Istanbul has the distinction of being one of the most important and beautiful cities in the world. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, on the hills of extraordinary beauty, this city attracts thousands of people from all over the world. It is known that Napoleon, one of the most important commanders on the stage of history and also a statesman, used the phrase "If the world were a single state, Istanbul would be the capital".
Istanbul has been the subject of songs, poems, and novels and is a unique city in the world with its cultural mosaic. This city, where the continents of Europe and Asia meet, dazzling with its historical and cultural texture; is home to mosques, palaces, parks, and mansions that are unique in the world.
Byzantion, Konstantiniye, or, in other words, Istanbul. These three magical names symbolize a dazzling history in this geography. Few cities in the world have such a special and aspirational potential to live. This perfect city has been ruled by 120 emperors in the past and has hosted three great civilizations. The geopolitical importance of Istanbul, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, and the point where the Asian and European continents are separated, is quite high.
Istanbul is a city located in the Marmara Region of Turkey. Located within the borders of the Republic of Turkey, this city has the distinction of being the country's largest and most populated city in terms of population. At the same time, it is at the top of the list among the leading cities in terms of economic, historical, and socio-cultural aspects. With this feature, Istanbul ranks 34th in the world when evaluated in terms of economic size. Istanbul was ranked first in Europe and sixth in the world in the list created by considering population density.
Istanbul is a city in the northwest of Turkey, stretching along the coast of the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus, and having borders surrounding the Golden Horn. Istanbul has the characteristic of being an intercontinental city geographically, the part on the European continent is called the European Side, and the part on the Asian continent is called the Anatolian Side. This city, which has continued to expand throughout history, has 39 districts within its borders as of today.
In Which Districts Should One Live In Istanbul?
When it comes to the most livable districts of Istanbul, Beyoglu, Sariyer, and Kadikoy districts come at the top of the list. The main reasons for these districts to come to the fore are their central location, ample transportation opportunities, housing diversity, and being close to centers where you can meet all your needs. The other districts of Istanbul, whose value is increasing day by day, are changing with the urban transformation works and becoming more modern, safer, and more beautiful. With the comprehensive studies carried out, a noticeable increase has been observed in certain districts in recent years. These districts can be listed as follows:
- Kadikoy: It is possible to describe Kadikoy as a city with its characteristics and within itself. In this neighborhood, you can meet all your needs without having to leave your house. you can reach. The district, which attracts attention and adds value with its nostalgic streets, beaches, and urban transformation projects that have increased recently, attracts the attention of both investors who expect rental income and those who are looking for a house to live in.
- Sariyer: Sariyer, which comes to mind when it comes to the district with the cleanest air in Istanbul, is also the region with the lowest earthquake risk in Istanbul. The district, which draws attention with its sea, nature, and neighborhood culture, is increasing its value day by day.
- Beyoglu: Beyoglu district, which has a cosmopolitan structure, is one of the first districts that come to mind when the center of Istanbul is mentioned. There are Besiktas in the east of the district, and the Golden Horn stretching along its length in the west. This district, which is home to structures that increase in value day by day and have a deep-rooted historical past, is of great importance to the tourism, trade, and entertainment sector.
- Atasehir: It is possible to think of this region as an Asian business and economic center. Mass housing projects preferred by middle and upper-class families attract buyers and many large businesses are headquartered here.
- Avcilar: Avcilar, which has a coast on the Marmara Sea, is one of the districts that stand out with its rapid expansion in the housing market. The region has recently attracted attention with its lifestyle, new developments in the housing market, transportation, and infrastructure investments.
- Beylikduzu: Beylikduzu is a very valuable region for investors and is expressed as a high-profile investment area. With its planned construction, it has recently taken a very valuable place in the housing market.
What is Education like in Istanbul?
The education and training system in Istanbul consists of certain levels. As in the rest of the Republic of Turkey, 12 years of education is compulsory for every male and female citizen in Istanbul. Within the scope of the education system in Istanbul, the application of positive discrimination to disadvantaged groups is based on the principle of "equal opportunity and opportunity; individuals at all levels of education are provided with their personal, social, cultural, and professional development. It is ensured that individuals participate in education and complete their education, On the other hand, service is provided with the principle of "ensuring their participation in Lifelong Learning".
Within the scope of the education services provided in Istanbul; By increasing the success level of students, individuals are prepared for social life, employment, and higher education. With high-quality institutions and experienced education staff, individuals with high self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and language skills are trained.
As of today, there are 58 universities in Istanbul, 14 of which are state universities and 44 are foundation universities. In addition to these, 4 foundation vocational schools are not affiliated with a university. Especially, as of 2006, many foundation universities have started to serve in Istanbul.
According to the statistics, it is stated that Istanbul is the city most preferred by foreign students in Turkey. It is stated that 56 thousand 82 students are studying in Istanbul as of today, and the University with the highest number of these students studying in Istanbul is Istanbul University with 8 thousand 112 students.
How are the Health Services in Istanbul?
