POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD (IN 80 DAYS)

Week 5 (Day 28): ISTANBUL (TURKEY)

Our Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues.  We have now travelled 4,645 miles from Bangkok to our new destination of Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It straddles the Bosphorus, which is a Strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia.  Istanbul covers an area of 2,063 sq miles.

Though Istanbul is a very large city, it is fairly safe. It is Europe's 3rd largest city. It is also regarded as one of Europe's safest cities. However, crime does still exist.  The most common threats to personal safety are associated with money.  Purse snatching occurs mostly in the tourist areas and is generally carried out by children.  When carrying a bag hold it close to you and check now and then that it is closed.  Some of these tourist areas include Taksim Square, Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar.

While practically all neighborhoods around Istanbul are considered safe, it is still always sensible to walk where you see lots of people, especially women.  Some of the safest parts are Beyoglu, and the European part of the Bosphorus.  Never go out alone at night and if you take a taxi be sure to take one from the hotel, or from a taxi station.

Always apply Powerhouse Self-Defense's rule of PROI:  PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context.  RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior.  OBSERVATION of your surroundings. Look for street signs and landmarks.  Know exactly where you are at ALL times.  INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

Physical assaults against women are not common, as Turkish men are generally respectful of women.  However, female tourists may be stared at or followed.  While we don't want to appear rude, a simple smile can be misunderstood.  So avoid eye contact with men on the street and keep any interactions formal.

2008 Istanbul Crime Statistics (According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime)

Murder: 596
Robbery: 7,695 

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 112

ISTANBUL FUN FACTS:

1.  Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.
2.  Tulips originated in Istanbul and were sent to the Netherlands.
3.  Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel "Murder on the Orient Express" at the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul.
4.  Istanbul has been the Capital of three major empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottaman.
5.  Istanbul's subway is the 3rd oldest in the world (1875), after London (1863) and New York (1868). 

OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUES.  WHERE WILL WE BE NEXT WEEK?
 
Jennifer Riis-Poulsen is the Founder & CEO and also a 2nd degree black belt, who formed Powerhouse Self-Defense as a response to the ever-increasing statistics on emotional and physical attacks on females each year. She made reducing these statistics a mission and personal goal and has set out to develop a comprehensive, HOLISTIC personal safety and empowerment program focused on awareness and powerful techniques to build courage and confidence. For more information visit http://powerhouseselfdefense.com