Romans, then for the Byzantines – for over a thousand years, followed by the Ottomans for nearly half a millennium, and now as Turkey‘s cultural and economic heart for over a century.” The Other Tour
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