Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau

Istanbul is a city of unparalleled historical and cultural richness that is as fascinating and historical as it is dynamic and modern.Serving as the capital of three mighty empires and set squarely between two continents,Istanbul has cultures and traditions that blend east with west and Mediterranean with Anatolian. The world's only city on two continents has been a crossroads of trade, culture, learning and art for over 3,000 years as well as the capital of three of the greatest empires the world has known. It is no accident that Istanbul was the city the Eastern Roman emperors, the Byzantine dynasty and the Ottoman sultans chose to call home. Because the city offers a unique combination of accessibility, variety and natural beauty. And to that natural beauty, those empires added their own artistic and architectural masterpieces, making Istanbul one of the world's great cultural treasure houses. The names themselves conjure up exotic visions. Haghia Sophia. The Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque. The Basilica Cistern. Topkap> Palace. These are complemented by the masterpieces of hospitality and versatility that are Istanbul's hotels, convention centers and exhibition facilities. Award- winning. State-of-the-art. Experienced. Elegant. Comfortable. Flexible. Expansive. Unique. You've certainly heard of Istanbul, you may have even visited. But now ICVB invites you to discover a conference and incentive destination that truly is Historically Dynamic. The City has 7 convention centers and 3 exhibition centers where more than 30.000 delegates can be hold. In 2011 and 2012 & 2013 Istanbul also scored first in the category of conferences 500 and more delegates. JOY OF APPETITE WITH TURKISH CUISINE: Istanbul is the junction point of world and Turkish cuisine’s mulch-colored traditional traits. Hence Istanbul provides a wide range of food choices originated from all around the world. With the magical touch of many civilizations and cultures, Turkish Cuisine offers to its visitors a very rich fusion. Foods, beverages and their consumption rituals are Turkey’s one of the most important cultural projections and Istanbul is the junction point of world and Turkish cuisine’s multi-colored traditional traits. Offering Turkish tea is a proof of hospitality and many restaurants serve it after meal with no charge. Take Turkish coffee: the old idiom says that one cup of Turkish coffee is the answer of 40 years of friendship. The climatic, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Anatolia have deeply influenced the nomadic Turkish cuisine. This diversity is reflected in an unusual wide range of ingredients – both meat and seafood, olive oil and grains, and much more. Some popular food and beverages in Turkish cuisine are introduced below; “Kebap” offers authentic Turkish flavors that originated mainly in eastern Turkey and eventually spread throughout the country. “Döner Kebap” is a Turkish specialty that originates from Bursa and is widely served all over Istanbul. The Mediterranean region’s greatest contribution to Turkish cuisine has been olive oil based cold vegetable dishes. Istanbul, through whose waters pass so many of the world’s finest fish, is truly a city for those who love seafood. The fish restaurants along the Bosphorus, in particular, offer dinners the finest seafood in the world. The areas of Kumkapı, Sahil Yolu (Shore Road), and Haliç (Golden Horn) are also good options to visit for a good restaurant specializing in fish and seafood dishes. Turkey is the homeland of yogurt, that well-known milk product eaten all over the world. Kanlıca yogurt is recommended in Kanlıca, the Asian side of Istanbul, and it is served with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Another popular accompaniment to Turkish cuisine is pickles. Simit is a Turkish staple, a twisted ring roll coated with sesame seeds and generally eaten with cheese and tea at any time of the day.