Istanbul vs. Ankara
This might be an unconventional post/inquiry, but I intend to study abroad in Turkey Spring of 2008 and am having trouble deciding between Ankara and Istanbul. Both universities (Bosphorous and Bilkent Univ) that I would be attending are excellent and a nonissue. For those who have been there, I was just wondering how the cities' atmospheres compare? Such as attitudes towards foreigners, cultural opportunites, sites, etc. Is one location preferable for access to the rest of the country and beyond? Thanks for any information and your help!
|
ttt
|
BUMP!
|
Istambul. It is much more interesting. Ankara is a relatively modern city with a small old core where as Istambul has incredible history. Plane connections are easy..Istambul wins hands down IMO.
|
It's the difference between San Francisco or Sacramento, Rio de Janeiro or Brasilia, Sydney or Canberra
|
If there are no other considerations, definitely Istanbul. There is so much to see there altho' you will probably cover it all within your semester. Attitudes re foreigners are no problem.
Ankara is a typically large city with all the high-rises you see elsewhere. Other than the great Museum of Anatolian History and Ataturk's tomb I frankly don't have much of an impression (except that when I was there 11 yrs ago there were none of these high-rise offices). Be sure to take a weekend trip to Cappadocia - it is the most amazing landscape on earth. I so wish they hadn't filled this area with vendor shops!! :-( But, still it should not be missed. |
Istanbul is my vote. Reasons - more diversity, more history, more character, actually, more of everything - never boring. I wasn't taken with Ankara - and I visited the old city. Istanbul is the center of transportation-very easy to visit all of Turkey from there.
|
another vote for Istanbul.
|
Oh, what a lucky person you are! I'd love to spend a semester in Turkey.
I have not been to Bilkent University but I spoke at a conference at Bosphorus University - and it's gorgeous! I vote for Bosphorus. It is on a hillside, overlooking the Bosphorus, set in lovely grounds, etc. I've been both to Ankara and Istanbul about half a dozen times in the last two years for a research project in the business sector. I think you will find that in both cities, Turks are very welcoming (they are some of the most hospitable people I've ever met), very curious about you, very interested in what is going on in the world, very gregarious, etc. You cannot go wrong with either choice. If you are unaccustomed to big city life, you might find Istanbul somewhat overwhelming. It is a VERY large, sprawling city and it can be difficult to get from one section to another (traffic jams, complex combination of limited public transportation with minibuses etc). Ankara is also spread out, but I find it easier to get around. If your accommodation is on campus or very close to it in Istanbul though, then traffic, crowds etc wouldn't be a daily source of stress for you. I think Istanbul, though, has a lot more character and a lot more living history to see. Also a lot more going on in terms of social life, etc. Istanbul is preferable for its access to the rest of the country and beyond. Will you learn some Turkish before you go? It is a fascinating language. I tried to learn some Turkish to help me with my project but didn't have a lot of success with self-study programmes. But if there are any courses on offer near you, I would recommend it. Although many of the young people you'll meet, professors and others will speak English (often, excellent English), many of the other people you'll encounter in daily life won't, so elementary or intermediate Turkish will open a lot of doors for you. |
Hi, there is a small joke in Turkey that goes like this:
- Do you know what is the best moment in Ankara? - Yep, it's when you leave for Istanbul... That says it all... |
Kate W, I intend to learn some Turkish before I go and will have a two week orientation for either study abroad program that requires one to study both verbal and written Turkish over the course of the semester to help us get around!
Where is Bosphorous Univ in relation to the rest of Istanbul? Thanks so much for everyone's input! |
There isn't really a centre, or downtown, in Istanbul. Bosphorus University overlooks the Bosphorus, which divides the European side of Istanbul from the Asian side. It's quite far from Ataturk airport and, if I recall, about a 25 minute car ride from Taxim Square (the closest to what might be called the centre of the city). It is relatively close to some very desirable parts of town, because the waterfront (certainly along the European side but also along the Asian side) is very desirable.
|
Istanbul has a lot more to offer you, however costwise Ankara could be more beneficial. Traveling wise Istanbul has a lot more to offer. Both universities are Top quality.
Good Luck, Murat |
I'd go to Berkeley.
|
Berkeley in Istanbul or the one in Ankara ?
