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If watching Muhteşem Yüzyıl or Aşk-ı Memnu ever made you dream of visiting Türkiye; to walk the same cobbled streets where empires once rose, or to breathe in the same air that carries centuries of stories, then you’re in the right place.Whether your trip is inspired by your favorite drama or just a need to pause, heal, and explore, this guide will be your gentle companion. These are lessons, tips, and secrets from an expat who’s spent long enough in İstanbul to learn how to see it not just through a tourist’s eyes, but through a local’s heart.So pack your bags and fasten your seatbelt, and get ready to fall in love, slowly, deeply, and unexpectedly.The Historic Heart: Where time stands stillStart your morning with a warm Turkish kahvaltı in Cihangir, a table full of olives, cheeses, fluffy menemen, and bread fresh from the oven. The kind of breakfast that doesn’t rush you. The kind that makes you sit still and just be.From there, take the tram (T1) to Sultanahmet, and suddenly you’re standing where worlds once collided: Byzantium, Constantinople, and now, İstanbul.The first sight that takes your breath away is Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Its dome rises gently above the city, with soft light shining through golden mosaics that have watched over İstanbul for centuries. Step inside, and you can feel the calm, the quiet beauty and the whispers of prayers that have filled this place for generations.Across the square stands the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), its six slender minarets reaching for the sky. Inside, the walls bloom with thousands of İznik tiles blues, greens, and whites dancing under soft light. It’s peaceful, humbling, and quietly beautiful.If you love mosque architecture, your next stop should be the elegant Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan, where soaring domes, calm courtyards, and gentle calligraphy create a sense of quiet grace. From its terrace, you get a wide, breezy view over Fatih and the Golden Horn, and yes, you’ll probably spot influencers taking photos with flowy dresses and curious seagulls floating in the skyline (and honestly, you might want one too).From Blue Mosque, walk a little further and you’ll reach Topkapı Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. Its gardens are silent, its halls filled with jeweled daggers, silk robes, and sacred relics; a glimpse into a world where faith and luxury lived side by side.Before the day ends, step into the Basilica Cistern; an underground forest of stone pillars reflected in still water. The air is cool and damp, the space lit by a quiet, golden glow. Two Medusa heads guard the corners, watching silently over the centuries.End your evening in Gülhane Park, where tulips bloom in the spring. Sit on a bench, sip on Turkish tea, and let the city slow down around you.**media[375981]**Markets, shopping and moreİstanbul teaches you that shopping can be storytelling.Head to Eminönü’s Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), relatively cheaper than the Grand Bazaar but richer in the smell of cinnamon, saffron, and rose.Then lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Lanterns dangle like captured sunsets, handwoven shawls sway in the air, and shopkeepers call out, “Abla, just look!” Bargaining is a must here to be safe from tourist traps.When you’re ready for something modern, walk through İstiklal Caddesi in Taksim, İstanbul’s beating heart. Street performers play violins, children chase pigeons, and a red nostalgic tram glides past like it’s from another time. Step into St. Anthony of Padua Church, especially near Christmas, when its lights glow softly against the stone walls.If you want to explore more of Istanbul’s unique churches, make your way to the Saint Stephen’s Orthodox church also called Iron Church in Balat, a neo-Gothic masterpiece made entirely of cast iron, its delicate arches and intricate details set against the neighborhood’s colorful streets. It’s a hidden gem for architecture lovers and photographers alike, offering a different, European-flavored side of the city.