Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Google map ( www.sircini.com ; Serdar-i Ekrem Sokak 66, Galata; closed Sun; Karaköy, then fu-
nicular to Tünel) . Camekan Sokak is another good Galata street for shopping; head to Lâl
Offline map Google map ( www.lalistanbul.com ; Camekan Sokak 4c, Galata; 10.30am-8pm;
Karaköy) where there are bags, scarves, clothing and Anatolian lace and braid jewellery,
made by traditional artisans but featuring a contemporary design aesthetic; and İroni
Offline map Google map ( www.ironi.com.tr ; Camekan Sokak 4e, Galata;
10.30am-8pm;
Karaköy)
, with a range of silver-plated Turkish-style homeware.
Curio hunters should wander through the streets of Çukurcuma, where A La Turca
Offline map Google map ( www.alaturcahouse.com ; Faikpaşa Sokak 4, Çukurcuma; 10.30am-7.30pm
Mon-Sat; Kabataş, then funicular to Taksim) sells everything from antique Anatolian kilims
and textiles to top-drawer Ottoman antiques.
DEAR EAST
Offline map Google map
( www.deareast.com ; Lüleci Hendek Sokak 35, Tophane; 10.30am-7pm Mon-Sat; Tophane) Interi-
or designer Emel Güntaş is one of İstanbul's style icons, and her shop is a favourite des-
tination for the city's design mavens. The stock includes cushions, carpets, kilims, silk
scarves, woollen shawls, porcelain, felt crafts, paintings and photographs.
| Arts & Crafts
Information
Dangers & Annoyances
İstanbul is no more nor less safe a city than any large metropolis, but there are a few
dangers worth highlighting:
Some İstanbullus drive like rally drivers, and there is no such thing as a generally ac-
knowledged right of way for pedestrians.
Bag-snatchings and muggings occasionally occur on Beyoğlu's side streets.
There has been a recent police crackdown on gay venues in the city, especially hamams
and saunas. Many have closed but those that remain open are in constant danger of being
raided by police for 'morality' reasons.
Males travelling alone or in pairs should be wary of being adopted by a friendly local who
is keen to take them to a club for a few drinks. Many such encounters end up at pavyons ,
sleazy nightclubs run by the mafia where a drink or two with a female hostess will end up
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