Istanbul is ’No. 1’ in ’Kalite of Layf’ index
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mayıs 01, 2009 00:00
We have to say that we are a little offended by research from the consulting firm Mercer. As we reported in yesterday’s newspaper, Istanbul has fallen back seven points to become the 121st city in the world in terms of quality of life.
Vienna, which ranked as the second city in 2008 is now atop the list. Last’s year top-prize winner, Zurich, is now a pale No. 2.OK, we understand that in terms of air quality, noise, employment opportunity, traffic, access to education, personal safety and a few other categories we have a bit of catching up to do. The general criteria for these kinds of reports turn on these kinds of things and chaotic Istanbul is just that.
But we have two questions:
1) Could we not have an expanded or alternative set of criteria? Call it, "Kalite of Layf" maybe.
2) Vienna and Zurich? Give us a break.
Sure, Vienna has good coffee. But the city is almost devoid of anyone under the age of 50. Living in what is arguably the world most architecturally rich home for the aged is not our definition of "quality of life."
Sure, Zurich has a couple of cute streets, nice skiing nearby and great chocolate. But living with a law that says you cannot run your washing machine after 10 p.m. at night? In Istanbul, you can run your washing machine anytime you want. And turn up your TV, too. And argue about it with the neighbors through the wall. This may not be in the list of rights in the Copenhagen (another boring city) Criteria that the European Union wants us to aspire to. But concepts of democratic values can be expressed in different ways. This too is quality of life. A few examples from around the newsroom:
The concept of "demlenme," or "brewing:" Best done on Istanbul’s Bostancı-Avcılar ferryboat where after 9 p.m. laws on open containers of alcohol are not enforced. And in summer you can sit outside. Free tire changing. Istanbul may not rate on some feminist indexes, but just let a lone woman’s car break down on the freeway with a flat tire. Within seconds, at least 15 cars will have stopped to help Ğ for free. Flexible cab tariffs: Yes, your driver may take you 30 kilometers out of your way. But if you are 5 or 10 liras short of the meter, no problem. Free concerts and football matches. The hills, shrubs and various urban outcroppings above Dolmabahçe’s İnönü Stadium and Kuruçeşme’s Turkcell arena represent a critical quality of life found in no other major European city. "Balık ekmek": This fare of half of loaf of bread filled with fried mackeral is abundant throughout the city, usually for less than 5 liras. Less than a chocolate in Zurich or a coffee in Vienna.
Our survey produced a list of at least 20 items. And that was just in the closing five minutes of our afternoon news meeting. Mercer: back to the chalkboard.
But we have two questions:
1) Could we not have an expanded or alternative set of criteria? Call it, "Kalite of Layf" maybe.
2) Vienna and Zurich? Give us a break.
Sure, Vienna has good coffee. But the city is almost devoid of anyone under the age of 50. Living in what is arguably the world most architecturally rich home for the aged is not our definition of "quality of life."
Sure, Zurich has a couple of cute streets, nice skiing nearby and great chocolate. But living with a law that says you cannot run your washing machine after 10 p.m. at night? In Istanbul, you can run your washing machine anytime you want. And turn up your TV, too. And argue about it with the neighbors through the wall. This may not be in the list of rights in the Copenhagen (another boring city) Criteria that the European Union wants us to aspire to. But concepts of democratic values can be expressed in different ways. This too is quality of life. A few examples from around the newsroom:
The concept of "demlenme," or "brewing:" Best done on Istanbul’s Bostancı-Avcılar ferryboat where after 9 p.m. laws on open containers of alcohol are not enforced. And in summer you can sit outside. Free tire changing. Istanbul may not rate on some feminist indexes, but just let a lone woman’s car break down on the freeway with a flat tire. Within seconds, at least 15 cars will have stopped to help Ğ for free. Flexible cab tariffs: Yes, your driver may take you 30 kilometers out of your way. But if you are 5 or 10 liras short of the meter, no problem. Free concerts and football matches. The hills, shrubs and various urban outcroppings above Dolmabahçe’s İnönü Stadium and Kuruçeşme’s Turkcell arena represent a critical quality of life found in no other major European city. "Balık ekmek": This fare of half of loaf of bread filled with fried mackeral is abundant throughout the city, usually for less than 5 liras. Less than a chocolate in Zurich or a coffee in Vienna.
Our survey produced a list of at least 20 items. And that was just in the closing five minutes of our afternoon news meeting. Mercer: back to the chalkboard.