GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS This guide provides some practical information on: A. Access to the Congress site and security measures B. Credentials, proxies and other documents to be submitted to the secretariat C. Facilities for participants at the Congress site D. General Information Including Health & Safety and Facilities Outside the Congress Venue A. Access to the Congress site and planned security measures Address: Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Congress Center Merkez, Silahşör Cd. No:42, 34381 Şişli/İstanbul The Congress Registration Desk will issue delegates with their Congress badge upon presentation of the confirmation of their preliminary registration. 1. Registration services a. Registration hours Saturday, 17 th of September: from 08.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. Sunday, 18 th of September: from 08.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. Monday, 19 th of September: from 08.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. From Tuesday, 20 th of September onwards: from 08.00 a.m. to 05.30 p.m. (except Saturdays and Sundays). Late registration on site, upon presentation of a passport or other official identity document, will only be possible if the person is included in the list of delegates notified in advance to the secretariat, or if confirmation is given by the head of delegation in person. b. Registration and badges It is strongly recommended that participants allow at least one hour to collect their badges before the start of the first meeting. On 20 th of September, the first day of Congress, when the session commences at 03.00 p.m., it is advisable to come to the conference centre no later than 01.30 p.m. 1

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS c. Other services available at the registration desk Distributing welcome packs. Taking photos and printing badges where required (late registration, loss of badge, etc.). For delegations wishing to hand out souvenirs, individually named vouchers for distribution purposes. Lost property. For further information on registration and other reception desk services, please visit info desk. 2. Transportation a. Public Transportation The Hilton Bomonti Hotel is directly accessible by public transport from: Metro Map (You can find the detail map on page 29 - Annex 2) The closest Metro Station to the Hilton Bomonti is the Osmanbey Station. Transport arrangements in connection with receptions or excursions are the responsibility of the organizers of these events. b. Airport Transportation Airport transportation will be provided with shuttles to the official Congress Hotels listed on the Hotel website. There will be official UPU staff holding boards to welcome you at the airport and assist you to the shuttle bus. There will be information desks located in the lobby area of all official congress Hotels. 3. Security arrangements: a. Security Measures walk-through and hand-held metal detectors and X-ray scanners to check personal belongings upon entry to the Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Congress Center (similar to airport security checks); checking of badges by contractual check points and security guards; a police presence outside the Hilton Bomonti Hotel monitoring by the UPU Security Expert: tel: +90 551 972 60 60 2

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS b.security measures to be observed by participants: Badges must be worn visibly at all times within the Hilton Bomonti Hotel both by delegates and accompanying persons. Because of possible queries at the security control, it is best to arrive at the Hilton Bomonti Hotel in plenty of time for the start of the meetings allow at least 30 minutes to be on the safe side (meetings generally start at 09.00 a.m. or 02.00 p.m.). The following articles will not be allowed through the security control: items with blades, weapons, tools, martial arts or personal defence items, explosive or inflammable materials, chemical products and other dangerous products. Any items that are confiscated will be labelled with the owner s details and can normally be collected on leaving the Hilton Bomonti Hotel. c. Overall, Istanbul is a safe city, enjoyed by millions of visitors each year. Additionally, appropriate security measures will be in place at the Congress hotels and conference area. Like any large city, petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, are a possibility. Below are some general security tips for international travel, including Istanbul: Ensure that all your travel documents are in order and secure at all times. Make copies of important documents and credit cards. Ensure that you are properly equipped for the entire duration of your stay. If you leave the Congress hotels, advise someone of your destination and expected time of return. Consider traveling with a partner, or in a small group Avoid large groups, clusters of law enforcement personnel, police stations, government buildings, and any demonstrations particularly those in Taksim Square, the Sultanahmet District, and other tourist sites. Avoid travelling alone after business hours, especially when it is dark. Avoid showing signs of affluence. 3

