ISTANBUL
Hotels, shopping malls and restaurants – all of Istanbul’s entertainment spots have their ducks in a row for New Year celebrations, despite extreme weather forcing many in Turkey's biggest city to stay indoors.
Following the first snows of winter and strong winds over the last three days which hit air and sea transportation, as well as causing traffic jams, Istanbulites seem to be eyeing indoor entertainments for their New Year festivities.
Although the city has not seen any cancellations of planned outdoor events yet, cold weather will leave some party lovers with no choice but to make their countdown to 2015 at restaurants, hotels, bars or – at worst – at home.
But if you do not want to stay home and watch television or play tombala – a traditional Turkish parlor game – here are some places which will celebrate the New Year until the small hours.
One of the biggest and most crowded entertainment spots in Istanbul, Reina, is preparing to host around 200 people for the New Year. Attracting many celebrities, Reina is located at the edge of Bosphorus Bridge on the European side and will be open until 5 a.m.
Located in Kurucesme in Besiktas, Sortie is an another option for all-night celebration. Ceylan Intercontinental, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, the Maiden's Tower and Galata Tower will also offer New Year menus and light music.
However, for those who want to see the skies above the city lit up by New Year fireworks despite the cold weather, Istiklal Street will be again the heart of open-air celebrations.
City icons for years, both Taksim Square and Istiklal Street have been illuminated by Beyoglu Municipality and are ready to host thousands of people, including Turkish and international visitors.
The Asian district of Kadikoy and the European area of Bakirkoy will welcome 2015 with music. The bands of Grup Napolion and Pantomim Trio will create an open-air party atmosphere in Kadikoy while Turkish pop singer Atiye will perform in Bakirkoy.
Besides being a huge night for Istanbulites, this New Year's Eve will also be hard night for the security forces. Nearly 15,000 police will be working across the city during the celebrations.
Istanbul Security Forces Department said on Wednesday that they had also increased the number of mobile electronic system integration (MOBESE) cameras in crowded places.
Districts such as Beyoglu, Besiktas, Kadikoy and Bakirkoy will be watched closely, the security department said.
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