**media[375977]**And for a more refined taste of the city, wander through Nişantaşı. Elegant windows lined with boutiques, cafés filled with people talking softly over espresso, it’s the city’s quieter, polished side. Even if you’re just window shopping, Nişantaşı feels like walking through a dream painted in sunlight.Hidden Corners and Local SecretsIf you’ve already seen the famous sights and want to experience the real İstanbul, the one locals love, then take the ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side.**media[375979]**The ferry ride alone is a poem. Feed the seagulls, feel the Bosphorus breeze, and watch the skyline shimmer like it’s waving goodbye. Kadıköy greets you with color wall art, bookshops, vinyl stores, and cafés that smell of coffee and roasted sesame. Grab a simit or midye dolma (stuffed mussels) and wander aimlessly. That’s the best way to know Kadıköy.Walk toward Bull Square (Boğa Heykeli) and turn into Çilek Street, a local favorite for affordable shopping, a blend of brand knockoffs, trendy outfits, and authentic little stores where you can find amazing collections for a fraction of the price.From there, hop on a ferry to Beşiktaş, a neighborhood filled with laughter, food, and football flags fluttering above narrow lanes. Many tourists skip straight to Ortaköy for the view of the Bosphorus Bridge and Kumpir, but don’t rush. Beşiktaş’s local eateries serve lahmacun, mantı, and kebaps that taste like home-cooked stories.**media[375978]**Nearby, the Dolmabahçe Palace stands by the water like a dream of marble and glass. It was once home to Ottoman sultans and later, to Atatürk himself. Inside, chandeliers sparkle above silk carpets, and every room feels like it’s holding its breath. It’s history, beauty, and heartbreak under one roof.Art, Legends, and Quiet Magicİstanbul isn’t only about monuments, it’s a city that lives and breathes art.Visit Pera Museum, Meşher, or Anna Laudel for exhibitions that capture the soul of Turkish creativity.Then walk to Galata Tower, standing tall over Beyoğlu like an old guardian. Legend says Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi once flew from its top, gliding over the Bosphorus with wings he built himself. Some say Galata is also the tower of love, visit it with someone you care for, and fate will do the rest.**media[375982]**Climb up for the city’s panoramic view, or skip the ticket and enjoy the same beauty from a nearby café. Sit by the window with Turkish coffee, and you’ll understand why people fall in love with this city again and again.For something more colorful, wander through Balat. Its colourful houses, cobbled lanes, and hanging laundry create a scene so charming it feels unreal. Stop at a rooftop café, order a croissant and latte, and let the view of the Golden Horn sink in.**media[375974]**A few tram stops away lies Eyüp, home to the sacred tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. The area feels spiritual, still, and deeply moving. From there, take the Teleferik (cable car) up to Pierre Loti Hill. One tap of your İstanbulkart, and suddenly you’re sipping Turkish tea above the city stretching endlessly beneath your feet.By the Sea, With the CatsFor mornings by the sea, skip the Princes’ Islands and go to Bebek. Rent a bike, cycle along the waterfront, and feel the Marmara breeze on your face. The villas by the coast are as beautiful as they are familiar; one of them even starred in Kara Para Aşk as Elif’s house.If you want a peaceful Bosphorus view without the crowd, head to Duattepe Park in Sarıyer or Nakkaştepe Park in Üsküdar. Both are hidden gems where the sound of the city fades into the rustle of trees and gentle laughter of picnicking families.**media[375976]**And of course, the cats. İstanbul belongs to them. They curl up on shop counters, nap on mosque steps, and look at you like they’ve been here far longer than you. Visit Kedi Parkı in Harbiye if you want to spend an afternoon surrounded by furry company. Bring treats so they’ll find you before you find them.**media[375975]**The Goodbye That Isn’t OneWhen your trip nears its end, visit a relaxing hamam in Sultanahmet. The marble, the steam, the sound of dripping water, it feels like stepping back in time. As you leave, wrapped in the warmth of the city, you’ll realize something: İstanbul doesn’t let you go easily.Because this isn’t just a city you visit, it’s a feeling that follows you home. The sound of ferries, the smell of Turkish coffee, the call to prayer at sunset they all stay somewhere inside you.And maybe, one day, you’ll come back. Not to see more, but simply to feel it all again.

Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented wave of cultural, economic, and sports activities in November, as Doha prepares to host a series of international conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and championships, highlighting its position as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and excellence.From Sustainability Week to the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Doha Film Festival, and Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism, the events cover sectors such as sports, economy, health, education, and culture, reflecting Qatar's vision of promoting international dialogue and supporting sustainable development.Nov 1-7: Qatar Sustainability Week led by Earthna, 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week will highlight sustainability efforts.Nov 3-27: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Qatar is set to host its third global tournament under the supervision of FIFA, after it has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 World Cup November 4-8: KIDS EXPO 2025 Under the theme "Our Children are the Greatest Treasure," the second edition of the Expo will be held to raise awareness about children's rights.Nov 5-8: Qatar Boat Show 2025 Held at the Old Doha Port, the second edition of Qatar Boat Show 2025 will combine heritage, luxury, and innovation in yachting.Novr 11-13: Qatar Medicare 2025 Qatar Medicare stands as Qatar's first International Healthcare and Medical Trade Exhibition and Conference, convening an extensive network of healthcare stakeholders.Nov 17-19: Rowad 2025 Conference Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding," Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 is considered the most influential event in the State of Qatar's entrepreneurship sector. This year's edition will focus on the requirements for international growth and expansion beyond local markets.Nov 20-22: 17th Gulf Heart Association Conference The conference will cover numerous topics of advanced and general cardiology. It aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and research on all aspects of heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.Nov 20-23: 5th Qatar Taekwondo Open Championships The Championship will bring together international athletes.Nov 20-28: Doha Film Festival Doha Film Festival upports talent, promots cultural dialogue, and showcases innovative visions.Nov 24-25: 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) centers around the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education." WISE 12 aims to deepen discussions on the purpose of education and its pivotal role in serving humanity.Nov 24-26: Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism 2025 (QTM 2025) QTM 2025 is a prominent platform in the field of travel and tourism, bringing together leading global destinations to showcase the latest trends in sports tourism, conferences and exhibitions tourism, business and cultural tourism, and leisure tourism.Nov 25-26: MWC Doha 2025 MWC25 Doha is the first-ever edition of the GSMA's MWC Series to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event marks a key milestone in positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation and transformation.The conference will explore three key themes: AI Nexus, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in powering innovation; Intelligent Economies, centered on secure digital infrastructure and next-generation networks; and Connected Industries, highlighting the growing impact of emerging technologies on daily life and economic systems.Nov 27-29: 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC Qatar 2025) The Conference brings together specialists, policymakers, and researchers to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of primary health care.Nov 28-30: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship It is one of the season's most anticipated races.This vibrant calendar underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to solidifying its position on the global events map, attracting international expertise, and affirming its leadership in building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

Air travel disruptions in the United States worsened as the federal government shutdown entered its 27th day, with nearly 7,000 flights delayed nationwide on Monday due to a growing shortage of air traffic controllers.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages that necessitated ground delay programs, affecting operations at multiple airports.Around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have been working without pay amid the budget deadlock between Republican President Donald Trump and Democrats in Congress, which led to the government shutdown.A US Department of Transportation official said that 44 percent of the delays were attributed to the shortage of air traffic controllers, a sharp rise from the usual 5 percent.The mounting flight delays and cancellations have deepened public frustration and intensified scrutiny of the shutdown’s impact, increasing pressure on lawmakers to resolve the political impasse.The FAA is currently short about 3,500 air traffic controllers, many of whom were already working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks before the shutdown began.During the previous 35-day government shutdown in 2019, rising absenteeism among unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA officers led to longer wait times at airport checkpoints and further slowed air travel across the country.

