venue
Conference Venue
SPECOM / ICR 2019 will be held at the Bogazici University south campus, perched on a hill by the Bosphorus and with a commanding view of the whole city. Public parks and entertainment areas in Bebek, Rumelihisari, Arnavutkoy and Ortakoy are within walking distance to the university.
The name of the university is Boğaziçi Üniversitesi in Turkish; "Boğaziçi" means Bosphorus, which is the name of the strait that separates Europe and Asia. It is read as ‘Boazitchi’. Founded in 1863, as Robert College, it is the first American higher education institution founded outside the United States. Though under entirely Turkish administration today, the university still maintains strong ties to the American educational system. Robert College was founded in Istanbul, Turkiye, by Dr. Cyrus Hamlin, an educator, inventor, technician, architect and builder, and Mr. Christopher Rheinlander Robert, a well-known philanthropist and a wealthy merchant from New York. The College was to open its doors to students of all races, nationalities and religions without any discrimination.
The campus was built at the stone quarry area that had been used by Fatih Sultan Mehmet when he built his mighty fortress, Rumelihisari, on the European shore of the Bosphorus in 1453. On September 16, 1863, it opened its doors to students with Dr. Cyrus Hamlin as its first President. The campus was passed on to the Turkish government, and on September 10, 1971, Bogazici University was officially established on what had been the Robert College campus for over one hundred years.
View from Bogazici University
How to get to Bogazici University South Campus
You can find an interactive map of Bogazici University campuses here. You can also use Google maps. The conference and workshops will be held at the south campus. Both SPECOM and ICR will be held at Albert Long Hall.
Once you enter Bogazici University south campus entrance (the main entrance) follow the main road down. After approximately 100 metres you will arrive at the large and green main square. Albert Long Hall is one of the older buildings on that square and has a clock. You will pass a security check at the university entrance. It is important that you carry photo identification with you. The conference attendee list will be shared with the security official at the gate. If you have not registered for the conference, but would like to get an on-site registration, contact conference organization to make sure that your name is listed at the gate.
Transport Alternatives
Taking a taxi is always the best and fastest way to get to Hisarustu, where the university is located. Here are some approximate prices of cost of taking a taxi from some main locations in Istanbul:
- From Taksim : around 27-35 TL, 4.5-6- euros
- From Besiktas : around 25 TL, 4 euros
- From 4.Levent : around 17 TL, 3 euros
- From Ataturk Airport : around 85 TL, 14 euros
- From Sabiha Gokcen Airport : not recommended!
Buses
You will need a ticket before you get on the bus, since tickets are no longer sold by the drivers. At the airport, at Taksim Square or in many other places look for shops that have a sign "Akbil" or "Istanbul Card". Those places should sell (electronic) tickets that are valid for one or multiple trips. The more trips you buy, the cheaper it gets. The ticket is validated by holding it against the little machine next to the driver, the one that you pass by as you enter the bus. Buses may only be entered through the front door. Up to date ticket prices in TL can be found here.
Convenient buses to Bogazici University:
- 43R From Kabatas / Besiktas - Rumeli Hisarustu
- 559C From Taksim - Rumeli Hisarustu
- 59R From Sisli - Rumeli Hisarustu
- 59RS From Sariyer - Rumeli Hisarustu
- 125 From Kadikoy - Rumeli Hisarustu
The routes and timetables can be found on IETT web site.
The stop you need to get off at is called "Bogazici Universitesi". Many, though not all, buses announce the stops, but since you can't rely on it, look outside on your journey and check the names on the actual bus stops. The last three before "Bogazici Universitesi" are "Basin Sitesi", "Cengiz Topel", "Nispetiye", and then "Bogazici Universitesi". The main entrance is located just across the bus stop.