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS While away from the conference site, refrain from displaying your UPU Congress identification, talking loudly, or otherwise providing an indication that you are a visitor. Do not accept food or drink from strangers even if packaging seems intact. Do not accept letters, parcels, or other items from strangers. Do not leave personal belongings, bags, or hand luggage unattended. Pay particular attention at airports, seaports, and tourist sites, as criminals favor these areas. When in a shopping district, you may be approached by individuals who are paid to bring customers to specific shops or restaurants where you could be a victim of a financial scheme. Do not hesitate to politely decline and keep moving. Have enough cash to obtain transportation to the hotel. The national currency is Turkish Lira (TL). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available. Major foreign currencies (i.e. US Dollars, Euros and British Pounds) are widely accepted. If a taxi is needed, do not hail one from the street. Go to a nearby hotel. Official taxis are yellow and fares are charged according to a taximeter. Before starting the journey, make sure the driver knows how to get to your intended destination. To avoid snatch/grab thefts (particularly when stopped at intersections and in heavy traffic), keep doors locked, do not place valuables in open view, and do not open windows more than about 10 cm. If you are away from the Congress venue and a terror attack occurs, evacuate the area as quickly as possible. A particularly vicious tactic for terrorists is to make a secondary attack targeting those who respond to aid to the injured. When safe, contact your delegation lead and the UPU Congress Security Center to confirm your status and obtain the latest guidance. If you are inside and there is a disturbance outside the Congress venue or hotel, avoid doors and windows, shelter in place, and await instructions. 4

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS Important Telephone Numbers : o Emergency medical services: 112 o Police: 155 o Fire: 110 For any emergency situation, or to report suspicious activity, please contact the 24-hour UPU Congress Security Center: 4. First aid: Telephone: +90 212 375 30 73 / +90 505 252 11 77 Services: mild ailments dealt with on site; transfer to other facilities where non-urgent medical care is required; calling of emergency services where necessary; administering of emergency and/or palliative medicines. In cases where medical treatment or hospitalization is required, appropriate health or travel insurance, or an international credit card with a sufficient credit limit, or an adequate cash guarantee will be required. As the UPU cannot act as a guarantor where the individual has insufficient cover, the diplomatic representation of the country in question will need to be contacted in such cases. Medical Facilities adequate for first aid in emergencies shall be provided by the Host Government within the Congress Area. For serious emergencies, the Host Government shall ensure immediate transportation and admission to a hospital. 5

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS B. Credentials, proxies and other documents to be submitted to the secretariat by each member country 1. Credentials Checking of credentials: credentials shall be deposited at the opening of Congress with the designated authority (article 3.2 of the Rules of Procedure of Congresses), namely the secretariat of the Credentials Committee (C 1). a. Practical information for credentials and proxies Location of C 1 secretariat at the Hilton Bomonti Hotel Opening hours: 20 th and 21 st September: 09.00 a.m. to 06.30 p.m. 22 nd of September until the 3 rd of October: 09.00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m. b. Model credentials and proxies: Signature of credentials: Delegates credentials shall be signed by the Head of State, the Head of Government or the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country concerned (article 3.1 of the Rules of Procedure of Congresses). Credentials signed by another minister, or by deputy ministers, are not recognized. Consequences of non-validation of credentials: Delegates who have not deposited their credentials may, provided that their names have been communicated by their government, take part in the debates and vote from the moment they participate in the work of Congress. The same apply to those whose credentials are found to be not in order. Such delegates shall cease to be empowered to vote (nor to sign the Acts at the end of Congress) from the time Congress approves the last report of the Credentials Committee establishing that their credentials have not been received or are not in order, until such time as their position is regularized. The last report shall be approved by Congress before any election other than that of the Chairman of Congress and before approval of the draft acts (see article 3.3 of Rules of Procedure of Congresses, www.upu.int/acts/en/1_constitution_en.pdf) c. Foreign diplomatic representations in Turkey Embassies and Consulates in Turkey: www.upu2016istanbul.gov.tr/?p=consulate.htm 6

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS d. Choice of language of discussion To enable distribution of the costs of interpretation services, each member country must inform the secretariat of the language it has chosen for Congress discussions, using the form annexed to CONGRÈS Note 8 (www.upu.int/meeting_documents/prot/en/), which should be returned duly signed either to the C 1 secretariat, or to the reception desk no later than the 7 th of October. It may also be forwarded as an e-mail attachment to: andreas.kerll@upu.int C. Facilities for participants at the Congress site 1. Plan of Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Congress Center See pages 24-28 - Annex 1 Disabled access: On each floor there are disabled toilets, and a central lift located near the main entrance and reception desk. 2. Allocation of seats in the Congress halls The seating plans for the delegations in both main halls will be prepared on the basis of the registrations received up to a specific deadline just prior to Congress. These plans will be available on site from September 19 th. In addition to the seats assigned to each delegation, a number of unassigned seats will be available in each hall. 3. Calender a. Timetable of meetings: b. Timetable of other events (receptions, excursions, etc.) Please visit; www.upu2016istanbul.gov.tr 4. Information desk a. Location Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Convention Center: M4 Floor, beyond security control b. Open hours Monday to Friday (08.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. on 20 th of September). 7

