The 2008 World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) Congress was held in Istanbul in May 2008, a fairly large delegation attended from Ireland and we had a great trip. I found the people of Istanbul were very friendly and helpful, the food was lovely and the city itself, situated on the border of Europe and Asia, has plenty to engage and excite any visitor. There are mosques, mansions, monuments and markets to visit and savour. The massive Bosphorus divides the city and is a bustling and busy river. There are many great sights to see: in old Istanbul the Sultanahmet, with the beautiful Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and in the newer area to the north Takim Square and the surrounding streets. Of course a visit to the huge Grand Bazarr is a must, there are thousands of stalls and one stall owner told me that more than 15,000 people work there. A city well worth seeing.
