Part[3]
Political Landscape of Istanbul
Istanbul holds significant political importance in Turkey, often viewed as the most crucial administrative region. In the lead-up to the 2019 local elections, President Erdoğan emphasized this by stating, “If we fail in Istanbul, we will fail in Turkey.” This statement underscored the symbolic, economic, and political weight of Istanbul, where Erdoğan himself began his political ascent by becoming mayor in 1994. For Ekrem İmamoğlu, winning the mayoralty was a moral victory, but for Erdoğan and his party, the AKP, it had practical consequences: losing control of Istanbul’s $4.8 billion municipal budget, which had been a source of patronage for public services for 25 years.
In recent years, Istanbul and other metropolitan cities in Turkey have shown a shift away from the government and its right-wing ideology. Large-scale anti-AKP protests in 2013 and 2014, originating in Istanbul, spread nationwide. This political shift was first reflected in the 2014 mayoral election, where the center-left opposition candidate garnered a significant 40% of the vote, although not winning. The first electoral defeat for the government in Istanbul came with the 2017 constitutional referendum, where 51.4% of Istanbul voted ‘No’ against the AKP-supported ‘Yes’ vote, which won nationally due to rural support.
A major turning point was the 2019 local elections, where the AKP’s candidate, former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, narrowly lost to the Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate, Ekrem İmamoğlu. İmamoğlu initially won with 48.77% of the vote against Yıldırım’s 48.61%. However, the Supreme Electoral Council controversially annulled the election due to AKP’s claims of electoral fraud. In the re-run, İmamoğlu won decisively with 54.22% of the vote.
Following the 2019 election, Istanbul has continued to trend towards the CHP. In the 2023 presidential election, CHP candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu received 48.56% of the city’s vote, while the incumbent president and AKP candidate, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, received 46.68%.
In the 2024 local elections, Ekrem İmamoğlu was re-elected by a 12-point margin, securing 51.15% of the vote compared to the AKP candidate Murat Kurum’s 39.59%. Additionally, the CHP won mayoralties in 26 out of Istanbul’s 39 districts.
Administratively, Istanbul is divided into 39 districts, more than any other province in Turkey. The Istanbul Province sends 98 Members of Parliament to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which has a total of 600 seats. For parliamentary elections, Istanbul is divided into three electoral districts—two on the European side and one on the Asian side—electing 28, 35, and 35 MPs respectively.
Economy of Istanbul
In 2018, Istanbul boasted the eleventh-largest economy among the world’s urban areas. The city is a vital economic hub for Turkey, contributing 30 percent of the country’s industrial output, 31 percent of its GDP, and 47 percent of tax revenues. The city’s GDP, adjusted by purchasing power parity (PPP), was approximately $537.507 billion in 2018, with manufacturing and services accounting for 36 percent and 60 percent of the economic output, respectively. Istanbul’s productivity surpasses the national average by 110 percent.
Trade plays a crucial role in Istanbul’s economy, making up 30 percent of the city’s economic output. In 2019, companies based in Istanbul produced exports worth $83.66 billion and received imports totaling $128.34 billion. These figures represented 47 percent and 61 percent, respectively, of Turkey’s national totals.
Istanbul’s strategic location along the Bosporus Strait, which connects Europe and Asia, makes it a key international trade and transport hub. The Bosporus is the world’s busiest and narrowest strait used for international navigation, with over 200 million tons of oil passing through it annually. International conventions ensure passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, even for tankers carrying hazardous materials.
To address the heavy traffic and potential risks associated with the Bosporus, then-Prime Minister Erdoğan proposed the Canal Istanbul project in 2011. This ambitious plan aims to create a new strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. Although the project remained on Turkey’s agenda as of 2020, a clear timeline for its completion had not been established.
Shipping and Financial Hub of Istanbul
Shipping plays a crucial role in Istanbul’s economy, with 73.9 percent of exports and 92.7 percent of imports in 2018 being handled by sea. The city is served by three major shipping ports: the Port of Haydarpaşa, the Port of Ambarlı, and the Port of Zeytinburnu, along with several smaller ports and oil terminals along the Bosporus and the Sea of Marmara.