Visit Qatar is set to participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, from Nov 4–6 at ExCeL London, leading a delegation of 48 partners, including hotels, resorts, and destination management companies.As one of the world’s leading global travel and tourism exhibitions, WTM serves as a strategic platform to spotlight Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, strengthen partnerships, and attract new business and investment opportunities in line with the country’s national tourism strategy.Visit Qatar will present the country’s expanding tourism ecosystem within the dedicated Qatar Pavilion, located at Stand S8-210.The Qatar Pavilion will feature a two-level design covering 700sq m with an additional 150sq m mezzanine, offering engaging spaces for networking and business meetings.The stand will immerse visitors in Qatar’s rich culture and modern experiences through a series of creative activations and showcases.Highlights include a range of engaging and interactive activations including a dedicated cultural zone featuring live demonstrations of calligraphy, Kohl and perfume making, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Qatari traditions and craftsmanship. Guests will also enjoy a taste of Qatari hospitality through the Qinwan coffee and dates experience.To further enhance visitor engagement, a special 4D immersive activation will bring Meryal Waterpark to life through multi-sensory visual, audio, and water effects, providing an exhilarating preview of one of Qatar’s newest attractions. In addition, a dedicated Qatar Calendar showcase will offer insights into the country’s upcoming events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Bidding farewell to my parents at the Karachi airport; tears glistened in the eyes of my mother, sister, and brother as they gathered around me, their emotions concealed beneath a veil of composure. My dad was accompanying me for a month to settle me in Istanbul, he gave a reassuring hug to my mom as he silently conveyed, "Don't worry; I'll take care of her.” Mother handed me a box of her freshly baked chicken buns as if fearing the airlines might forget to feed me.I avoided a final wave to conceal tears rolling down my cheeks to spare my mother the pain, who I knew couldn't bear to see me cry.At 21, I was moving to Istanbul for college. Turkey is a popular destination for Pakistani college students, Turkey is the 3rd destination country in Asia for Pakistani students according to UNESCO and currently, Turkey is hosting 2,948 students from Pakistan according to Turkey's ministry of education.Being the youngest in my family, I had a close connection to my home and family. I felt pangs of sadness especially during festive times like Ramadan and Eid, which were always the joyous occasions in our household. We all used to sit on the "dastarkhwan," which is a beautiful tablecloth spread on the carpet, and happily savor the yummiest meals together while discussing what's new in our lives. However, amidst this sea of change, I was at peace knowing that there was one constant source of comfort that was accompanying me to this foreign land -my beloved cup of Pakistani chai. Packed within my luggage, a carefully sealed container of tea leaves journeyed with me to the far-off land.Chai has always been a part of my life, from my sister sneaking an extra teabag in my cup away from my dad's attention at the age of 4 to my first sip of chai away from home in Turkey, sitting on the bare floor between unpacked boxes, watching my dad assembling pieces of my bed, it all hit me with a wave of nostalgic feeling of familiarity and comfort. However, the unique taste of Pakistani tea is hard to replicate elsewhere; the perfect blend of cardamom, the right amount of tea leaves, the perfect ratio of milk to tea and just knowing how long to brew is an art to master. In foreign countries like Turkey, the scarcity of raw ingredients often makes it a luxury. In chai the main and most important component is the “chai patti” tea leaves, even though Turkey ranks third highest in tea consumption as per the Food and Agriculture Organization, the çay drank here is quite different than Pakistani chai, the tea leaves in Turkish cay is much lighter with a unique aroma, whereas Pakistani tea leaves are way more rich and intense.While Turkish çay is undoubtedly refreshing, it doesn’t quite match the satisfying hit of Pakistani chai. The craving for chai intensified when I went without it for two days which caused moodiness, and headaches, as Pakistani tea leaves are not readily accessible in this new place. However, the thought of tea leaves arriving soon brought a sense of calmness but my friends were the happiest because apparently I’m a real life Grinch without chai.In conversation with Shahana Khalid, 49, a Pakistani expat living in Istanbul Turkey, a housewife, and mother of two who accompanied her daughter who is enrolled in university, also expressed her concerns regarding the difficulty of having chai in a foreign country, “prices of the raw ingredients are ridiculously high compared to Pakistan, but the sacrifices are worth it”, Shahana sighed, gently shaking her head pondering about the cost she had to pay to hold onto something dear to her heart, as she continues to bargain the price of tea leaves and other spices from the shop owner. The shop, Memons Trading, a Pakistani market located in the touristy Fatih district, the air was filled with the scents of exotic spices that were transported back to the street of Karachi's spice bazaar. It was a small store with neatly organized shelves that showcased an array of diverse spices and goods. Imran Musa, 42, the shop owner, explained why the price for patti is so high, “The expense of covering their flight fare is added onto the product”.This isn't the first time Pakistanis are paying high prices for their chai drinking habit, as per the Guardian the Pakistani government spends about £500m annually from the central bank’s hard currency reserves for tea imports. It's gotten to be such a back-breaking issue that Pakistan's federal minister Ahsan Iqbal urged locals to cut back on its chai as Pakistan has had to resort to borrowing funds to meet its tea import expenses.Nonetheless, this never stopped a true Pakistani from savoring their chai, even in a foreign land. When I noticed my patti supplies are getting dangerously low, I asked my dad to send in 5kg of Pakistani tea leaves from Qatar with the help of his friend, I took a three-hour trip to the outskirts of Istanbul pick up the tea and on my ride back home in the bus, I joyfully carried a huge bag filled with tea leaves, attracting curious glances from fellow passengers.