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Snowfall in Istanbul: Thrilling images of city’s whiteout

Istanbul transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland under a blanket of snow. (Photos by Ahmet Erol; Collage by Koray Erdogan/Türkiye Today)
Istanbul transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland under a blanket of snow. (Photos by Ahmet Erol; Collage by Koray Erdogan/Türkiye Today)
February 20, 2025 05:31 PM GMT+03:00

As Istanbul and much of Türkiye are blanketed in snow, the city has transformed into a stunning winter landscape. From school closures to flight cancellations, the heavy snowfall has left its mark.

Snowfall in Istanbul: Thrilling images of city’s whiteout
Snowfall in Istanbul: Thrilling images of city’s whiteout

But amid the challenges, there’s a magical charm in the air—families making memories, commuters braving the elements, and iconic landmarks standing proud beneath a layer of white.

People walk with umbrellas on Istiklal Street as the nostalgic tram operates amid the snowfall in Taksim, Beyoglu district, Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)
People walk with umbrellas on Istiklal Street as the nostalgic tram operates amid the snowfall in Taksim, Beyoglu district, Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)

Snowfall continues to blanket Istanbul, turning the city into a winter wonderland.

After the heavy snowfall in Istanbul, children had fun making snowmen. (AA Photo)
After the heavy snowfall in Istanbul, children had fun making snowmen. (AA Photo)

With schools closed in many regions, children are enjoying unexpected snow days across Türkiye.

Due to heavy snowfall in Istanbul, flights at Istanbul Airport have been reduced, and the airport is covered in snow. (IHA Photo)
Due to heavy snowfall in Istanbul, flights at Istanbul Airport have been reduced, and the airport is covered in snow. (IHA Photo)

Hundreds of flights have been canceled at Istanbul and Sabiha Gokcen airports due to the heavy snow and ice conditions.

People walk as a sudden afternoon snowfall impacts Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)
People walk as a sudden afternoon snowfall impacts Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)

The streets of Istanbul are covered in a thick layer of snow, as commuters brave the weather to make their way to work.

Drivers across the city are experiencing difficulty as snowfall, which began in the early hours of the morning in Istanbul, intensifies. (AA Photo)
Drivers across the city are experiencing difficulty as snowfall, which began in the early hours of the morning in Istanbul, intensifies. (AA Photo)

Public transport struggles to cope with the snowstorm, creating a wintery challenge for those trying to get around.

A view of Maiden's Tower during snowfall, Uskudar district, Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)
A view of Maiden's Tower during snowfall, Uskudar district, Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)

As snowflakes fall, Istanbul's iconic landmarks are dressed in a serene white blanket, offering picturesque views.

After the heavy snowfall in Istanbul, children and families enjoyed playing in the snow. (AA Photo)
After the heavy snowfall in Istanbul, children and families enjoyed playing in the snow. (AA Photo)

Families are making the most of the snowfall, enjoying snowball fights and building snowmen in parks across the city.

Aerial footage captured by a drone shows empty main roads in Istanbul, as schools are also closed for the day, resulting in lighter traffic. (IHA Photo)
Aerial footage captured by a drone shows empty main roads in Istanbul, as schools are also closed for the day, resulting in lighter traffic. (IHA Photo)

For those fortunate enough to work from home, it’s a cozy day indoors while the snow continues to fall outside.

After the heavy snowfall that affected Istanbul, the Beykoz district was covered in white. (AA Photo)
After the heavy snowfall that affected Istanbul, the Beykoz district was covered in white. (AA Photo)

The quiet beauty of snow-covered streets in Istanbul’s historic neighborhoods is nothing short of magical.

People walk through the snowfall in Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)
People walk through the snowfall in Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)

Public services are working tirelessly to keep the city safe, as icy roads and pathways pose a challenge for pedestrians and drivers.

People walk as snow falls in Sisli, Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
People walk as snow falls in Sisli, Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)

As the snowstorm continues, Istanbul’s air is filled with a peaceful stillness, broken only by the sound of snow crunching underfoot.

Aerial footage captured by a drone shows empty main roads in Istanbul, as schools are also closed for the day, resulting in lighter traffic. (IHA Photo)
Aerial footage captured by a drone shows empty main roads in Istanbul, as schools are also closed for the day, resulting in lighter traffic. (IHA Photo)

Despite the chaos, there’s an undeniable charm to the winter weather, offering a rare opportunity to experience Istanbul in a new light.

February 20, 2025 05:31 PM GMT+03:00
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