Although the area is known by its Greek name Pera-the other side-it was a home for Galatians initially. Genoese merchants established a colony here.During the decline of Ottoman Empire many embassies were built between the orchards of Beyoğlu two of which survived to day. The British and the French. The foreign communities built not only embassies but houses, business buildings, places of worship and cultural institutions. Most of those remaining to day date from the 19th century and represent a range of architectural styles from Baroque and Rococo to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau.

 Istiklal street was then called as Grande Rue de Pera accordingly. In mid-fifties Beyoğlu began to lose its prestige and small size manufacturers moved into apartments where glory prevailed once. By the early nineties thru-traffic was detoured and the area was designed as shopping and pedestrian precinct. A street car service was established as a glimpse of nostalgia . The main street is packed now bank branches, fast-food restaurants, clothing stores, music shops and bookstores.

 Although it looks easy to understand what's going on, it is not as easy to grasp the details.For most Turks Beyoğlu is where they watch movies and stroll up and down till the cinema time, and evacuate the area as soon as the film is over. As the area had a reputation for its all-male entertainment clubs most people still avoid the side and especially back streets. Actually these side and back streets is where the real action is.

 With a proper guidance one can easily avoid few of the "night clubs" where seamen or local businessman visiting Istanbul are ripped off and explore any of the numerous bars, student cafes, home cooking restaurants and jazz or rock clubs. The prices vary.

 The weekly time out magazines could be a healthy day-to-day references if you are unable to get information from a local expert. But the general rule is to locate rushing Brit groups and chase them. Sooner or later you end up at the filthiest place where the cheapest beer is available with great fun. But if you are one of those heavenly then there are so many churches whose services you can attend. Whatever your choice is know prices before you eat or drink and never argue with Turks.

 If you are interested in seeing sharp cultural conflicts within few hundred meter distances just stroll in back and side streets of Tarlabashi where residents seem to be unaware of the richness and glamour of Grand Rue de Pera nearby.

Mother: "Why are you home from school so early?"
Son: "I was the only one who could answer a question."
Mother: "Oh, really? What was the question?"
Son: "Who threw the eraser at the principal?"

Client : There is a fly in my soup.
Waiter : Don't worry, sir. He won't drink so much!

Client : There's a spider in my soup.
Waiter : Oh, really? That's 10 penny extra!

Client : Waiter, waiter! You've got your thumb in my soup.
Waiter : It's all right, sir. It isn't hot!

http://stu.inonu.edu.tr/~ingilizce/anecdotes.html

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they lay down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend awake. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see." Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars."

 "What does that tell you?" asked Holmes.

 Watson considered for a few minutes, and then he said: "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

 Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"

 Holmes was silent for a moment, and then spoke. "Watson, you retard. It tells me that some bastard has stolen our tent!"

 http://stu.inonu.edu.tr/~ingilizce/anecdotes.html