November 3, 1839 was the beginning of a new period in istanbul. with the ottoman sultan’s firman of reforms, announced by being read to public in gülhane garden of topkapı palace, the process of westernization gained pace. in this period, lots of innovations took place in istanbul, from architecture to way of life, and from educational institutions to industrial organizations.
In parallel to the enlargement of the city, a hectic constructional activity was in progress. On one hand sultans, on the other hand statesmen, non-Muslim wealthy people and foreign embassies built villas and mansions. Dolmabahçe, Çırağan and Beylerbeyi Palaces, Ihlamur and Küçüksu Pavillons, Ayazağa, Alemdağ, İcadiye and Mecidiye Villas were built in this period. Also in this period, many state-owned buildings called “mebain-i emriyye” were built. These include postal administration offices in many districts, Tophane, Maçka Arsenals, Harbiye Ministry and Pangaltı Harbiye Buildings.
This rapid westernization activity left its traces in architecture as well. In this period, classical Ottoman architecture was abandoned and new buildings were made in western styles such as baroque, rococo, neogothic and ampire. Indeed, this change in style penetrated into the architecture of mosques as well.
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In those years, there were notable improvements in infrastructure and urban services. These include the building of a bridge over Golden Horn, tunnel (subway), Rumelian Rail, launch of Şirket-i Hayriye that administered in-city sea transport, establishment of other state offices of Şehremaneti (Municipality), hauling of the first telegraph line, establishing of Police Force Directorate and the police stations under its control, servicing of Vakıf Gureba Hospital and Horse-Drawn Tram Company.
A great importance was given to the opening of modern educational institutions that would nourish the process of westernization. Darülfünun, the foundation of today’s University of Istanbul, men’s and girl’s high schools, School of Architecture, School of Telegraph Information, College of Education, Teachers High School, School of Forestry, School of Nursery and Midwifery, Mekteb-i Sultani (Lycee of Galatasaray), School of Industry and School of Medicine and State Administration were the schools which started their education period then.
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What's the best thing about coffee shops? Cup shape? Being in a town you love? Have an internet service? No, none alone is enough! The best thing about coffee shops is that they smell fantastic right on their doorstep. This fragrance will bring you to yourself and make you smile. This taste, which has a unique aroma, is obtained from the seeds. Today, we will look at the best places to have a coffee cup in Istanbul.
Wine is a drink that has been consumed for centuries in ceremonies and special occasions. Properties such as the fruit it is made from, the sugar content or the waiting time affect the type. It is usually produced from grapes. Available in white, red, and pink. Red wines come in various color tones, between light red and dark red. These wines are thought to taste better when aged over ten years. White and rosé wines are wines with lower alcohol content and are kept for a maximum of 2 years. Istanbul has one of the best wine houses you can find. It pleases everyone with a choice of hot or cold wines, deep roots in viticulture, and a unique atmosphere.
Swimming in bosphorus’ deep blue or black sea’s crazy waves… there’s lots of beaches in istanbul, waiting for you!
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Value-added tax (vat) is collected by almost all countries around the world. but as a tourist, you can benefit from tax free shopping in istanbul in different stores. if you are visiting different parts of turkey, you can still claim your taxes back. all you need to do is be eligible for tax free shopping in turkey. once you meet the requirements, you can claim your vat payment back. product prices in turkey include value-added tax (kdv). as istanbul is an amazing city for shopping, you will probably purchase some gifts in your istanbul old city tour. there are hundreds of authentic shops in istanbul.
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