The Traffic Jam in Istanbul

Kemal has been a taxi driver in Istanbul for almost twenty years. Every day, he drives across the city, from the old streets of Fatih to the modern towers of Levent.

When he first started this job, the traffic wasn't as bad as it is today. Kemal used to cross the Bosphorus Bridge in fifteen minutes, even during the evening rush hour. Now, the same journey can take more than an hour, especially on rainy days.

Kemal has seen many changes in the city. New roads have been built, and a new bridge has opened in the north. However, the number of cars has grown even faster than the roads. "Every year, more people buy cars," Kemal explains. "The city hasn't found an easy solution yet."

Because of the traffic, many young people have started using the metro instead. Kemal understands why, although he still prefers his taxi. "The metro is faster now, but it doesn't go everywhere," he says. "People still need taxis for the last part of their journey."

Last month, Kemal installed a navigation app in his car. It shows him which streets are less crowded. Since then, he has saved a lot of time for his passengers. "Before, I used to guess which road was faster," he laughs. "Now, the app helps me decide."

Kemal has never thought about leaving Istanbul, despite the traffic. He loves talking with his passengers and hearing their stories. "Every day is different," he says. "The traffic is difficult, but the city is alive. I wouldn't change my job for anything."

At the end of a long day, Kemal parks his taxi near the sea. He watches the ships and the lights of the bridge. Although the city has changed a lot, some things, like this view, have stayed the same.