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS c. Services calling taxis; information of all kinds on Congress, with information on Turkey hotels or other tourist services. 5. Documents a. Congress documents Documents will be available on the intranet portal of the Congress. 6. Self-service computers a. Cyber Cafe 40 PCs with Internet access and 10 laser printers. b. Information about computers Location: M4 Floor, Grand Ballrom Foyer Opening hours: 08.00 a.m. to 06.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Technical assistance available during opening hours. 7. Wireless (WiFi) a. Congress WiFi Available through the levels M1 to M4 of the conference center. a. Information about WiFi Name (SSID: upucongress) Technical assistance during opening hours at the Cyber Cafe, Grand Ballroom and Crystal Ballroom. 8. IT shop a. Sale of computer supplies and rental of tablets Location at M4 Floor: (next to Cyber Cafe). Opening hours: 08.00 a.m. to 06.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday). Limited stock. Reservations should be made at least three days in advance. 8

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS A tablet can be reserved prior to Congress by sending an e-mail to: b. Methods of payment accepted Rental of tablet: advance payment into Figur International s Account. The delegate will receive a payment slip at the information desk, which should be taken to the Congress information desk (see section C.12) for advance payment. The deposit will be returned by money order when the equipment has been returned and inspected by the maintenance service. 9. Power outlets The delegates desks in the main conference halls have 220 V sockets built into them (adaptors available at it shop if required). 10. Postal services, provided by the Turkish Post a. Location Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Convention Center: counters on level M4 Opening hours: 08.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the 19 th of September until the 8 th of October b. Turkish Post is offering free postage on the following items Postal service items. Bags may be prepared (materials available) on level 0, Rue Vermont side, behind the post office counters, and must be handed over at the counter. Other items or services (registered, etc.) will be charged to the delegate. Incoming confidential faxes can be sent to: and collected from the post office counters. The charge for incoming faxes is for the first page and for each subsequent page. Non-confidential faxes: see section C.11.a. c. Postal payment services and other services Payments over the counter with payment slip (payment methods accepted: cash only (TRY or EUR). Prepaid cards for mobile telephones. Stamp selling 9

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS d. Postal services, provided by the Turkish Post Location at Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Convention Center: counters on level M4 Opening hours: 08.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the 19 th of September until the 8 th of October Services : Postal and Parcel Services Photocopy Telephone Fax Exchange Service (only foreign exchange purchases) Stamp selling Prepaid cards for mobile telephones. PTTcell mobile phone card Note: Each delegate will receive a voucher in his/her welcome bag, giving the possibility of sending back free of charge one shipment up to 5 kg. 11. Gift and Souvenirs a. Counter for collection of souvenirs A special counter for collection of souvenirs offered by delegations. Owing to the size of the pigeonholes, they cannot be used for the delivery of souvenirs. Please contact the pigeonhole service, tel:, which can supply personalized vouchers for all Congress participants and distribute them to the pigeonholes. The souvenirs in question should be handed over to the same service before the vouchers are distributed to the pigeonholes. Souvenirs will be distributed at a special counter against presentation of these vouchers. b. Location of counter Hilton Bomonti Convention Center M4 Level, next to information desk Opening hours: 08.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. 10

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS 12. Information materials from member countries a. Pigeonholes are reserved exclusively for: official communications from the Congress secretariat; invitations; vouchers for souvenirs/gifts. Member countries are not allowed to use pigeonholes for the distribution of promotional materials or declarations. Distribution of materials within the meeting halls is also prohibited. A reserved area ( Information materials from member countries ) is provided on level 0, near the exhibition stands, for distribution of information and materials from member countries. Please contact the information desk if necessary (see C.4). Member countries are asked to ensure that their information materials contain nothing of a political, sensitive or commercial nature. The Congress secretariat will rigorously check all materials and remove anything liable to compromise the neutrality of the organization or damage relations between member countries. Member countries are reminded that the use of the UPU logo by candidates for election to a permanent body of the UPU for the direct promotion of their candidature is prohibited by the UPU Emblem Code. The UPU logo must not therefore appear on promotional materials. Information for the media (press packs and press releases etc.) should be issued in close liaison with the UPU communication experts present at Congress. Contacts: Ms. Faryal Mirza - faryal.mirza@upu.int 13. Halls for restricted meetings Halls for restricted meetings are available for reservation. a. Location and capacity of the various halls will be provided according to the request For any type of meeting room request you may have please contact: info@upu2016istanbul.gov.tr 11

