Renad Ghanem
Saudi Gazette
SINCE it opened its doors in 2011, Istanbul Akvaryum (Istanbul Aquarium) has emerged as a new attraction for Istanbul visitors, whether you are interested in aquariums or not. For a visit and experience of the Istanbul Akvaryum — considered the biggest thematic aquarium of the world — is a must to round off a memorable holiday in Istanbul.
The aquarium is ideally located in Florya in the southwest coast of Istanbul, along Marmara Sea, only five kms away from the Atatürk International Airport. It is near the motorway and railway transportation systems in Florya.
The Istanbul Akvaryum has 16 different themes, starting from the Black Sea towards the Pacific and a rainforest. The themes were finalized by taking into account features such are geographic route, culture, historical and architecture.
Over 15,000 species from sea and land are at the aquarium. The Istanbul Akvaryum has 6,800 cubic meter water capacity with a total of 64 tanks in an area of 22,000 square meter and it includes two 5d theaters for 15 persons, displaying 7 different films with effects such as wind, fog and water. The aquarium has also three cafes and a restaurant.
One of the interesting parts of the aquarium is the rainforest segment for its thematic presentation. It is also considered the biggest rainforest segment when compared to other aquariums.
After a veritable informative tour of the Istanbul Akvaryum, on the way out there’s a gift shop that allows visitors to buy souvenirs of the aquarium, including variety of gifts from multicolored toys of the living creatures from the Istanbul Akvaryum to ornaments with the prices of the gift shop being affordable.
The Istanbul Akvaryum also holds different activities like “Escape From Amazon Labyrinth”, “Diving With the Sharks” and Feeding Fish Hours” to provide adults and children alike to partake in tailor-made adventures.
The Aqua Florya Shopping Center, built on a seafront concept, is located beside the Istanbul Akvaryum. The mall contains select brands and houses more than 140 shops, 11 movie halls with a capacity of 1,280 people, and cafes and restaurant that has splendid sea views.
The Aqua Florya Shopping Center includes exhibition and cultural areas, amphitheater to host concerts and shows with seating capacity of 1,500 people.
