Turkey adopted the the Greorian calendar in 1926 when Ottoman Empire declined. Before that, a solar-based Islamic calendar was in use. In 1935 Turkish Parliament made 1st of January an official public holiday so the concept of New Year celebration was formed and Turkish people borrowed some Christmas traditions. This is why starting from mid december you can see many cities with decorated and enlighted streets, shops, squares…
Istanbul, the beautiful city of Turkey, becomes more beautiful during New Year time. Streets are decorated with lights, ornaments, shops are decorated like christmas style in western countries and if you are lucky it snows at New Year night covering the whole city with white.
The view of Istanbul is fantastic when it snows especially with all New Year’s lights and decorations.
On the New Year evening, when the clock shows midnight, a massive visual show starts all over the city. Thousands of fireworks turn the night into day, enlighted Bosphorus Bridge stands like a diamond necklace of the city and new-born year is welcomed …
Although you can enjoy this show everywhere, it is better to be at a spot where you can fully see the Bosphorus, Bridges over Golden Horn and Bosphorus, Marmara. Pierre Loti Roof Restaurant is the best choice for this spectacular show and view. You can book your table in advance so you wont miss this fantastic view.
