Friday, May 22, 2009

Shopping Centers and Streets in Istanbul

CEVAHIR ISTANBUL(Shopping Mall)
Cevahir Shopping Centre has six floors with 343 shops, some of which are the first in Turkey to sell certain international brands; fast food restaurants on the top 2 floors. Under its roof, there is a big stage for shows and other events, cinemas including a private theatre. It has also a cinema for children, several other entertainment facilities, and a bowling hall. A small roller coaster is part of the entertainment area. The building's glass roof carries the biggest clock in the world, with three-meter (10 ft)-high digits.The car park has a large capacity. The shopping centre is situated in the business quarter on the European side of Istanbul between Şişli and Mecidiyeköy and also can be reached easily by Istanbul metro and very close to Taksim area. The shopping centre are connected directly to the metro line.
Open daily between 10:00-22:00

ISTINYE PARK(Shopping Mall)
Istinye Park , the new shopping mall in the city, features 300 shops, the first IMAX Theater, top local and global brands, cafes and exclusive restaurants.The shopping center is a unique urban lifestyle environment. .In addition to many glamorous shops and a hip theater complex, the modern all hosts a variety of restaurants, cafes and even a food market.The new shopping mall offers famous brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Prada, Celine, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Zara, Boyner, Mango, M.A.C., Sephora, Sevil, Vakko.World-famous Rainforest Café has opened its first location in Turkey and is located in Istinye Park at the ground floor. The most luxury and exclusive stores are located out side at the open-air lifestyle center which is accessible from the upper floor. You will feel comfortable and enjoy the sunlight coming from the glass roof. Easy and chic place for shopping! Enjoy having breakfast at Polonez!
Open daily between 10:00-22:00

KANYON(Shopping Mall)
The Kanyon Shopping Centre is a building complex North of Istanbul, which combines shopping, living and working in an unconventional manner. Designed by “Jerde Partnership” architects from Los Angeles, the futuristic shopping centre captivates with its rolling curves which surround the central plaza. What makes the concept of the Kanyon Shopping Centre unique is the fact that it was designed not only as an office building or shopping centre, but as a complete feel-good oasis. There are nice, trendy brands such as, Harvey Nichols, L'occiatne, G-Star, Swarovski, Escada Sport, Villeroy & Boch, Camper... Located in Levent has the connection with metro.
Open daily between 10:00-22:00

ISTIKLAL STREET
Beyoglu and the Istiklal Street are two popular places among people from every age category, from teenagers to elderly people. The Istiklal Street is the meeting place for the lovers and friends. The district starts with the statute of Ataturk in Taksim Square. The Istiklal Street is a pedestrian street which is approximately 3-4 km. long, only a historical tram is running from one end to another. On the street you can find many fashion brands, famous Turkish brands and also small shops for budget shoppers. Many shops on Istiklal street are open till late hours. As the life on the street almost never stops, shops are also becoming a part of it. The cobber stone street reminds one of the old days... It is also known as a cruising area for gays. You can catch eyes looking at you sometimes :) There are cozy cafés, restaurants, shops, bookstores, movie theaters, music stores on this street. When you come to the halfway of the street, the area changes its name to "Galatasaray". When you continue to walk along the Grande Rue de Pera, reaches the beautiful gothic Catholic Church of St. Anthony. It was constructed in 1907. This church resembles Notre Dame de Paris very much but much smaller. It is still active and also concerts and special events take place here. Historically, Pera is the name of the district where foreign people used to reside. The former name of this street was Grande Rue de Pera. There are many consular buildings in Pera, including Russian, Swedish, French, American and British Consulate General. Most of the buildings in Istiklal Street are from mid-19th C to late 19th C and carry a French influence. French Baroque and neo-classical style were two leading styles in these buildings. The area at the end of the street where you will see the stop for old-tram, is called Tunel. Kafe Pi Bistro is highly recommended with its delicious menu and friendly staff. Have your drinks at the terrace!

NISANTASI
Nisantasi, now a byword in urban chic and very friendly gay district,takes its name from a surprisingly rustic incident late in the eighteenth century, when the sultan erected a little obelisk to mark the descent a particularly well-shot arrow. Today high fliers aim for Kenzo or Armani and even topshop. Nisantası where the well-heeled shopper meets the expense-account lunch is also a short stroll from the more overtly residential districts of Tesvikiye or Macka. Though many of the more elegant flats house professional and their practices rather than families, the back streets and arcades with their pastry shops. Sushi joist and decent fishmongers. still cater to a discerning gentility. And along side the international labels that have set-up shop-Gucci, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Burberry- are the more innovative names in the Turkish fashion and food…Especially on Saturday nights Nişantaşı becomes crowded with people who come to the famous pubs and cafés of this district to spend some time. On Sundays the neighbourhood becomes less crowded and is mostly left to its residents. Nişantaşı is also famous for its many Art Nouveau apartment buildings and is home to several prominent figures of the Turkish jet-set, culture and art. In Nişantaşı you can have a cup of coffee at cafes and shop at the nearby Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Escada, Kenzo, Max Mara or any other famous boutique within walking distance. City's Nişantaşı, opened in 2008, is a Saks Fifth Avenue style shopping mall which aims at the high-end consumer group and is mostly dedicated to the famous fashion brands. The area has population of designers, authors, artists