;-) |
Berkeley, in Berkeley.
|
Hands down Istanbul. Ankara ıs a relatıvely new place where Ataturk moved the capıtal sınce Istanbul was too full of hıstory and tensıon and engraıned culture and everythıng else that comes wıth an ancıent crossroads of the world... excellent nıghtlıfe too. Not to mentıon that ıt ıs pretty beautıful.
|
Istanbul!! I'm living here at the moment (21 yrs old) and loving it. This is my third time here and it just doesn't get old. The Bosphorus Univ. is in an amazing location- in or right outside of Bebek: one of my favorite areas. It has beautiful scenery (obviously) and wonderful cafes. I ate lunch the other day at a small restaurant called Happily Ever After- by far the loveliest place I have ever eaten. The univ. is not too far from Taksim- nightlife, shops, and restaurants- maybe 20 min. by bus. I don't own a car here so I rely on public transportation. One factor to keep in mind is the traffic. I've sat in bumper to bumper traffic at 2am on the highway on a Friday night. Allow plenty of time to get where you're going. I'm rambling now-- if you have any other questions please email me at [email protected].
|
one more vote for Istanbul. I was born in Kayseri and I live in Istanbul now. I really love it. I travel to Ankara many times but Istanbul is much more better than Ankara
|
I live in Ankara and enjoy it. There are plenty of clubs, restaurants, theatres, etc to stay busy and the traffic is much less of a headache, but still stressful. Cappadoccia is a three to four hour drive and great for a weekend. That being said, I have many friends and co-workers who love Istanbul and try to get over there as often as they can. For a college student, I would say you would enjoy Istanbul more. No matter what you decide, have a great time in Turkey!
Patty |
Thanks so much for everyone's helpful opinions! It seems Istanbul it is. :D As of right now, I am the only student from my university planning to attend the University of Bosphorous. While I'm certain I'll make friends once I've arrived, I'm wondering if anyone would advise I not travel alone for the first few weeks? I've had girlfriends say being accompanied by a male friend made a huge difference in travel and going out to nightclubs. How conservative is the city? Thanks again!
|
My experience in Istanbul was different than yours will be because I was travelling for business (and I'm about 20 years older). However, for what it's worth, I'd say that Istanbul is a mixture of trendy/modern and conservative: it depends on where you are and with whom you are dealing. You will see a lot of young men and women dressed up (the women in miniskirts, tank tops and vertiginously high heels - I don't know how they manage it in hilly Istanbul) and going out to cafes and clubs, in areas like Taxim Square and Beoglu. Very urbane, very trendy, very modern, very secular. Some of them will probably speak fairly good English. But you will also see headscarved older and younger women, and you will encounter more traditional or conservative people of all ages on public transportation and in some areas of the city.
Istanbul is a very large city with a reputation for over-the-top nightlife. I don't think you'd have a problem exploring the city on your own in daylight, taking public transportation, going shopping and going to cafes and restaurants into the mid-evening (eg 10 pm or so). However, I would recommend against going to nightclubs without a Istanbul-wise, Turkish-speaking female or male friend for the first few weeks. And I'm sure you'll make friends very quickly, especially among Turkish students. The Turkish people I've met in the past few years have been among the most hospitable, friendly and generous people I have ever met. They seem to really take to heart the task of making sure you have a good time in their country. A couple of books I'd recommend: Travellers' Tales: Turkey and Tales from the Expat Harem. The latter book focuses on the experience of non-Turkish women (different ages) in Turkey and is particularly interesting. You might also find it interesting to start reading the Turkish Daily News (in English) online over the next few months, so that you find out what is going on in the country (politically, culturally, etc). |
You will have a wonderful experience. OUr daughter taught elem. school at the Am. Air Base in Ankara for 2 yrs. and loved it. Easy to get around===taxi's VERY inexpensive, ...in fact everything is fairly inexpensive. Easy to get to other sights in Turkey etc, and so many friendly people.
HAving said this, I would choose Istanbul...You have received some wonderful ideas and input. Traffic, yes, big/ bussling city, yes...but historically and beautywise Istanbul has it over Ankara. The Univ. sounds nice and in a good location. amandakay on this thread has some good ideas and you might want to correspond with her...having given her email address. TUrkey has SUCH friendly, HELPFUL, warm people...and I know you will love it. You will enjoy the vibrant 'atmosphere" in Istanbul~ |
Thanks so much again! I'll be sure to take a look at those books Kate W and do as you suggested mari5! I think one of the programs I'm looking at has week long trips in Alanya, Ankarra and some time spent in Syria in addition to Istanbul so I'll be able to get a wider scope culturally!
Any rules on eye contact over there? |
Hello. I would love to know more about Istanbul. I will be in the city for one week (August 13-20) before I head over to Bangkok, Thailand. I am curious about a lot of things:
1) Where can I see live Turkish performance art---whether plays, musicals, experimental theatre, etc? I do not need the show to be in English, I just want to get a glimpse at Turkish Fine Arts. 2) What cuisine should I most definitely try? And where? I do not like to visit like a tourist, I try to live as a local. Any restaurant suggestions would be great. 3) Could you point me in the direction of the lesbian scene in Istanbul? Is there one? Are there any clubs or bars? 4) Where are the best rural parts of Istanbul---the countryside where locals reside? I would like to visit and see more than just city life. 5) Best Turkish hamam? 6) Where does the younger crowd (21-25) hang out? Do you recommend going to Bodrum or Prince's Islands? Tell me what you know. I am 21 years old and a student. I would appreciate any and all bits of wisdom about Istanbul. I look forward to going and hearing from you. |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:45 AM. |