ABOUT İSTANBUL

Istanbul, a unique city where the East and West meets, is a natural and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia; it’s a thriving universal metropolis with more than 15 million inhabitants. Over the course of millennia, Istanbul has been the seat of three great empires, namely the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and a site of convergence for people of many cultures and beliefs, who came together and enjoyed life in peace and harmony. Modern amenities, the splendors of the Ottoman past and the honored traditions of Turkish hospitality combine to make Istanbul a perfect meeting point, one that will leave treasured and lasting memories.

Transportation

Location

Istanbul is located in the Marmara region, in the northwest of Türkiye. The city is divided by the Bosphorus Strait, which also separates Europe from Asia.

Istanbul Airports

There are two international airports in Istanbul; both can be used to travel to Istanbul for EMK | MSC 2025 Congress.

Istanbul International Airport (IST)

Istanbul International Airport, opened in 2019, replaced the Istanbul Atatürk Airport and contributes to Istanbul becoming a hub between Asia and Europe with a higher capacity and state of the art handling services.

The airport is located in the European side and northwest part of the city on the coast of the Black Sea. We recommend to use this airport because the commute is shorter for the EMK | MSC 2025 Congress venue and proposed hotels.

Visitors can make use of subway, airport shuttle busses (Havaİst) and taxi cabs to reach the “Congress Valley”, which is 40km distance from Istanbul International Airport.

https://www.hava.ist/sefer-saatleri.php?lang=en

İOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/havaist-istanbul-havaliman%C4%B1/id1565742054

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hava.ist&hl=tr&gl=TR&pli=1

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, opened in 2001, has been the hub for the low-cost international and domestic flights to and from Istanbul.

The airport is located in the Asian side and southeast part of the city. Although the distance from the airport is not so much different than for Istanbul International Airport, travelling by car might take longer due to Bosphorus bridge traffic.

Visitors can make use of subway, airport shuttle buses and taxi cabs to reach the “Congress Valley”, which is 43km distance from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

Public Transportation

Istanbulkart (a contactless smart card for fare payment) is used for public transportation (train and bus).

Istanbulkart Mobile Application

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.belbim.istanbulkart&hl=en

IOS: https://apps.apple.com/tr/app/i-stanbulkart-dijital-hesab%C4%B1m/id1352307391?l=en

Istanbul offer a wide range of subway and railway options. Detailed maps and subway schedule of the Istanbul Railway System can be found here: https://www.metro.istanbul/en.
The Congress venue is located in the middle of Osmanbey and Taksim stops of the M2 Metro Line.

Bus schedules and routes can be found here: https://iett.istanbul/en

Taxi Cabs and Uber

Taxi cabs can be found anywhere in Istanbul. You can hail a cab in the street or call one via the Bitaksi mobile application. The taxi cabs are metered and you can pay in Turkish liras. Most of the cabs accept credit cards; however, make sure to check with the driver before you get in.

Bitaksi Mobile Application

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitaksi.musteri&hl=en&pli=1

IOS: https://apps.apple.com/tr/app/bitaksi-your-taxi/id589500723

Uber is active and functional in Istanbul, you can call yellow taxi cabs (regular), turquoise taxi cabs (luxury) and black taxi cabs (XL) through Uber application.

Climate and Clothing

In October the weather in Istanbul is generally warm. Daily temperatures are expected to range between 18 and 24°C. Light clothing is suitable with somewhat warmer clothing for the evening. Showers are not unknown in October.

Time Differences

Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Currency Exchange

The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). The exchange rate changes daily. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and exchange offices. International Credit Cards are widely accepted.

Banking

Bank services are available at the Airport, throughout the city and there are several close to the The Marmara Taksim Istanbul Hotel. Banks are open from 08:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday, with a break between 12:00 to 13:30. They are closed at weekends and on public holidays.

Credit Cards

International credit cards are accepted in cash dispensers, hotels, restaurants and most shops, as well as car rental agencies. The most common credit cards are VISA and MasterCard.

Electricity

In Turkey, electricity is supplied at 220 Volt / 50Hz AC. Most hotels have a receptacle with 110 volts. Two-pin round plugs are used.

Emergency Telephone Number

112

Driving License

International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Turkey. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Restaurants

For gourmets, this will be an outstanding opportunity to taste various examples of Turkish, European, Asian and international cuisine in Istanbul. Turkish food is famous throughout the world; the range is enormous, from a number of soups to an astonishing variety of appetizers, followed by meat and fish dishes, many famous Turkish sweets, pastries and Turkish coffee. This is customary in restaurants and taxis. Tipping 10% of the bill is acceptable.

Shopping

Most shops in Istanbul are generally open from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Big shopping centers are open every day of the week, usually from 10:00 to 22:00. In all shopping centers major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible. You will also have the chance to do shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which are located in the Old City district.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. At the time you register for the Congress and book your travel you may wish to take an insurance policy of your choice. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Travel Requirements to Turkey

Passport and visa requirements may differ according to the country of origin. Please contact your travel agent or nearest the Turkish Consulate or Embassy in your country for further advice.

Please refer: www.mfa.gov.tr/mfa

Participants from those countries where there is no Turkish diplomatic representation can obtain their visa at the airport on arrival to Turkey.

An official invitation letter will be sent upon request. This letter, however, does not constitute any commitment by the Conference Organizers to cover registration fees, accommodation, travel expenses or other costs connected to the participation in the Meeting. EMK | MSC 2025 Congress will not be held responsible for visas not granted.