In many ways, time seems to have stood still in Istanbul, especially in the neighborhoods of the Old City. Yet, at the same time, progress in the form of transportation, technology, academics, and global engagement have set Istanbul and Turkey on a forward-moving course that makes your head spin. Still, in the contradictory spirit of this city bridging continents and cultures, many feel a reverse tug in the political and religious swing of the pendulum. One might visit Istanbul a dozen times over a lifetime, and at each visit be greeted both by an old friend and by an altogether unexpected paradigm.
In addition to offices at the airport (tel. 0212/663-0798) and in Sirkeci train station (tel. 0212/511-5888), you may stumble upon an official tourist office (Turizm Ofisi) in one of the many tourist hubs around town. The location at the northeast corner of Sultanahmet Meydani near Divanyolu (tel. 0212/518-1802) is pretty handy, as are the ones in the Hilton Hotel Arcade (tel. 0212/233-0592), in Beyazit Meydani (near the tramway exit outside of the Grand Bazaar; tel. 0212/522-4902), and at the Karaköy Seaport (tel. 0212/249-5776). If you're out and about and encounter trouble (pickpockets, scams, muggings), stop in to the passably multilingual Tourism Police at Yerebatan Cad. 6, in Sultanahmet (tel. 0212/527-4503 or 528-5369).