Health institutions in Istanbul have a human-centered approach. It is aimed at the Boards to carry out comprehensive studies to protect and improve individual and public health. The primary goal of our institutions is to provide quality and efficient health services by prioritizing patient and employee safety, ensuring accessibility to these services for everyone, and raising the health awareness of society. As of today, there are 220 hospitals in Istanbul, 142 of which are private, 17 are universities, and 62 are affiliated with the Ministry of Health. Existing hospitals serve Istanbul thanks to their technological resources and experienced staff.
Where to Visit in Istanbul?
Neither a week nor a month is enough to fully explore Istanbul. Even a lifetime is not enough to fully explore Istanbul!
A city that can never be fully explored, Istanbul. The seven hills of the ancients and today the most populous metropolis of our country, Istanbul welcomes its inhabitants and visitors to see it with a different face in every district. The places are listed below:
- Istanbul Walls: Istanbul Walls, which were built when Istanbul was still a small village and later developed during the Eastern Roman and Ottoman periods, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
- Hagia Sophia: It was built by Emperor Constantine in 360. It was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian in 537 after it was in danger of being destroyed once.
- Topkapi Palace: Topkapi Palace, one of the symbols of Istanbul, was used as the administrative center of the Empire during the Ottoman period.
- Sultan Ahmet Mosque: The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which is frequently seen in the silhouettes of Istanbul, was designed by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, one of the students of Mimar Sinan. It has the distinction of being a mosque built in the name of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I.
- Spice Bazaar: Spice Bazaar, the oldest shopping point in the city, is a center that offers the privilege of having a colorful and entertaining Istanbul experience.
- Grand Bazaar: It is a giant bazaar, located at the very center of Istanbul, consisting of streets and passages. The Grand Bazaar is the most entertaining option among the places to visit in Istanbul.
- Basilica Cistern: One of the most mysterious spots in Istanbul, the cistern is a museum with flamboyant works of art such as the Head of Medusa.
- Istiklal Street: Istiklal Street has been the center of Istanbul's nightlife for centuries, this area, which is one of the most lively areas of the city, has an energy that does not sleep for 24 hours.
- Galata Tower: Galata Tower, one of the symbols of Istanbul, is famous for its restaurant as well as its stories.
- Galata Mevlevihanesi: It is possible to encounter many works from the Ottoman period in Istanbul. The building, which has the distinction of being the first Mevlevi Lodge of Istanbul, is used as a museum today.
- Antuan Church: It has the distinction of being the largest Catholic church in Istanbul.
- Rahmi M. Koc Museum: The Rahmi M. Koc Museum, where old cars and industrial objects are exhibited, also contains many instructive items.
- Pera Museum: It is possible to attend workshops as well as film events in the museum located in the Tepebası district.
- Istanbul Naval Museum: The museum has the distinction of being Turkey's largest maritime museum. Located right on the beach, the Istanbul Maritime Museum is a museum with a lot of information and objects related to shipping.
- Yıldız Palace: At the beginning of the 18th century, III. The palace, which was built by Selim, was built for his mother Mihrisah Sultan and took its current form with the arrangements made afterward.
- Dolmabahce Palace: Built by one of the Ottoman sultans, Sultan Abdülmecit, in the 19th century, Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most magnificent structures to be seen, located on the Besiktas coast.
- Cıragan Palace: Serving as a restaurant, hotel, and meeting hall today, Cıragan Palace is one of the historical places of Istanbul. It is one of the palaces that was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz and has a magnificent Bosphorus view.
Is Life Expensive in Istanbul?
Istanbul, which is among the most important metropolises in the world, has a very crowded population. Today, with its population exceeding 10 million people, it is a metropolis of great importance throughout Turkey. As a result of the inflation assessments made by TUIK (Turkish Statistical Institute), it is stated that the annual inflation rate for Istanbul is 21.31 percent.
As a result of the studies carried out by the inflation research group, it was stated that the real inflation was 58.65 percent. As a result of this evaluation, it has been revealed that real inflation is much higher than the rates announced by TUIK. For Istanbul, it has been determined that living costs have increased by 50 percent in the last year.
It has been observed that there is a very sharp cost increase in the evaluations made on basic food products with the studies carried out by research institutions. In the examinations on the real estate sector, an increase of 71% was observed in housing rents. To put it briefly, life in Istanbul has become much more expensive in recent times compared to the past.
What are the House Prices Like in Istanbul?
As of the end of January 2022, the prices of houses for sale in Istanbul have increased by 119.73% in a year. The average sale prices for residences with the same characteristics are expressed as 290.000$, while the average residence size is 115 m².
Looking at the annual averages, it is possible to say that the districts that gained the highest value in Istanbul are Bakırkoy, Besiktas, Beykoz, and Beyoglu, respectively.
Considering the depreciation, in other words, cost recovery periods, the districts that recovered their cost the fastest as of the end of January in Istanbul; are expressed as Beylikduzu, Cekmekoy, Esenyurt, Sancaktepe, Sultangazi.
Last but not least, buying real estate in Turkey is a grueling process that requires experience. At this point, the most important factor to consider when purchasing real estate in Istanbul is to carry out the process with an experienced and reliable company. Real estate expert Istanbul Property aims to provide you with the best service in the process of owning real estate with its wide product range and experienced staff.
This article was written in cooperation with Jennifer