Istanbul Tram System

Aloha Everyone,

Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, was the capital of the Roman/Byzantine Empire. Today Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey surpassing Ankara, the capital.

Istanbul is the financial center. This largest city in Europe straddles the Bosporus strait lying both in Europe and Asia.

Istanbul is 2.64 times bigger than New York City‘s population with NYC land area being 404 sq miles compared to Istanbul’s 594 sq. miles

Istanbul’s tram system runs on the European and Asian sides. It is an efficient mass transportation used by locals and visitors alike.

The two of us heard an announcement in English reminding tram users to wear a mask while waiting on the platform as well as the entire duration of one’s ride. Interesting to note that this was not translated into any other languages. Approximately 50% of riders wear mask.

Aloha -- Cathi