Global cehalet

İşte istanbul.com'a gelen mesajlardan biri... Allahım bu nasıl cehalettir? Ahanda, noktasına dokunmadan:

"Hi, I am going to be visiting your city in several weeks. I am very excited. I have heard such wonderful things about it from everyone I know. The reason for my message is that I'm kind of confused about the political situation in the city. I was recently informed that Paraguay controls city, the surrounding suburbs, and the Bosporous Straits. When did this come about? Should I have a pretty good grasp of Spanish before visiting the city. I took some in high school but I'll probably have to practice a little. Also, is the Bosphorous shallow enough for an inexperienced swimmer to safely manage? If not are there inner-tube or life jacket rentals? I've heard such great things about your city I can barely stand the wait before my vacation! I look forward to hearing from you. Muchos Gracias, Meghan Houlihan"

Explanation for non-Turkish visitors: The italic text above is an example of a wrong information related to Istanbul, and of course Turkey. This message has been sent to us (istanbul.com) through our online question form, and rapidy answered, as usual... The answer is here:

"Dear Meghan;

First, we're glad that you're excited about Istanbul. But, we're afraid, you've informed in a very wrong way...

Turkey has barely no political relationship with Paraguay and two nations have never had been in a political conflict, nor partnership in history. We're so far between each other and in Istanbul, there's nothing related to Paraguay and its culture.

Turkey is founded in 1923, after collapsing the legendary Ottoman Empire. Istanbul was the capital city of the Ottomans, but after foundation of th modern republic Ankara became the new capital. But still, Istanbul is the biggest and the most crowded city of Turkey and is the center of culture, history and economics.

No other authorities have ever controlled any part of Turkey's land in history, and of course Istanbul and its suburbs is under control of Turkish Republic, like the other territories of Turkey.

To sum up, your Spanish knowledge won't help you while you're in Istanbul. Istanbul is very attractive to the tourists from all over the world and English is the most commonly known foreign language in Istanbul. Especially in the touristic places, your English will be enough for you to be understood.

Second, because the Bosphorus Straight is an important gateway between the Blacksea and Marmara / Aegean, there's a heavy traffic on it. Lots of petroleum, dry cargo and mass transportation ships passing through, so no sportive activities can be done in Bosphorus. But, of course, you can find diving clubs in Istanbul and they can help you to find out a proper place to dive without experiencing any problems.

For your info: The deepest point of the Bosphorus is 106 meters (~347 feet)

We hope you'll enjoy your visit to Istanbul.

Best regards,"