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS b. Rental and Payment Payment method for additional services: Additional services, such as a change in the basic layout, or use of a hall with obligatory public address system, must be requested at least three days in advance. Rental of a hall with an obligatory public address system is billed by Figur International Congress. Payment must be made at the information desk. Days and hours of availability: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. For information on availability, contact the information desk: tel: Rules for allocation of halls: Each delegation will be permitted to make three reservations before the start of Congress (maximum of one half day per reservation). Any additional reservations will need to be made on site, no earlier than the day preceding the last date for which a hall was reserved in advance, subject to halls being available, and taking account of the three-day advance notice for paid services. The organizer of the meeting will be responsible for preparing the hall. As cleaning is carried out in the evening only, delegations are asked to tidy up the hall after use. Offices or work areas are available for rental from Figur International Ms. Yasemin Dervişoğlu, tel: +90 544 441 97 66 e-mail: info@upu2016istanbul.gov.tr 14. Food and drink a. Coffee services The coffee service during meeting breaks will be provided in the M4 level will be offered free of charge to delegates (sponsored by postal administrations or paid for by the Turkish Post depending on the day). There are opportunities for member countries to host coffee breaks. Please contact info@upu2016istanbul.gov.tr for details. 12

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS b. Restaurants The Globe is an all-day dining restaurant. The restaurant serves an array of global cuisine comprising three cooking modules: Western Grill, Mediterranean Cuisine and Asian Kitchen. Each module has its own cooking element, character and identity. The restaurant is adaptable to changes in volume, meal periods and seating requirements for large groups and conferences. Methods of payment accepted: cash (TRY, EUR or USD), credit cards. Opening hours: Breakfast: Weekdays 6:30 am 10:30 am Weekend 6:30 am 11:00 am Lunch: 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Dinner: 6:00 pm 12:00 am c. Group reservations For information on group reservations or catering services please contact: Ms. Yasemin Dervişoğlu tel: +90 544 441 97 66, e-mail: info@upu2016istanbul.gov.tr 15. Prayer room The prayer room is located on the M2 floor, there will be signage showing the exact direction. 16. Travel counter Travel counter open during lunch breaks, operated by Figur International Location at Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Convention Center M4 Floor Open from 12.30 to 03.00 p.m. 17. Photography Service During Congress, the secretariat will employ a professional photography service for official purposes: pictures for the media, the UPU website, UPU publications, etc. A selection of photos of official events (opening and closing of Congress, plenary sessions and other important happenings) will be published with the Congress news on the UPU website. The secretariat will provide no photo service to member countries or delegates. For a photography service during receptions (payable by the organization 13

GUIDE FOR PARTICIPANTS requesting the service) please contact with info desk. D. General Information Including Health & Safety and Facilities Outside the Congress Venue 1. Health and safety Carry identification (passport) at all times Be familiar with routes when moving to and from locations 2. Emergency numbers Police (including traffic police): 155 Fire: 110 Ambulance: 112 3. Hospitals Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Education and Research Hospital Halaskargazi Cad. Etfal Sk. 34371 Sisli / Istanbul Phone: +90 212 373 50 00 Okmeydani Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi Darülaceze Cad. No:25 Okmeydani Sisli / Istanbul Phone : +90 212 314 55 55 / +90 212 221 77 77 4. Banking and car park Bank: there are branches of various Turkish Banks in the area of Bomonti. They are available from 09.00 to 17.00. Underground pay car park: Hilton Bomonti Hotel has available parking place. 14

