Bosphorus

A 262-year-old mansion along the Bosphorus Strait of Istanbul will be sold via a court order.

The Saffet Pasha Mansion, one of the most magnificent waterside mansions located on the Asian side of the Turkish metropolis, will be for sale after an expert examination to be held at the end of May.

Restoration works at the Maiden's Tower in Istanbul have neared an end as the historical tower is expected to be presented to the public in April, İhlas News Agency has reported.

"The dome is strengthened with carbon fibers, the roof has been raised and fortification walls have emerged," it reported on Feb. 18.

One of the pioneers of modern Turkish painting, Professor Özdemir Altan, 91, was given back 33 of his paintings, which were seized at the customs during their entry into Turkey after being exhibited in German 26 years ago.

The oldest tree in Istanbul is a 1,300-year-old oriental plane that is under protection in a forest in the Sarıyer district, according to Süleyman Çoban, an academic from the Cerrahpaşa Forestry Faculty of Istanbul University. (DHA Photo)

Ongoing excavations in Istanbul's Beşiktaş district are offering surprising and significant clues about the history of the ancient city, with one archeologist boasting the district as "Istanbul's Göbeklitepe."

This year, Berlin hosts an exclusive exhibition for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary for celebrating the Germany and Turkey dialogue.

The occasion is the 60th anniversary of the recruitment agreement between Germany and Turkey as a central commemorative date for social diversity and the 10th anniversary of the artist residency program on the Bosporus.

The Beyoğlu Cultural Road Festival will be held between Oct. 29 and Nov. 14. At a recent meeting held at Galataport, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has said that the festival will be held twice a year in the spring and the fall seasons.

A new report shows that the average rent increase in Istanbul has been lingering around 60 percent, while the difference reached 90 percent in some districts, especially in neighborhoods along the Bosphorus Strait and areas with mass housing.

Fishermen have caught a swordfish in Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait after approximately half a century since it was last seen in Turkish waters.

"It is good news to learn that an endangered species is seen in Istanbul Strait," Nuray Erkan, a professor from Istanbul University's Hydrology Faculty, told the daily Milliyet on Oct. 15.

Squirrels residing in Istanbul's famous Emirgan Woods attract visitors' attention. (AA Photo)