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I have been to Turkey several times. They (Turkish Airlines) are somehow able to consistently be one of the lowest cost and decent airlines.
It is a shame that the country under Erdogan (current leader) does not have better relations with Israel.
I do NOT wear a kippa in Public in Turkey. (I wear a hat/cap)
Even with a hotel for a few nights Turkish Airlines can beat many airlines in terms of price.
I stayed at a decent hotel in Istanbul for about 50$/night.
They have fares to Israel for about 704$ in May of 2015.
Ukraine / Russian airlines are cheaper sometimes but I don't think they are great ..
How does Turkish airlines do it?
The only things I can think of : lower fuel costs? Lower wages? govt subsidies?
The airline is quite ok and Turkey is one of the few Muslim countries that flies to Israel with four or more flights per day on average...
This is not meant to be an Ad for Turk Air....but it is in interesting ::) phenomena....

If you have any questions regarding kosher food or shuls contact Rabbi Mendy Chitrik at mchitrik@gmail.com.
« Last edited by jedderai on July 01, 2015, 10:53:51 PM »

Author Topic: Türkiye Master Thread  (Read 58535 times)

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #180 on: January 11, 2023, 06:16:49 PM »
Women shopping?! Nah.

I thought the Grand Bazaar isn't about shopping but rather about haggling and bargaining.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #181 on: January 15, 2023, 02:08:36 PM »
What is a good afternoon/evening activity or sightseeing in Istanbul? (February).
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #182 on: January 15, 2023, 02:53:24 PM »
Is Istanbul considered safe for Jews right now?

I have a 14 hour stopover with the family and was planning on paying the outrageous $450/night per room in Yotel which is in the airport. Is it fine to go to a regular hotel near the airport?

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #183 on: January 15, 2023, 03:39:10 PM »
Is Istanbul considered safe for Jews right now?

I have a 14 hour stopover with the family and was planning on paying the outrageous $450/night per room in Yotel which is in the airport. Is it fine to go to a regular hotel near the airport?

Why in the world would you stay at the Airport? It's a gorgeous city.

I actually paid an extra 5,000 AC miles per ticket to get a longer layover and spend an entire day (rather than just 18-19 hours which I could have done without spending extra) in Istanbul. When I was there in June I felt extremely safe walking the street, possibly more so than I would have felt in Tel Aviv.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #184 on: March 20, 2023, 12:32:52 PM »
PSA



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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #185 on: April 14, 2023, 05:06:45 PM »
Does anyone have current info on kosher food in Istanbul now?

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #186 on: April 20, 2023, 06:35:07 AM »
Does anyone have current info on kosher food in Istanbul now?
I was there this week
Airport:
The Kosher Food vending machine (see location in post above) had drinks only, perhaps it was sold out quickly that morning?
2 "waiters" in the IGA lounge told me that the Kosher food was finished, I asked a "chef" and he brought me a cheese sandwich (ok) and lemon cake (meh).
Miles and smiles lounge - waiter brought me an omelet sandwich in a few minutes

In the city:
There is only the Cafe Eden, it had a Kashrut Certificate that expired a few days ago, owner claimed that it was coming "tomorrow". There are no other eateries (the La Casa lunch mentioned on the Neve Shalom website) hasn't been functioning in 2 years.
You can order deliveries from La Casa catering(the ones who serve TK flights), Levavi Catering: Berrin Yaeş ‎0 532 563 03 56

Kosher Food available in Markets:
https://instagram.com/kosherinistanbul?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Mehadrin Kosher Food:
Mehadrin Kosher food under Chabad supervision is available from Chaya's Kitchen - please email KosherFood@rabbimendy.com or whatsapp +902122312417

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #187 on: May 15, 2023, 07:58:20 PM »
I am considering Istanbul for Shabbos.
Does anyone know if there is a mikvah for men?

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #188 on: May 15, 2023, 08:13:06 PM »
I am considering Istanbul for Shabbos.
Does anyone know if there is a mikvah for men?

AFAIK there isn't.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #189 on: May 15, 2023, 08:47:00 PM »
AFAIK there isn't.
Confirmed by rabbi c.
There goes that idea...

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #190 on: May 16, 2023, 02:34:18 AM »
Confirmed by rabbi c.
There goes that idea...
whats wrong with the bosphorus?

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #191 on: May 16, 2023, 06:22:23 PM »
whats wrong with the bosphorus?

It's a bit of a hike from Nişantaşı (up hill on the way back).
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #192 on: July 20, 2023, 11:46:51 AM »
Is there anything to do 10 hours stop? is it safe to walk around looking like a Yid?

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #193 on: July 20, 2023, 11:58:46 AM »
Is there anything to do 10 hours stop? is it safe to walk around looking like a Yid?

you can go to the cemetery.
it`s safe.

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #194 on: July 20, 2023, 01:46:04 PM »
you can go to the cemetery.
it`s safe.
with a taxi ? can i walk around there anything Elso to see ?

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #195 on: July 20, 2023, 02:56:42 PM »
with a taxi ? can i walk around there anything Elso to see ?
yes.
maybe you can also visit the Shull, but you need to register in advance.
or you can do shopping.

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #196 on: July 20, 2023, 03:14:03 PM »
Is there anything to do 10 hours stop? is it safe to walk around looking like a Yid?

IME 100% safe to walk around fully dressed as a Yid.

It's up to you what you like to do. Keep in mind that traffic in town is horrendous, you will need to allow enough time for Taxi rides (short rides and certain destinations within the city might be refused or quoted at a high flat rate rather than meter).

I think walking Istiklal street and/or the market is fascinating. The colors at the sweet and tea shops are stunning. The views of the Bosphorus are beautiful. I've been twice and most of my time was just spent strolling.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #197 on: July 21, 2023, 09:24:10 AM »
you can go to the cemetery.
it`s safe.

Didn't like the men standing outside the cemetery...

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #198 on: July 23, 2023, 01:39:06 AM »
Is there anything to do 10 hours stop? is it safe to walk around looking like a Yid?

Also, book for yourself a good massage at http://www.ambassadorspa.com/massages-services
DW says it was one of the highlights of our layover.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

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Re: Türkiye Master Thread
« Reply #199 on: August 11, 2023, 09:47:20 AM »
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.