One doesn’t need many more reasons to visit Istanbul other than just visiting Istanbul. But we thought we should share a bit more on this.
The Jerusalem syndrome is a group of mental phenomena involving the presence of either religiously themed obsessive ideas, delusions or other psychosis-like experiences that are triggered by a visit to the city of Jerusalem. It is not endemic to one single religion or denomination but has affected Jews, Christians and Muslims of many different backgrounds.
So, could different parts of the Earth actually and literally have different types of energies we get exposed to and therefore unbelievable kinds of effects on human lives? Well we think so… So when we say ‘visit Istanbul‘, we really mean it. Let me try to explain.
Istanbul is a very important city! One that everybody should go out of their way to visit. However, the main motivation behind this article comes from a different place in mind: the excitement one feels when one is about to visit Istanbul…
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is a rapidly growing metropolis divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Travelers to Istanbul will find most people hospitable, friendly and generous. Despite its size, violent crime is relatively low compared to other major cities, but tourists should exercise the same caution they would in any big city.
Here are some reasons why one should see Istanbul the first chance they get:
ISTANBUL IS TRULY UNIQUE
There are a lot of cities and regions in the world today that you can refer to as ‘a culture that has been influenced both by the West and the East’ but Istanbul is THE location where the West and the East came together and gave birth to something UNIQUE.
Istanbul is a city where you can have a European experience with an Islamic grace. Spires and domes of mosques, medival architecture dominate the skyline. At dawn, you can see people going to mosque for the first prayer as you hear the call of muezzin rebound from the ancient minarets. Meanwhile, you see clubbers making their way home from the nightclubs and bars while their neighbors kneeling on the prayer rug. Istanbul has a very unique ability to make so many diverse things ryhme together.
ISTANBUL IS VERY SAFE
Despite of the latest events (2015-16) which worried a lot of people, Istanbul is still one of the safest cities on Earth relative to its huge size and population. It is hard not to make premature judgments and jump to conclusions in light of recent tragedies, but we must learn to wait for the entire story to present itself before making any rash decisions. And you should also remember that Turkish people are some of the friendliest and hospitable people on earth.
By and large, Istanbul is a very safe city. Like all large cities, normal precautions are required and just as you wouldn’t take any chances in New York or London, don’t in Istanbul. –TripAdvisor
Read our article about the safety of traveling to Turkey in 2026.
ISTANBUL IS FUN AND FULL OF OPTIONS
This city has SO MUCH to offer! History, culture, art, great food, friendly people and most importantly, a wonderful energy that makes you want to come back.
ISTANBUL IS HAPPENING!
Did you know that Turkey is the 4th most visited country in the world behind France, Spain, and the United States in terms of international tourist arrivals (based on UNWTO’s 2024 data? And Istanbul, the heart of this nation was the most visited city in the world in 2023!
VISIT ISTANBUL, IT IS PRETTY CONVENIENT
The Turkish Government has been working real hard at supporting many tourism companies to create appealing, low cost offerings and special promotions. If you do an online search about this, you will find extremely pleasing deals that might just give that last little push need.
Oh I almost forgot: Istanbul is sexy! So don’t think about it much; this city is great, you should really visit Istanbul.
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The people. That’s my favourite thing in Istanbul. That’s why I am coming back 🙂