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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 57563 times)

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Türkiye Master Thread
« on: April 12, 2010, 04:51:16 PM »
Hi,

I have a day and night in Istanbul and I'm wondering if it's safe for visibly frum people to walk there (with family) or am I better just spending the time in a hotel?!

IF it's safe, any suggestions what/where to go?

Any ideas greatly appreciated...

Thanks
« Last Edit: June 15, 2022, 08:14:45 PM by jj1000 »

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2010, 04:53:05 PM »
Erhhhm, if I may ask, you, and the people with you, how do you look like?

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2010, 04:55:23 PM »
There shouldn't really be a problem, but no need to go collecting for a koilel in front of the Haga Sophia mosque if you know what I mean.

If flying turkish, you can get a free tour. With a group (even akums) you are better of.

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2010, 06:23:57 PM »
one of us has a beard if that's what you mean...

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2010, 06:26:47 PM »
ever heard of philishave? just kidding.

dress casual, you will be alright.

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2010, 12:39:07 AM »
dress casual, you will be alright.

From experience or is this well-wishing?!

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2010, 07:06:39 AM »
Its a big city who lives of tourists for a big part, such as most of the western part of the country. If you would draw a line going from north to south via ankara the west part would be the safer part.

Turkey is bordering many countries, such as iraq, iran, lebanon, syria, etc but those borders are very far from istanbul (with its major part in Europe), and Turks hate arabs.
The only problem is the prime minister who anti israel, and which lots of Turks dislike, and a very very small percent of muslim extremist.

Although in the media israel and turkey don't get along lately, israeli fighter pilots still train over Turkey.
Tourist attractions and surroundings are well protected, and people who seems to maybe be dangerous, gets riddled, so it shouldn't be a problem.

It is the #1 holiday place of the Israelis.
Visit and stay in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul.

Turks are friendly, and I felt very much at easy.

I only felt once uneasy, when I bargained a guy down by some 99%, and then once he accepted the deal, I saw a flaw in the product, and didnt take it.
The guy started screaming a few vulgar terms in hebrew that he new.
That's it.
I find that you can have a good laugh with those guys.

Offline E

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2010, 12:56:43 PM »
I recently went with 3 friends from my experience Turkish people are really nice they do have alot of trouble with English we didn't have any problems looking Jewish

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #8 on: April 13, 2010, 02:02:40 PM »
Werdoyookomfrromm is one word.

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #9 on: April 13, 2010, 02:05:12 PM »
What recommended sites are there? I was planning on staying at the Sheraton near the airport which looked nice....

Things is we'll be traveling with little kids 1 and 4 so I'm not sure if it's worth going anywhere to see things, or if we should just relax in the hotel...

Any suggestions?

Offline Dan

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2010, 03:50:02 PM »
What recommended sites are there? I was planning on staying at the Sheraton near the airport which looked nice....

Things is we'll be traveling with little kids 1 and 4 so I'm not sure if it's worth going anywhere to see things, or if we should just relax in the hotel...

Any suggestions?
The Park Hyatt Istanbul is supposed to be an awesome experience...do you have any Hyatt points?
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.

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2010, 05:37:40 PM »
In Sultanahmet, everything is within walking distance.
Think of it, as taking a nice walk.

Worthwhile to see, is the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the egyptian bazaar, and so on.

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2010, 06:59:47 PM »
Wish I had Hyatt points, unfortunately don't...

I'm going through Turkey twice, once arrive 6am leave 11pm and get complimentary hotel (anyone know where?!)

Second time I'm actually staying overnight and need to book myself...


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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #13 on: April 14, 2010, 01:14:06 AM »
The complimentary hotel is probably the airport hotel, with one entrance before, and one after customs.
Usually only free when flying First.

Stop with this hyatt, just visit the place.
After the swine flu, its the Hyatt syndrome people got here.
The idea is to enjoy more the place you go to then your room, unless you are in a 7* hotel in the middle of the desert.

Offline moish

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Re: Day stop in Istanbul
« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2010, 03:25:19 AM »
The complimentary hotel is probably the airport hotel, with one entrance before, and one after customs.
Usually only free when flying First.

Stop with this hyatt, just visit the place.
After the swine flu, its the Hyatt syndrome people got here.
The idea is to enjoy more the place you go to then your room, unless you are in a 7* hotel in the middle of the desert.
well said

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Turkey is becoming unsafe for jews
« Reply #15 on: May 31, 2010, 01:23:31 PM »
Turkey is becoming unsafe for jews, according to myself and israeli news   ::)

I knew that we were coming to this point, but did not believe that it would escalate this quickly...

Unless its a stopover, you might want to review your plans...

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Re: Turkey is becoming unsafe for jews
« Reply #16 on: May 31, 2010, 01:35:01 PM »
according to the news, its currently unsafe for israelis

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Re: Turkey is becoming unsafe for jews
« Reply #17 on: May 31, 2010, 01:37:43 PM »
according to the news, its currently unsafe for israelis

true, thats where i come in   ;D


they don't differentiate...

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Re: Turkey is becoming unsafe for jews
« Reply #18 on: May 31, 2010, 02:11:49 PM »
according to the news, its currently unsafe for israelis
don't try explaining that to them

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Re: Turkey is becoming unsafe for jews
« Reply #19 on: May 31, 2010, 02:55:53 PM »
Super you're the safety guru here.... What do you say about Thailand now?!?!

BTW I'm flying Turkish in 3 days to Israel... (will avoid leaving the airport..)

Then in 2 weeks I fly again with a 16 hour stop (will stay in the airport hotel they give me) then again for an over night but I'll stick to the Sheraton (+shuttle) from airport and spend time relaxing in the hotel.. I guess no spice market for me...