The Port of Haydarpaşa, located at the southeastern end of the Bosporus, was Istanbul’s largest port until the early 2000s. Since then, port operations have shifted to Ambarlı, and plans are in place to transform Haydarpaşa into a tourism complex. In 2019, the Port of Ambarlı, situated on the western edge of the city, had an annual capacity of 3,104,882 TEUs, making it the third-largest cargo terminal in the Mediterranean basin.
Since the 1980s, Istanbul has been an international banking hub. The city is home to Turkey’s only active stock exchange, Borsa Istanbul, which originated as the Ottoman Stock Exchange in 1866. In 1995, Borsa Istanbul relocated its headquarters from Bankalar Caddesi, the financial center of the Ottoman Empire, and later from the 4th Vakıf Han building in Sirkeci, to İstinye, near Maslak, an area that hosts the headquarters of numerous Turkish banks.
Istanbul’s Financial and Tourist Attractions
Since 2023, the Ataşehir district on the Asian side of Istanbul has been home to the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC), which houses the new headquarters of state-owned Turkish banks, including the Turkish Central Bank. As of 2023, the five tallest skyscrapers in Istanbul and Turkey are:
- Turkish Central Bank Tower: Standing at 352 meters (1,154 ft 10 in) in the Ataşehir district.
- Metropol Istanbul Tower A: Reaching 301 meters with its twin spires, also located in Ataşehir.
- Skyland Istanbul Towers 1 and 2: Both towers are 284 meters high and are situated adjacent to Nef Stadium in the Huzur neighborhood of the Sarıyer district on the European side.
- Istanbul Sapphire: This skyscraper has 54 floors and stands 238 meters tall, or 261 meters including its spire, in Levent on the European side.
In 2018, Istanbul attracted 13.4 million foreign tourists, making it the world’s fifth most-visited city. Together with Antalya, Istanbul is one of Turkey’s largest international gateways, receiving a quarter of the nation’s foreign tourists. The city boasts over fifty museums, with the Topkapı Palace being the most visited, generating more than $30 million in revenue annually.
Istanbul anticipates welcoming 1 million tourists from cruise companies following the renovation of its cruise port, known as Galataport, located in the Karaköy district.
Culture
Istanbul was historically known as a cultural hub, but its cultural scene stagnated after the Turkish Republic shifted its focus toward Ankara. The new national government established programs to orient Turks toward musical traditions, especially those originating in Europe, but musical institutions and visits by foreign classical artists were primarily centered in the new capital.
Much of Turkey’s cultural scene had its roots in Istanbul, and by the 1980s and 1990s, Istanbul reemerged globally as a city whose cultural significance was not solely based on its past glory.
By the end of the 19th century, Istanbul had established itself as a regional artistic center, attracting Turkish, European, and Middle Eastern artists. Despite efforts to make Ankara Turkey’s cultural heart, Istanbul remained the country’s primary institution of art until the 1970s. During the 1980s, with the founding of additional universities and art journals in Istanbul, artists formerly based in Ankara began to move back to the city.
Beyoğlu has become the artistic center of Istanbul, attracting young artists and older Turkish artists who previously lived abroad. The district is home to modern art museums such as the İstanbul State Art and Sculpture Museum, National Palaces Painting Museum, İstanbul Modern, Pera Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Arter, and SantralIstanbul, which opened in the 2000s. These institutions complement the existing exhibition spaces and auction houses that contribute to the city’s cosmopolitan nature.
However, these newer museums have not yet achieved the same level of popularity as the older museums on the historic peninsula, such as the Istanbul Archaeology Museums and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, which introduced the concept of modern museums in Turkey.
The first film screening in Turkey took place at Yıldız Palace in 1896, just a year after the technology debuted in Paris. Movie theaters quickly sprang up in Beyoğlu, particularly along what is now İstiklal Avenue. Istanbul soon became the heart of Turkey’s emerging film industry, although consistent development of Turkish films did not begin until the 1950s. Since then, Istanbul has been the most popular location for filming Turkish dramas and comedies.
The Turkish film industry grew significantly in the latter half of the 20th century. Films such as Uzak (2002) and My Father and My Son (2005), both shot in Istanbul, achieved considerable international success. Istanbul’s picturesque skyline has also served as a backdrop for several foreign films, including From Russia with Love (1963), Topkapi (1964), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Mission Istaanbul (2008).
