Istanbul - The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Torch Relay

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Beijing Olympic torch relay in Istanbul concludes

Olympic flame leaves Istanbul for St. Petersburg

The last torchbearer in Istanbul, Taner Sagir, the weightlifting gold medalist in the 77-kg category at Athens 2004, reached Taksim Square at 7:00 p.m. (GMT +3) to light the cauldron, concluding the second leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay outside of the Chinese mainland. [Full story] [Photos] [Relay map]

Quick facts
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT + 2;
Summer Time: GMT + 3;
Official language: Turkish;
Currency: New Turkish Lira (YTL)

Previous leg Almaty

April 2, 2008

St. Petersburg Next leg

April 5, 2008

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Life in Istanbul

City tours Nowhere else can one find the wonders of nature, human artifacts, the testimony of the past and the bustle of everyday life in such close relationship. [Full story]

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Culture and Tradition

Giving a name Child has a significant place in the life of people of İnegöl. In this connection they attach great importance to a child and a separate ceremony is held at each and every phase of the child. The ceremony held for giving a name is one of them. [Full story]

Turkish cuisine Since butter or oil and tomato paste are used liberally in the meals, butter and ketchup are not served separately. The main dishes are vegetables cooked with lamb, mutton or veal. Rice, various pastries, bulgur, dry beans. [Full story]