“People come from far away just to have a cup of tea,” Mustafa Ahsan, 32, a manager at Karachi Darbar restaurant based in Taksim, Istanbul said. Mustafa said that not just Pakistanis but people from Middle Eastern countries show up at the restaurant just for “karak chai”, even though the restaurant is famous for its Pakistani cuisine mainly chicken biryani and karahi the majority of people end their meal with the hot cup of chai.Just like Pakistan's street side “chai dhabas”, in Turkey, people gather in çayhane, for çay sessions.**media[368607]**At a çayhane in Kadikoy, the clinking of tea glasses fills the air as people sit across from one another at a tiny table, stirring sugar in their cay, alongside smoking cigarettes and chit chatting.“Seeing a kettle makes me think of my family, specifically about my close connection to my father,” says Ayse Gurel, a 22-year-old classmate. For her, tea is a comforting link to her childhood. “I drink 2 liters çay a day”, she says proudly.“I can't survive a single day without Pakistani chai,” I told Shahana after we left the store with a kilo of patti that she finally bought after bargaining with the shopkeeper for 10 minutes. She was excited to brew with the fresh leaves and sit down to watch her favorite Pakistani series with her daughter later that night. “I cannot do without it,” she said. “Chai for me is the comfort of familiarity in an alien land”

Beyond the TarmacAn improvement in both passenger and cargo volumes in the global air transport industry during July suggests renewed economic momentum, stronger global trade, and growing travel demand clear signs of resilience and confidence in the global air transport sector.Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed global passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 4% in July compared to the same period in 2024.Similarly, total demand in global air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 5.5% in July compared to July 2024 levels.Industry analysts see increased passenger and cargo activity in July reflecting restored international mobility, expansion of route networks, and better global connectivity between markets.In the passenger segment, the July load factor was 85.5% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).International demand rose 5.3% in July compared to July, 2024. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).Domestic demand increased 1.8% in July compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity was up 2.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).In the global air cargo segment, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2024 (+4.5% for international operations).IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted, “Air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1.0% year-on-year.“A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US 'de minimis' exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.“While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5% year-on-year growth in July.”According to IATA, several factors in the operating environment should be noted.First, the global goods trade grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June.The July jet fuel price was 9.1% lower year-on-year and has remained below 2024 levels so far this year, easing airlines’ operating costs. However, it was 4.3% higher than in June.Global manufacturing contracted in July with the PMI falling to 49.66, the second dip below the 50-mark growth threshold since January.Also, new export orders also remained negative at 48.2 for the fourth month, reflecting waning confidence amid US trade policy uncertainty.“It has been a good northern summer season for airlines. Momentum has grown over the peak season with July demand reaching 4% growth. That trend appears across all regions and is particularly evident for international travel, which strengthened from 3.9% growth in June to 5.3% in July. Moreover, with flight volumes showing a 2% year-on-year increase for September after five months of decelerating growth, airlines are positioned to take advantage of this market momentum into the coming months,” Walsh noted.Rising cargo volumes typically reflect growth in international trade, manufacturing, and supply chain demand. Passenger growth points to higher consumer confidence, business travel recovery, and robust tourism.July is usually a peak travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, but stronger-than-usual growth suggests that the industry may be moving beyond past slowdowns triggered by pandemic aftereffects, geopolitical disruptions, or supply chain constraints.Sustained improvements in both segments signal that stakeholders (governments, investors, airports, and logistics firms) see the industry on a stable growth trajectory, supporting investment and fleet expansion.Clearly, the improvement in passenger and cargo volumes in July highlights a rebound in the global air transport industry. Higher passenger traffic reflects strong travel demand, while increased cargo volumes point to healthy global trade flows.The dual rise in passengers and cargo confirms that the industry is on a path of resilience and long-term growth, supported by both consumer demand and global economic activity.Together, they indicate renewed economic momentum, rising consumer and business confidence, and a continued recovery in international connectivity.