Istanbul’s cultural reemergence coincided with the establishment of the Istanbul Festival in 1973, which showcased a variety of art from Turkey and around the world. This flagship festival gave rise to the International Istanbul Film Festival and the Istanbul Jazz Festival in the early 1980s. Since 1994, the Istanbul Festival has focused solely on music and dance and is now known as the Istanbul International Music Festival.
The most prominent festival that evolved from the original Istanbul Festival is the Istanbul Biennial, held every two years since 1987. Initially aimed at showcasing Turkish visual art, the Biennial has since opened to international artists and gained prestige, joining the ranks of elite biennales alongside the Venice Biennale and the São Paulo Art Biennial.
Leisure and Entertainment
Abdi İpekçi Street in Nişantaşı, the Galataport Shopping Area in Karaköy, and Bağdat Avenue on the Anatolian side of Istanbul have evolved into high-end shopping districts. Other focal points for shopping, leisure, and entertainment include Nişantaşı, Ortaköy, Bebek, and Kadıköy. The city is home to numerous shopping centers, ranging from historic markets to modern malls, and boasts a vibrant nightlife with historic taverns, a signature characteristic of the city for centuries.
The Grand Bazaar, in operation since 1461, is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Nearby, the Mahmutpasha Bazaar serves as an open-air market stretching between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, the latter of which has been Istanbul’s major spice market since 1660.
The age of modern shopping malls in Turkey began with the opening of Galleria Ataköy in 1987. Since then, malls have become significant shopping centers outside the historic peninsula. Akmerkez received the titles of “Europe’s Best” and “World’s Best” shopping mall from the International Council of Shopping Centers in 1995 and 1996. Istanbul Cevahir has been one of the continent’s largest malls since its opening in 2005, and Kanyon won the Cityscape Architectural Review Award in the Commercial Built category in 2006. Other upscale malls in Istanbul, such as Zorlu Center and İstinye Park, feature stores from the world’s top fashion brands.
Along İstiklal Avenue is the Çiçek Pasajı (‘Flower Passage’), a 19th-century shopping gallery that today hosts winehouses (known as meyhanes), pubs, and restaurants. İstiklal Avenue, originally famous for its taverns, has shifted towards shopping, but the nearby Nevizade Street remains lined with winehouses and pubs. Other neighborhoods around İstiklal Avenue have been revamped to cater to Beyoğlu’s nightlife, transforming formerly commercial streets into hubs with pubs, cafes, and restaurants playing live music.
Istanbul is renowned for its historic seafood restaurants. Many of the city’s most popular and upscale seafood establishments line the shores of the Bosporus, particularly in neighborhoods like Ortaköy, Bebek, Arnavutköy, Yeniköy, Beylerbeyi, and Çengelköy. Kumkapı, along the Sea of Marmara, features a pedestrian zone hosting around fifty fish restaurants.
The Princes’ Islands, located 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center, are also popular for their seafood restaurants. Due to their restaurants, historic summer mansions, and tranquil, car-free streets, the Princes’ Islands are a favorite vacation spot for Istanbulites and foreign tourists.
Istanbul is also famous for its sophisticated and elaborately cooked dishes of Ottoman cuisine. Following the influx of immigrants from southeastern and eastern Turkey, which began in the 1960s, the city’s foodscape drastically changed by the end of the century, with Middle Eastern influences such as kebabs becoming prominent.
Restaurants featuring foreign cuisines are mainly concentrated in the Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Kadıköy districts.
Istanbul’s Cultural and Entertainment Venues
In addition to Istanbul’s array of stadiums, sports halls, and concert venues, the city boasts several open-air locations renowned for hosting concerts and festivals. These venues provide unique settings for cultural events, blending natural beauty with vibrant performances.
1. Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
Located in Harbiye, the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre is a historic venue known for its picturesque setting and acoustic excellence. It has hosted a variety of performances ranging from classical music concerts to theatrical productions.
2. Paraf Kuruçeşme Open-Air
Situated along the Bosphorus shore in Kuruçeşme, Paraf Kuruçeşme Open-Air is a popular venue for concerts and cultural events. Its waterfront location offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying live music performances.
