Istanbul - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 61

5 Taking a horse-drawn carriage
on Buyuk Ada, the largest of the
Princes' Islands. See p. 67
6 Laughing out loud at the toy
soldiers with their smiling faces
in the Toy Museum. See p. 74
7 Cycling around the winding
pathways of the Röne Park. See
p. 69
8 Learning to haggle in the
Grand Bazaar and securing a
trinket to take home. See p. 64
9 Studying the tiny glass build-
ings in the Istanbul Crystals
Museum. See p. 75
0 Sailing the waters of the
Bosphorus and seeing fortresses
just waiting to be explored. See
p. 76

during the summer months in
the Feshane Children's
Entertainment Park (see p. 68).
There are fairs with fairground-
style rides and games, competi-
tions and charity events. The
park, a large space with lots of
leisure amenities such as jogging
routes and courts for ball games,
can be found off the Golden
Horn at Eyüp. On crisp spring
mornings and throughout the
day during the summer months
and at weekends, the park is a
magnet for families keen to
escape the city hustle and bustle
and relax awhile.
Summer months. Off the Golden
Horn, Eyup b [phone].

International Children's
Day

★★★
Like the rest of Turkey, Istanbul
is geared up for families.
Children are recognised as being
the future of the country, a
thought that prompted Mustafa
Kemal Atatürk, the founder of
the Turkish Republic, to declare
23rd April International
Children's Day. Recognised by
UNICEF, it is now a national
holiday and observed by other
countries around the world.
Every year a week-long pro-
gramme of events such as exhibi-
tions, festivals and ceremonies
with a cast of thousands is held
throughout the city. Schools
organise events, and pupils often
participate in the unusual initia-
tive to replace high-ranking
government officials from the
President, Prime Minister and
governors downwards. In turn,
they debate and put forward

ALL AGES

INSIDER TIP

Visitors are free to visit any
mosque, but shoes should be
removed and bare shoulders cov-
ered before entering as a sign of
respect. Prayer sessions are held
five times a day, and you may find
a mosque closed during these
times. Although it is acceptable to
visit if people are at private prayer,
discretion should be observed.
Children should be kept as quiet
as possible. If you are doubtful of
their behaviour perhaps it would
be wise not to visit.

Child-friendly Events &
Entertainment
Children's Summer
Festival

★★★
Schools as well as associations
around the city join forces to host
numerous festivals and events
aimed specifically at children

VALUE ALL AGES

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