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INSIDER GUIDE |
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Sertab's Guide To Istanbul
[March 2004]
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Who better to tell us about Turkey than last year's Eurovision winner, Sertab Erener? Since her big win she's been touring and promoting her first English album 'No Boundaries'. Look out for her stunning performance which will open the grand finale of this year's contest.
Sertab, where would you take James Fox during his visit to Istanbul?
Historic places, so he could understand Turkish culture. The best place to stay is Hotel Ciragan Palace Kempinski. It's a
renovated old Ottoman Palace now serving as a 5 star hotel.
What's the friendliest daytime café in Istanul?
The newly renovated Markiz Cafe in Markiz Passage at Taksim area.
...and the best local dish?
Ottoman kitchen is quite famous worldwide. You can still taste most of these traditional dishes in Turkish restaurants. Kebabs are fantastic aswell. Doner Kebab, Iskender kebab or Beyti kebab are great dishes to try. My signature dish is Kuru Fasulye and Pilav which is specially baked dried beans served with rice.
What's great about Istanbul?
Istanbul is a great, alive and kicking city with more than 10 million inhabitants. It is a unique city where east meets west. The city is built on 2 continents and the Bosphorus straight divides it into 2 parts which are Asia and Europe. The Asian side is mainly residential and the European side is where all the action is. All historic, touristic places and the best clubs and bars are on the European side. That's where the fun is!
WHERE TO GO
For a romantic dinner... in summer the Armada Hotel Terrace is breathtaking and they have very exquisite cuisine
To have a quiet drink with friends... try the Marmara Hotel Rooftop Bar.
To meet new people... Kemanci Rock Bar is good place especially if you love a good rock 'n' roll club. If you are gay or lesbian Club 14 is worth checking out.
To party... check out Babylon, one of Istanbul's best live music venue.
To relax... visit the small village of Polonezkoy is very fun, espacially for walks and picnics. Agva is also a lovely coastal village in the Black Sea coast about an hours drive away from Istanbul.
Which site is a must-see?
Bosphorus, the straight (not a river but actual sea) that divides the city into 2 as Asia and Europe. Many clubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, walking places, parks are on the shores of Bosphorus. It would take a day or two to walk the length of the Bosphorus!
What would say is Turkey’s best beach resort?
I think it's Hillside Resort at Fethiye. Fethiye is a great place especially Oludeniz which is very recently discoverd by British tourists big time.
And finally... who is your hot tip to win Eurovision this year?
I'm familiar with the Belgian and Spanish entries - they have a good chance of winning it along with James Fox of course.
Related links...
Sertab Erener's Official Site
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