3. Parkorman
Nestled in the forest of Maslak, Parkorman is a versatile outdoor venue that hosts a wide range of events, including music festivals, cultural gatherings, and community activities. Its natural surroundings provide a tranquil yet dynamic setting for visitors.
Annual Istanbul Jazz Festival
Since 1994, the annual Istanbul Jazz Festival has been a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, attracting jazz enthusiasts from around the world. The festival showcases a diverse lineup of international and local jazz artists, performing in various venues across Istanbul.
Rock’n Coke Festival
From 2003 to 2013, Rock’n Coke was Turkey’s largest open-air rock festival, sponsored by Coca-Cola. Traditionally held at the Hezarfen Airfield in Istanbul, the festival featured prominent rock bands and drew large crowds of music enthusiasts.
These venues and events contribute to Istanbul’s vibrant cultural scene, offering residents and visitors alike opportunities to experience music, art, and entertainment in unique outdoor settings.
Istanbul’s Vibrant Cultural and Festival Scene
Istanbul boasts a rich tapestry of cultural events and festivals that reflect its dynamic spirit and diverse community.
1. Istanbul International Music Festival
Since 1973, the Istanbul International Music Festival has enchanted audiences with a wide array of classical and contemporary musical performances. Held annually, it remains a cornerstone of Istanbul’s cultural calendar, drawing music enthusiasts from around the globe.
2. International Istanbul Film Festival
Established in 1982, the International Istanbul Film Festival has been a platform for showcasing both Turkish and international cinema. It continues to celebrate cinematic artistry through screenings, workshops, and discussions, attracting filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
3. Istanbul Biennial
Every two years since 1987, the Istanbul Biennial has transformed the city into a global hub for contemporary art. This prestigious exhibition embraces diverse artistic expressions and themes, offering insights into the ever-evolving world of visual arts.
4. Istanbul Shopping Fest
Launched in 2011, the Istanbul Shopping Fest has become a favorite among shoppers seeking exclusive deals and vibrant retail experiences. It showcases Istanbul’s status as a shopping paradise, blending tradition with modernity in its bustling marketplaces and malls.
5. Teknofest
Since its inception in 2018, Teknofest has emerged as a pivotal event for enthusiasts of aviation, aerospace, and technology. Held annually, it features cutting-edge innovations, competitions, and exhibitions, highlighting Istanbul’s role in pushing the boundaries of technological advancement.
6. Istanbul Pride
The annual Istanbul Pride, first held in 2003, represents a significant milestone as the first gay pride event in a Muslim-majority country. Despite challenges, it stands as a testament to Istanbul’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community and their quest for visibility and equality.
Challenges and Controversies
Since 2015, parades at Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue have faced bans by the AKP government, citing security concerns. These restrictions have sparked defiance and criticism, with many seeing them as politically motivated rather than solely security-driven.
These events and festivals underscore Istanbul’s status as a global cultural capital, where tradition meets innovation and diversity thrives amidst challenges. They continue to shape the city’s identity as a beacon of creativity and resilience.
Istanbul’s Diverse Sports Landscape
Istanbul boasts a vibrant sports culture deeply rooted in its history and passion for athletic competition.
1. Football Clubs
Istanbul is home to some of Turkey’s oldest and most successful football clubs. Beşiktaş J.K., founded in 1903, holds the distinction of being Turkey’s oldest sports club and has represented the nation in international competitions. Galatasaray S.K. and Fenerbahçe S.K., both with strong international standings, continue to dominate Turkish football, boasting numerous Süper Lig titles between them. The rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe adds a thrilling dimension to Istanbul’s sports scene, symbolizing the city’s football fervor.
2. Basketball Teams
Istanbul is a hub for basketball in Turkey, hosting several premier-level teams in the Basketbol Süper Ligi. Teams like Anadolu Efes, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray showcase top-tier talent and compete fiercely in national and international tournaments, contributing to the city’s rich sporting heritage.
3. Major Sports Venues
In preparation for Olympic bids and international events, Istanbul has developed state-of-the-art sports facilities. The Atatürk Olympic Stadium, a premier venue for track and field, hosted significant events like the UEFA Champions League Final. Other notable stadiums include Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Türk Telekom Arena, and Vodafone Park, each serving as iconic homes for Istanbul’s football clubs.
