Citizens of Istanbul scorching in Eyyam-ı bahur heat
The megacity is now being scorched by a new heatwave, which started to take effect in the southern and western regions of Türkiye as of yesterday.
- Turkey
- Published Date: 10:41 | 04 August 2023
- Modified Date: 10:51 | 04 August 2023
The "Eyyam-ı bahur" also known as "desert heat," "hellish heat," and "African heat," is expected to push the daytime temperatures in the city to their peak.
The humidity reaching up to 79% in some areas, as measured by the meteorology, is making the already scorching temperatures feel even worse, causing people to endure a stifling day.
Citizens of Istanbul sought relief from the hot weather by finding solace in the cool waters of the Bosphorus at the city's beaches. Another destination for those struggling with the heat was the shaded areas of parks and gardens.
Some people who wanted to swim in the sea preferred Kadıköy's Caddebostan Beach. Families and friends filled the beach, and around noon, the thermometers showed 39.6 degrees Celsius at Caddebostan Coast.
For those wanting to swim in the cool waters of the Bosphorus, Salacak Coast in Üsküdar was the choice. Some of them enjoyed swimming in the sea and then spent time sunbathing on the rocks. Despite the scorching heat on the beach, there were also people taking a walk on the shore and others waiting in line to visit the Maiden's Tower.
Some people who wanted to cool off on the European side of Istanbul swam in the sea at Aşiyan Beach in Beşiktaş. After coming out of the water, some of them sunbathed on the beach, while others preferred to rest in shaded areas.
At Sarayburnu Beach in Fatih, people who came to the sea sunbathed on the rocks and rested under the umbrellas they brought with them.
In Eminönü, one of Istanbul's most touristy areas, which welcomes many local and foreign tourists every day, it was observed that the crowd had decreased, especially during the scorching heat of noon when the sun was at its zenith.
In Sultanahmet Square, the majority of visitors were foreign tourists. Some tourists visiting the area protected themselves from the sun with umbrellas and hats, while others tried to cool off in the shade of trees.
Some individuals and tourists looking to escape the extreme heat spent time in Gülhane Park. In Bakırköy Square, most shops and establishments had air conditioning and fans running, and people walked in shaded areas created by the awnings of the shops.