ABOUT ISTANBUL No words can describe Istanbul better than a sunset photograph of the mysterious Maiden Tower (Kız Kulesi) located in the middle of the Bosphorus, or a picture of the Bosphorus Bridge illuminated at night. Yet, a brief look into the history and numerous historical artifacts can give an impression of this open air museum. Expanding the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium, Istanbul became the capital city under the name Constantinople, when Byzantine Emperor Constantine I. rebuilt the city in the 4th century. Within 50 years of the conquest, Istanbul had became a gateway between East and West with the two bridges over the Bosphorus symbolizing the unique positioning. Istanbul, Dersaadet, Konstantiniye, Byzantion Many names of this city is a reflection of its many faces. As the only city in the world situated on two continents -Asia and Europe-Istanbul has proved an attractive settlement for various civilizations since ancient times. Thanks to its rich history, colorful daily life and dynamic spirit, Istanbul continues to offer a once in a lifetime experience to its visitors. The largest city in modern Turkey, Istanbul s cultural diversity, state of the art accommodation alternatives, unique blend of modern and traditional dining and entertainment options and stunningly rich history makes the 2010 European Capital of Culture an ideal destination for business organizations and leisure trips. Historic Peninsula As the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, present day Istanbul retains the history that emerged form the city and integrates its historical values to the modern life. Sultanahmet, located at the center of the historic peninsula, is where most of the Istanbul s famous historical sights are located. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are both situated in this 15

ABOUT ISTANBUL dynamic part of the city. A few hundred meters away is the world famous Grand Bazaar, which for the past six centuries has been a center for the trading of gold and authentic Turkish produce. The nearby Basilica Cistern is a breathtaking venue for banquets and special events. No visit to Istanbul is complete without crossing the beautiful Golden Horn the natural harbor opening to the Bosphorus - and relaxing on the green parks that stretch along the shore to enjoy magnificent sunsets. North of the historic peninsula, across the Golden Horn, is Galata, crowned by the Galata tower. The Heart of the City: Beyoğlu Beyoglu, Istanbul s culture and entertainment center, has always been a meeting point for cultures and peoples. The multiculturalism of this vibrant district is abundantly reflected in architecture, daily life and culinary culture. stiklal Street is the heart of this large district full of cinemas, theaters, restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs and almost every visitor to Istanbul is attracted by the bright lights of the Street. Moving forward to Kurtulu, Osmanbey and Nisantası with neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings, time starts to flow backwards. However modern cafes and shops are just around the corner to surprise you. The Spectacular Bosphorus The Bosphorus, separating Asia and Europe, is the ultimate treasure and beauty of Istanbul, where the city breathes. Both banks of the Bosphorus are decorated by characteristic, wooden waterside mansions, symbols of the old tradition of large, wealthy families residing on the Bosphorus shores. Fishing dominates life on the Bosphorus thanks to the fertile sea that brings shoals of fresh fish daily and on every shore of the Bosphorus are restaurants serving delicious seafood. 16

ABOUT ISTANBUL After seeing the various sights of Istanbul the open air museum, you can experience the city s colorful nightlife. In Istanbul, there is something for everyone: bars playing rock, jazz or blues, dance clubs, traditional taverns called meyhane. There s a reason why Turkish cuisine is listed as one of the most influential cuisines in the world. The varieties of tastes and styles in Turkish cooking are simply astounding. Turkish cuisine reached a peak of sophistication during the Ottoman era when skilled and experienced cooks created imperial cuisine based on the finest ingredients. From modest eateries to topclass seafood restaurants with a view, Istanbul is sure to tempt even the laziest of taste buds. This great metropolis is home to the best restaurants which offer selections from Turkish cuisine as well as other internationally renowned cuisines. In addition to being Turkey s culinary and entertainment capital, Istanbul is also a city of festivals. From music to performance arts, Istanbul hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Istanbul can easily be a shopping parade for many Tourists. Turkeys being a leading manufacturer for Textile product is creating an enormous demand on Clothes, Fashion wears, linens, towels and other textile products. To shop in Istanbul ranging from the expensive to cheap, from name brand to street fashion, there are great many addresses to visit without exhausting yourself too much. Once can find everything in Istanbul, where people live together in a tremendous hustle and bustle: the mystery of the East and the practicality of the West combined. Istanbul offers an unforgettable experience with its colorful daily life and dynamic nightlife. It is also an attractive destination for international meetings with its world class accommodation and convention facilities. 17