The Sinan Erdem Dome, one of Europe’s largest indoor arenas, has hosted prestigious events such as the FIBA World Championship and EuroLeague Finals, highlighting Istanbul’s capability to host major international sporting competitions.
4. Motorsports and Other Sporting Events
Istanbul Park, renowned for its Formula One Turkish Grand Prix and other motorsport events, attracts global attention with its challenging track and scenic views. The city’s sports calendar also features volleyball championships at venues like TVF Burhan Felek Sport Hall and sailing events hosted by the Istanbul Sailing Club, further diversifying Istanbul’s sports offerings.
5. Challenges and Aspirations
Despite multiple bids for the Summer Olympics and UEFA Euro tournaments, Istanbul has yet to host these prestigious events. However, ongoing developments in sports infrastructure and continued enthusiasm from sports clubs and fans underscore the city’s ambition to showcase its sporting prowess on the global stage.
Istanbul’s sports landscape not only reflects its competitive spirit but also serves as a unifying force that transcends cultural and social boundaries, fostering a sense of pride and community among its residents.
Istanbul as a Hub of Turkish Media
Istanbul, historically rooted as the former Ottoman capital, has evolved into the primary hub of Turkish media, housing a diverse array of print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
1. Print Media
The Turkish newspaper industry traces its origins to Istanbul, where the first Turkish newspaper, Takvim-i Vekayi (Calendar of Affairs), was published in 1831. The Cağaloğlu street in Bâb-ı Âli district quickly emerged as the nucleus of Turkish print media alongside Beyoğlu across the Golden Horn. Today, Istanbul hosts the headquarters of most nationwide newspapers such as Hürriyet, Sabah, Posta, and Sözcü, each boasting substantial weekly sales figures. Other prominent newspapers based in Istanbul include Cumhuriyet, Milliyet, and Habertürk. Istanbul also supports long-standing Armenian language newspapers like Marmara, Jamanak, and the bilingual Agos.
2. Radio Broadcasting
Radio broadcasting in Istanbul dates back to 1927, originating from atop the Central Post Office in Eminönü. Initially under state control, radio stations eventually fell under the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), which held a broadcast monopoly until 1990. Today, TRT operates four national radio stations, with Radio 2 based in Istanbul, offering diverse programming from education to sports coverage. Istanbul’s airwaves are bustling with Turkish and English-language content, with notable stations like Açık Radyo and Metro FM leading the private radio sector.
3. Television Broadcasting
Istanbul is a pivotal center for Turkish television broadcasting, home to major networks like Star TV, Show TV, Kanal D, and ATV. These networks broadcast a mix of news and entertainment, including popular Turkish and American series. TRT-Children is the sole TRT television station based in Istanbul. Additionally, international media outlets maintain regional headquarters in Istanbul, such as the BBC’s office supporting Turkish-language news and CNN Türk, established in 1999.
4. Digital and International Presence
In the digital sphere, Istanbul’s media landscape continues to expand, reflecting its status as a dynamic cultural and economic hub. The city’s influence extends beyond national borders, with international media partnerships and regional offices contributing to global news coverage and cultural exchange.
Istanbul’s role in Turkish media remains pivotal, not only preserving historical roots but also driving innovation and adaptation in response to evolving media landscapes and audience preferences. The city’s vibrant media scene underscores its significance as a cultural and informational epicenter within Turkey and across the broader region.
Education in Istanbul
As of 2019, Istanbul boasts a comprehensive educational landscape that includes a wide array of primary and secondary schools, as well as a significant concentration of universities, making it a pivotal hub for education in Turkey.
