Paragkash

I am flying along with my wife and 2 teen age kids, into Istanbul at 9.30 am on 23rd April 2010; which is supposed to be their National Day.
We are in Istanbul for 4 days, before we fly to Cappadocia.

Will we be able to witness some cultural events?
Which are the places where there will be some kind of celebrations?
What should be my itinerary.....
Can all the Turkey experts help me.?....

otherchelebi

23rd of April is the opening day of the National Assembly of new Turkey, and it is a "Childrens' Holiday".

There will be children coming from 15-30 nations, to perform songs, dances etc. There will also be a mock primeminister at the national assembly.

Some of the children may parade on istiklal street. The program will not beout yet, but if you remind me in the beginning of April, i will try to find something on the Istanbul municipality or the ministry of education web sites.

In ancient times, i participated in the parade, under some heavy rain, with my small drum as a cub scout, caught a bad cold and was never allowed again.

Paragkash

Thanks a lot Otherchelebi,

Great.. That's a real " First hand" information.
I thought it would come only from you...

Shall remind again in the first week of April.

I am also going to be there in Selcuk from 29th April to 3rd May 2010, hoping to catch some interesting things at the May festival.

Can you tell me when and how can I get the information on this before I go...

Are you based in Istanbul? Would love to meet you if you don't mind.

thanks again...

otherchelebi

Paragkash, are you coming with your children? If yes, and if they are younger than 13, there will be some special days 23-26 April, with fun and games for children by one of the private school foundations, in the Astoria Mall.

I and my wife will be pleased to meet you. You can communicate through the e-mail address i have for my book "dusler ve gorusler, dreams and perception", [email protected]

otherchelebi

Sorry i had forgotten about your original post.

if your teenagers are older than fourteen or so the Childrens' holiday festivities will probably not interest them much. But they will love the Rahmi Koc museum with real submarine and lots of boats, and machines and equipment and the hikes up the ramparts of the city walls at Edirnekapi and at Rumeli Hisari.

Paragkash

Dear Otherchelebi,
My daughters are 13 and 15 years old but may not be interested in fun games.

Rahmi Koc museum with real submarine souds interesting. I hope I get time to see it in these 4 days.

It would be a great pleasure and honor to meet you.
I would love to know about your book.
I shall get in touch with you.

Thanks a lot again...

msolbravo

Hi both!
I will be also staying for the very first time on Istanbul on April 23rd. Do you know if the Hagia Sophia will be opened that day? What about the museums and other touristical points? I don't want to stay at the hotel!!!
Thanks in advanced for your comments.
Kind regards,
Sol.

otherchelebi

Sol, the museums will follow their regular schedules and will not be affected by the the special day.

msolbravo

really? That's very good news! Do you have any info on the Hagia Sophia?
I'll arrive on Sunday 20th and leave on 24th.
Any special recommendation for me?
Thank you very much for your comment!!!

otherchelebi

check for Istanbul museum hours on the web on their site or on trip advisor.

read some of the trip reports of former visitors to istanbul, here on fodors and definitely buy a book of istanbul with a map.

You are the only person who knows what will interest you.

msolbravo

You're right, thanks for your support!