ABOUT ISTANBUL Istanbul, which ranked ninth in world congress tourism last year and sixth in Europe in 2011, it has become an international convention destination. Hosting 113 International congresses in 2011, in Europe, Istanbul ranked 6th, and nearly 40% increase in number of congresses from 2009 to 2010 shows the impact that effective destination marketing and growing selection of state-of-theart facilities can have. Istanbul has a remarkable seven purpose-built convention centers and three exhibition centers large enough to accommodate even the biggest international fairs. With over 72.000 guestrooms and 85 five-star and deluxe hotels, Istanbul offers meeting planners a variety of options, including top international and domestic hotel brands, at a variety of price points. Moreover, Istanbul offers three separate but possible-to-integrate meeting and exhibition clusters in the Airport District, the Conference Valley and the Golden Horn, augmented by a growing range of the meeting facilities on the Asian side of the city. This provides planners with unrivaled flexibility and the confidence of knowing that all facilities are new and offer the latest audiovisual and event technology. Another factor in the city s outstanding performance is its easy accessibility from anywhere in the world. Turkish Airlines, Turkey s flag carrier and a member of the Star Alliance and the best airline in both 2010 and 2011, offers daily direct flights between Istanbul and more than 200 cities worldwide. With two airports, one at the Asian and the other on the European side of the city, Istanbul is served by nearly 300 international airlines. 18

ABOUT ISTANBUL Weather Conditions for the Congress Period Istanbul is characterized as having a Mediterranean climate, according to the updated Köppen Geiger classification system. However, due to its vast size, diverse topography, and maritime location, Istanbul exhibits microclimates. Northern parts of the city express characteristics of an oceanic climate because of humidity from the Black Sea and the relatively high concentration of vegetation. The climate in the populated areas of the city in the south is warmer and less affected by humidity. Overall, Istanbul has an annual average of 115 days with significant precipitation, which amounts to 852 millimeters (33.5 in) per year. Sep Oct Average high in C 25 20 Average low in C 16 12 Av. precipitation - mm 41 71 Days with precip. 6 10 Hours of sunshine 252 180 19

ABOUT ISTANBUL Eating / Drinking There is never a problem finding somewhere to eat and drink in Istanbul from the street vendors selling grilled corn on the cob, simit savoury bread with seasame seeds - and fresh grilled fish on the harbour to the cafes and restaurants on almost every corner. Low-cost traditional Turkish meyhanes (tavernas) serve mezes small dishes of starters and dips usually cold. Boreks are another traditional Turkish snack a savoury pastry filled with anything from cheese or vegetables or meat. Dolmas are stuffed usally peppers or vine leaves. And of course there are grilled meat kebabs. The district of Kumkapi on the Sea of Marmara, close to Sultanahmet is packed with lively harbourside seafood restaurants and meyhanes. Traditional non-alcoholic drinking can be tea herbal or straight served in small tulipshaped glasses never with milk but always with sugar. Everyone you visit offers you a glass and it s considered rude to refuse. Turkish coffee is black and very strong in tiny cups. Turkish wines are fine but wine is generally expensive in restaurants. The stronger stuff is raki an aniseed-flavour clear spirit that turns cloudy when water is added. The centuries old tradition of smoking apple flavoured tobacco through a narghile (a waterpipe) is kept alive in coffee houses. One guide-book fixture is Erenler Narghile one of the oldest and most famous located in a Ottoman building in Sultanahmet, packed with students from the nearby university. Narghile smoking has fairly recently had a revival and become popular with young Istanbulites male and female. The centuries old tradition of smoking apple flavoured tobacco through a narghile (a hubble-bubble waterpipe) is kept alive in coffee houses. One guide-book fixture is Erenler Narghile one of the oldest and most famous located in a Ottoman building in Sultanahmet, packed with students from the nearby university. Narghile smoking has fairly recently had a revival and become popular with young Istanbulites male and female. There is no shortage of uber-stylish restaurants and bars serving international and fusion cuisine to Istanbul s style conscious. Some highlights;- 360 360 is a modern glass sided penthouse sitting on the roof of a 19th century building on Istiklal Caddesi - which does what is says on the tin stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding Beyoglu district and the Bosphurus. Popular with both visitors and locals it s a bar, restaurant and lounging spot serving up a global fusion menu to beautiful people. 360, Misir Apartmenti, Istiklal Caddesi 311, Beyoglu Tel: (0212) 251 1042 Opening: Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner daily 20