1. Primary and Secondary Education
Excluding universities, Istanbul accommodates over 3.1 million students across 7,437 schools, with nearly half being private institutions. The city’s educational institutions have an average class size of 30 for primary schools, 27 for vocational schools, and 23 for general high schools. Among the 842 public high schools, options include 263 vocational schools, 263 Anatolian high schools, 207 İmam Hatip schools with a religious focus, and 14 STEM-oriented science high schools. Notably, Galatasaray High School, established in 1481, holds the distinction of being Turkey’s oldest public high school. Other prominent public high schools include Kabataş Erkek Lisesi, Istanbul Lisesi, and Cağaloğlu Anatolian High School. Additionally, Istanbul hosts several high schools founded by European and American expatriates in the 19th century, offering secular, foreign-language education such as Robert College, Deutsche Schule Istanbul, Sankt Georgs-Kolleg, Lycée Saint-Joseph, and Liceo Italiano di Istanbul. The city also allows Turkish citizens of Jewish, Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian descent to establish and attend their respective schools, exemplified by institutions like Phanar Greek Orthodox College.
2. Higher Education
Istanbul is home to nearly a third of all universities in Turkey, totaling 61 colleges and universities as of 2019. These institutions enroll over 1.8 million students across diverse disciplines. The city hosts fourteen state-owned universities, 44 privately owned “foundation” universities, and three foundation-owned vocational universities. Additionally, Istanbul features military academies such as the Turkish Air Force Academy and Turkish Naval Academy, alongside several other foundation-owned vocational universities.
Some of Turkey’s most prestigious universities are located in Istanbul, including:
- Istanbul University: Founded in 1453, Istanbul University is Turkey’s oldest institution of higher education, renowned for its dental, law, and medical schools.
- Istanbul Technical University: Established in 1773, Istanbul Technical University is one of the world’s oldest engineering-focused universities.
- Boğaziçi University: Initially part of Robert College until 1971, Boğaziçi University offers education primarily in English.
- Sabancı University: Located in Tuzla, Sabancı University is one of Istanbul’s largest private universities.
- Koç University: Situated in Sarıyer, Koç University was Turkey’s first private university, founded in 1992 following a constitutional amendment allowing private universities.
- Özyeğin University: Located near Altunizade, Özyeğin University is another prominent private institution in Istanbul.
Istanbul also hosts several conservatories and art schools, including the Mimar Sinan Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1882, which contribute significantly to the city’s cultural and artistic vibrancy.
In summary, Istanbul’s educational infrastructure spans from primary schools to internationally renowned universities, shaping the academic and cultural landscape of Turkey’s largest city.
Public Services in Istanbul
Istanbul’s infrastructure for public services encompasses a rich historical legacy and modern developments, ensuring essential utilities and amenities for its residents.
1. Water Supply and Sewerage
Istanbul’s water supply traces back to ancient aqueducts like the Valens Aqueduct, which fed numerous cisterns in the city. In 1563, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Kırkçeşme water supply network was established, delivering 4,200 cubic meters of water daily to 158 locations. Today, Istanbul’s water is chlorinated, filtered, and managed by the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ), which also oversees the city’s sewage treatment system.
2. Electricity
The Silahtarağa Power Station, inaugurated in 1914 along the Golden Horn, supplied Istanbul’s electricity until 1952. Originally generating 23 megawatts, its capacity expanded to 120 megawatts by 1956 before declining and ultimately closing in 1983. Today, electricity generation and distribution are managed by the Turkish Electricity Generation Transmission Company (TEAŞ) and the Turkish Electricity Distribution Company (TEDAŞ), alongside private utilities.
3. Telecommunications
In 1840, the Ottoman Ministry of Post and Telegraph was established, with the first post office opening near Yeni Mosque. Istanbul’s international mail network began in 1876, and the first telegraph line between Istanbul and Edirne was completed in 1856. Telephone services emerged in 1881, with the first manual telephone exchange operating in 1909. The Ministry of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone oversaw these services until the advent of GSM cellular networks in 1994. Today, private companies provide mobile and landline services, while postal services are managed by the Post and Telegraph Organization (PTT).
4. Healthcare
As of 2000, Istanbul housed 137 hospitals, with a significant majority being private institutions. Turkish citizens have access to subsidized healthcare at state-run hospitals, although private hospitals are preferred due to better conditions and equipment, including advanced technologies like MRI machines. Turkey boasts more hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission (USA) than any other country, contributing to its reputation as a hub for medical tourism. Procedures such as laser eye surgery and hair transplants are particularly popular among international medical tourists.
In conclusion, Istanbul’s public services blend historical infrastructure with modern advancements, ensuring efficient delivery of essential utilities and healthcare to its diverse population.
