The Great Istanbul Bus Station is No longer an Area of ​​Lawlessness and Fear

With the transformation initiated by the IMM administration in 2019, the Great Istanbul Bus Station ceased to be an area of ​​rulelessness and fear. It turned into a transportation and socialization center, and started to host the most peaceful welcomes and farewells. The bus station, which welcomes more than 100 thousand visitors a day, offers rest opportunities to drivers and assistants to its renewed infrastructure; It was one of the most vivid examples of the changes that the city has experienced in 3 years, from the courses, seminars and activities to its library.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) started a major change movement in the Great Istanbul Bus Station, which it took over in September 2019. Derelict and dangerous buildings were evacuated, demolished and cleaned. All asphalt areas have been renewed. Camera and lighting systems were installed in all common areas, repair and maintenance works were completed. In the bus station, which is managed by Boğaziçi Yönetim AŞ, the company of IMM providing services in the field of facility management, cleaning and security personnel are employed; a hygienic, safe and peaceful facility was created. Platform Tracking System was put into practice in order to prevent the traffic problem on the platforms. Great Istanbul Bus Station; With the exhibitions, talks and concerts held in the Evliya Çelebi Library and Hasan Âli Yücel Conference Hall, it has become a cultural center.

CAPTAINS LISTEN TO THE ROAD

Drivers and assistants have the opportunity to sleep in the 'Captain's Mansion', which was put into service at the Great Istanbul Bus Station. In addition, bus personnel can take a shower, wash their uniforms and have breakfast.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES FOR YOUTH

IMM Youth Office, which was opened to offer its visitors different perspectives in many areas such as personal development, education and career planning, was put into service in the 4th Tower, formerly known as the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower, at the Greater Istanbul Bus Terminal. In the center, which includes a computer training room, art workshops, library and classrooms, as well as a theater stage and playgrounds, courses and seminar programs are organized for young people's education, personal development and employment.

In addition, not only young people coming to the bus station and its surroundings, but also young people coming to Istanbul are hosted at the Guest Student Office, and guidance services such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage and cultural trips are provided to these young people.

LIBRARY OF 10 THOUSAND BOOKS

The library named after the world-famous Turkish traveler and writer Evliya Çelebi is located at the Great Istanbul Bus Terminal. There is a computer classroom and approximately 600 books in the 2-storey library with an area of ​​1 square meters. Passengers can spend quality and pleasant time here while waiting for the departure times, and they can borrow books if they wish. On the other hand, Istanbulites, especially from the surrounding districts, can visit the Evliya Çelebi Library and participate in panels and talks whenever they wish.

Âli Yücel Conference Hall hosts theater plays, exhibitions, talks and concerts.

OTOGARDA GYM HALL

İBB has finally added a gym to the Great Istanbul Bus Station. Bus station shopkeepers, residents of the surrounding neighborhoods and all Istanbulites can benefit from the gym. As well as the opportunity to do sports freely, lessons are also planned with private trainers.