ABOUT ISTANBUL Changa One of the pioneers of south-east Asian and European fusion Changa is still top dog. Despite being on an unlovely street Siraselviler Caddesi it has an imposing entrance into a beautiful art nouveau building. The owners have also more recently opened Muzedechanga on Istiklal Caddesi an equally stylish sequel with 60s and 70s interior. Changa, Siraselviler Caddesi 87, Taksim Tel: (0212) 249 1348 Opening: 6pm-1am Mon-Sat Vogue This bar/restaurant has been going for 10 years and is now an Istanbul cool institution. Drinks are served on the 13th floor terrace overlooking Besiktas Plazai, and there s a topnotch sushi bar. Vogue, Spor Caddesi 92, BJK Plaza A Blok 13, Akaretler, Besiktas Tel: (0212) 227 4404 Opening: Mon-Sat 12-3am, Sun 11-11 Kiyi Eating out at the fish restaurants that line both sides of the Bosphorus is a summer-time must for Istanbulites. Kiki is the five star pick, with pavement tables and views over a picturesque mini harbour in Tarabya. Kiyi, Kefelikoy, Caddesi 126, Tarabya Tel: (0212) 262 0002 / 269 6920 Opening: noon-midnight Ulus 29 On a hill overlooking the Bosphorus in the leafy surroundings of Ulus Park great location but a fair taxi ride from the centre. The 29 in the name refers to the 29 traditional Ottoman and east Mediterranean dishes on the menu. Cocktails are served on the terrace with great sea views. Next door is Club 29. Ulus 29, 1 Kireçhane Sokak, Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Ulus Park. l Tel: (0212) 265 6181 21

ABOUT ISTANBUL Shopping / Fashion With dozens of independent stores, state of the art shopping malls and bazaars and markets there is plenty of choice and competition. Fashion is a big deal in Istanbul and Turkey is the 4th largest exporter of ready make garments in the world. The Grand Bazaar The Grand Bazaar (Turkish: Kapalıçarşı, meaning Covered Market ; also Büyük Çarşı, meaning Grand Market ) in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.in 2014, it was listed No.1 among world s most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors. The Grand Bazar at Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world. Beyoğlu District Many American and European brands manufacture their clothing in Turkey and Istanbul now has a thriving market in seconds and overruns which can be bought at shops in Beyoglu. Off Istiklal Caddesi are several pasajs covered arcades - stacked with knockdown clothes in bins or on rails. The district encompasses other neighborhoods located north of the Golden Horn, including Galata (the medieval Genoese citadel from which Beyoğlu itself originated, which is today known as Karaköy), Tophane, Cihangir, Şişhane, Tepebaşı, Tarlabaşı, Dolapdere and Kasımpaşa, and is connected to the old city center across the Golden Horn through the Galata Bridge, Atatürk Bridge and Golden Horn Metro Bridge. Beyoğlu is the most active art, entertainment and nightlife centre of Istanbul. 22

ABOUT ISTANBUL Nişantaşı District Nişantaşı is a quarter of the Şişli district on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It comprises neighbourhoods of Osmanbey, Teşvikiye, Maçka and Pangaltı. Osmanbey is the heart of Nişantaşı and one of the most exclusive shopping and residential districts in Istanbul. Within Osmanbey area, Rumeli Street (Caddesi) is considered to the most exclusive street, equivalent of London s King s Street. Rumeli Caddesi include luxury brand stores, popular European-style cafés, pubs, restaurants and night clubs. One of Rumeli Caddesi s side street, Abdi İpekçi Street, It is considered as Turkey s most expensive shopping street. Cihangir District Cihangir is one of the neighborhoods of the Beyoğlu district in Istanbul, Turkey. The neighborhood has many narrow streets, a park, and street cafes. It is located between Taksim Square and Kabataş. The name means conqueror in Turkish and, in turn, comes from the Persian compound word jahan + gir, meaning conqueror of the world. A district where caricaturists, painters and actors live in Istanbul, A bohemia with its cafes, where debates take place about theater, cinema, literature, and philosophy. This is Cihangir. With streets full of history, art, cafes and cats; Cihangir is a great choice to spend a lovely day in Istanbul. 23

ANNEX 1 - FLOOR PLANS LOBBY 24

FLOOR PLANS FLOOR 25

ANNEX 2 - RAIL TRANSIT MAP 29

NOTES 30

NOTES 31

NOTES 32