Heavy Snow Blankets, Stops Life in, Istanbul

Heavy snow in Turkey that started on Sunday night has brought life in Istanbul and Turkish Thrace to a standstill. Schools were cancelled, university exams postponed and all flights at Istanbul Airport were cancelled.

The snow is expected to continue on Monday and Tuesday especially on the European side of Istanbul and Turkish Thrace.

"Until notice, vehicles coming from [Turkish] Thrace will not be allowed to enter our city," Ali Yerlikaya, Istanbul's Governor wrote on Twitter, and added that shopping malls and other shops must be closed by 7pm.

Istanbul authorities have also asked people to stay at their homes and not to use their personal vehicles.

"I would like to warn the people of Istanbul once again not to go out by their cars under heavy snow which will start again in the evening," Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said.

İBB ekiplerimiz sahada çalışıyor. Kavacık'tayız. https://t.co/uQ6ppb1Vue

— İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi (@istanbulbld) January 24, 2022

Imamoglu also added that Istanbul Municipality is working relentlessly with district municipalities and the governor's office to maintain all roads open.

The Governor's Office of Kirklareli in Turkish Thrace has also asked citizens to stay at home.

"We asked our citizens and drivers to stay off the roads for their own safety of life and property," Kirklareli Governor's Office wrote on Twitter.

Homeless citizens were taken to municipal facilities due to the risk of freezing.

Although heavy snow almost stopped the life in Istanbul and other cities, many have used the opportunity to take spectacular views of Istanbul under the snow.

Ortakoy Mosque in Istanbul under heavy snow. Photo: Istanbul Municipality Snow...