The Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme rail line in Istanbul has been named one of the six must-see railway routes in Europe by Lonely Planet, one of the top travel guides in the world, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
Inaugurating the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme rail line on February 26, 2024, was President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, according to a statement from the government.
An article on lonelyplanet.com titled “6 railway routes in Europe you must travel” stressed how important it is for nostalgic tourists to take this line, which begins at one of Europe’s oldest stations, Sirkeci, and concludes at Kazlıçeşme.
The statement also mentioned the website post, which included the following details on the Sirkeci- Kazlıçeşme line:
“Sirkeci Station, situated along the Bosporus in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood, is most known for being the former station of the fabled Orient Express trains. But in 2013, long-distance services were discontinued at Sirkeci Station. There’s still life in old Sirkeci, though, since the subterranean Marmaray train line carries people from Europe to Asia beneath the ancient city walls. Trains return to the original train station via the recently opened 8.3-kilometer (5.16-mile) light rail line to Kazlıçeşme. This line, one of the oldest stations in Europe, is a must-use for nostalgic visitors. This line could even serve as a justification for taking the train to Kumkapı, one of the new stops, so that you can eat seafood.”
800,000 travellers use it
800,000 passengers have reportedly used the refurbished Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme rail route since it opened, with an emphasis on both the environment and people.
During the Ottoman era, the line—which is utilized by 10,000 people every day on average—was
recognized as the entryway to Europe. Furthermore, the Orient Express terminus at Sirkeci Station, which opened in 1888, was used for a considerable amount of time “distinguishes itself sociocultural as well.”
The statement featured remarks by Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, regarding the projects that have been completed.
“We have brought back to Istanbul the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme line, which has been a major transportation hub for more than 141 years, by entirely reconstructing it with an environmentally friendly project that prioritizes both people and trains. With its 7.3-kilometer pedestrian and bicycle path, 122,550 square meters (1.3 million square feet) of open spaces and recreation area, 6,000 square meters of indoor social-cultural facilities, and 74,000 square meters of new green space, the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme line also stands out socio-culturally.”
“We also restored our registered stops Yedikule, Kocamustafapaşa, Yenikapı, and Kumkapı, which are legacies of our ancestors, within the scope of the project,” he continued. We are significantly enhancing Istanbul’s social life by opening up its most valued locations to the public. One of the most significant instances of this strategy is our Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Rail System and Pedestrian-Oriented New Generation Transportation Project.”
Source: DailySabah
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