VENUE
The conference will be held at Galatasaray University
Galatasaray University (GSU) sits on the Bosphorus waterfront in Ortaköy (Beşiktaş), a lively, central district on Istanbul’s European side. The institution traces its roots to 1481, when the “Galata Sarayı” (Imperial School) was founded to educate civil servants; the modern university was established through a Turkish-French accord in the 1990s and today maintains a distinctive Francophone academic tradition. The campus occupies a historic waterfront complex with direct views of the Bosphorus Bridge, steps from Ortaköy’s cafes and ferry pier.
Campus address (for maps/taxis): Çırağan Caddesi No:36, 34349 Ortaköy, Beşiktaş, Istanbul. gsu.edu.tr
Getting to Campus
Below are the simplest options from both Istanbul airports. Traffic can be heavy at peak times; the metro and ferries are often the most predictable.
From Istanbul Airport (IST)
Option A — Metro (fast & traffic-proof):
Take M11 (Gayrettepe ↔ Istanbul Airport). From Gayrettepe, a short taxi or an IETT bus (e.g., DT1, 22/25E/40T toward Ortaköy/Beşiktaş) brings you to “Galatasaray Üniversitesi” stop on Çırağan Avenue (2–5 min walk to campus). Istanbul Airport Transportation
Option B — HAVAIST airport shuttle:
HAVAIST runs frequent coaches from IST to Taksim and Beşiktaş Meydan. From either point, it’s a short taxi or a direct bus along the Bosphorus to the “Galatasaray Üniversitesi” stop. (Check current routes/schedules in the HAVAIST app/site.) Istanbul Airport Transportation
You can find detailed information about prices, stations, and timetables for departures from Taksim to Istanbul Airport via the link HAVAIST
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Option A — Metro:
Take M4 (Kadıköy ↔ Sabiha Gökçen). At Kadıköy, board a ferry to Beşiktaş; from Beşiktaş pier, take a short taxi or an IETT bus toward Ortaköy to “Galatasaray Üniversitesi”. Metro İstanbul
Option B — HAVABUS shuttle:
HAVABUS runs direct shuttles to Taksim and Kadıköy. From Taksim, continue by taxi or IETT bus toward Ortaköy; from Kadıköy, the ferry to Beşiktaş plus a short taxi/bus is straightforward. (See SAW/HAVABUS pages for current stops and times.) Sabiha Gökçen Airport Transportation Times with HAVABÜS
Using Public Transport & Istanbulkart
Most public transport in Istanbul (metro, tram, buses, metrobus, and city ferries) uses Istanbulkart, the city’s contactless fare card. You can buy/top-up at airport and station machines or manage balance via the official Istanbulkart app from play store/app store. (Note: HAVAIST/HAVABUS generally accept bank cards or kiosk tickets rather than Istanbulkart—check on the day.) You can see the app and other details about IstanbulKart from the webpage IstanbulKart.
Nearest & recommended stop: “Yahya Efendi” (IETT stop on Çırağan Caddesi, stop code 112041). It is closer to the campus main entrance than “Galatasaray Üniversitesi" station, so it’s usually the most convenient place to get off. Common lines along Çırağan Ave include 22, 22RE, 25E, 30D, 40T, 42T, DT1 (service may vary by time/day). For door-to-door directions across bus, tram, metro, and ferry, download the Moovit app, set the active city to Istanbul, and search for “Yahya Efendi” as your destination and after a 1-minute-walk, you will arrive to the main campus entrance.
You may find the metro railway system map at the following link if you prefer to use public transportation: Istanbul Railway Network. The M4 and M11 lines would be the most convenient options if you prefer to use the metro to reach the city center.
https://gsu.edu.tr/tr/
Address: Çırağan Caddesi No:36, Ortaköy, Beşiktaş, İstanbul, 34349
A few beautiful views of Istanbul
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Bosphorus Grand Mecidiya Mosque
Galata Tower