Keynote Speaker
"Facing Crises: Challenges and Opportunities Confronting the Third Sector and Civil Society"
Kadir Has University
Istanbul, Turkey
July 7-10, 2010
Ninth International Conference of theInternational Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR)
What You Need To Know About Istanbul
From the Airport to Accommodations
By Taxi: Istanbul's Atatürk Airport is located in YeÕilköy, in the European side of Istanbul. The conference hotels are in the Taksim neighborhood of Istanbul. Taxi fares from the airport into Taksim are still very affordable, around 25YTL/US$22/,9.50, depending on traffic and whether or not you go the scenic route.
By Bus: If you are traveling to Taksim, there is reliable and convenient HavaÕ Shuttle Bus departing every 30 minutes from just outside the airport exit for about 9YTL/US$7.85/,3.40. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes.
By Metro/Tramway: The entrance to the Metro/Tramway is in the airport, downstairs next to the international arrivals terminal. The Metro will take you to Zeytinburnu, where you will transfer aboveground to the Tramway. At the last stop of the Tramway, there is a funicular transporting passengers up to Taksim. The trip will take a little over one hour, and will cost about 3.90YTL/US$3.45/,1.50. If you purchase an Akbil (see below), this trip will cost 1.30YTL/US$1.15/,50p.
From Hotels to Kadir Has University
Buses will be available each morning and evening to take conference participants to and from the University, Hotels, and Receptions. Schedules will be posted in the Hotels and at the University.
Getting Around Istanbul
If you plan to travel around Istanbul using public transportation, you may want to purchase an Akbil (Asmart ticket@), a refillable plastic card which offers both convenience and savings. There is an initial deposit of 6YTL plus the prepaid cost of travel. The Akbil is accepted on buses, tramway, trolley, metro and seabuses (but not the privately-owned ferries). The Akbil offers savings for trips requiring multiple transfers, and will also save you around 10% per ride. The Akbil is available for purchase and refills at booths displaying the Akbil logo in Taksim Square, Eminönü, and Aksaray. Keep your receipt so that you can get your deposit back before you leave.
Bus
Metropolitan buses in Istanbul are frequent, comprehensive, economical, and easy B but you do need to know your way around. There is no bus map nor are the routes of any individual bus line depicted anywhere near the bus stops (usually a typical glass shelter with a bench). You will find a plaque at the bus stop with a list of stops along the route. The bus's final destination is indicated above the front windshield, with a selection of major stops listed on the side the bus next to the entrance. It is best to check with the driver before boarding to make sure the bus is going in the direction you need. Buses run from 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. until around 11 p.m. or midnight. Tickets are sold at the major hubs and on the bus. Bus schedules and routes may be available at your hotel.
DolmuÕ
DolmuÕes are yellow minivans that operate like group taxis with set routes. They run daily from early morning to early evening. A dolmuÕ will leave its terminus (marked with a blue AD@) only when it fills up (the word dolmuÕ means Astuffed@) and then drop off and pick up passengers along the route. The main dolmuÕ stands are in Taksim, Sirkeci and Aksaray, and connect to points all over the city. DolmuÕes are often more direct than metropolitan buses and cheaper than taxis. Look for a dolmuÕ with the name of your destination displayed in the window. When boarding, tell the driver your destination and ask how much (ne kadar?) The driver will drop you off at your destination, but if you want to get off sooner, say inecek var (this is my stop) or inmek istiyorum, lüften (I want to get off, please). A short ride will cost about 3YTL/US$2.60/,1.15.
Climate
Istanbul has a climate combining those of the Mediterranean and Black Seas types, with a hot dry summer. Approximate temperatures for July are 20-33°C / 68-91°F.
Currency
The unit of currency in Turkey in Yeni Türk Lirasi (YTL). 1 Yeni KuruÕ is 1/100 of 1 YTL. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 1 YTL. Paper money is available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 YTL.
There is much to see and experience in Istanbul. If you do plan to add some personal time to your visit, here are some especially good websites for planning it:
Istanbul travel guide – Wikitravel
http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul
Open source travel guide to Istanbul, featuring up-to-date information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, travel tips and more
Istanbul.com - Istanbul City Guide
http://english.istanbul.com/Default.asp
A great portal site for the great city of Istanbul presenting the city in whole spectrum. This interactive city portal of istanbul.com, covering the city's rich history, culture and art combined with dynamic and colorful mosaic of cosmopolitan city life reflected by its content, design and logo, is proudly serving Istanbul lovers and visitors all around the world as a single source for Turkey's priceless city Istanbul.
Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Initiative Website
http://www.istanbul2010.org/?&lang=eng
A very rich website containing information on the Istanbul 2010 Initiative, Istanbul as the city of four elements and an events section featuring up to date information on what is going on.
Biletix
http://www.biletix.com/index.htm
Biletix is the first and largest entertainment ticketing company in Turkey and offers lists of concerts, shows, sports events, festivals, exhibitions and more through its website.