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How two stunning train stations will be transformed into ‘cultural islands’ by 2026
TWO train stations in Istanbul will become ‘cultural islands’ by 2026, featuring museums, galleries and public gardens.
Authorities in the Turkish city are working to transform Sirkeci and Haydarpaşa train stations into cultural venues.
The Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, detailed restoration plans for Haydarpaşa Train Station, which closed in 2010 following a fire.
According to the local newspaper, Hurriyet Daily News, he said: “Both Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci will feature public gardens as well as art and culture [buildings and events] and railway transportation activities will continue in both of the stations.
“However, these stations will not feature shopping malls or hotels.”
Haydarpaşa Train Station, which was a former calling point of the Orient Express, will become Istanbul‘s first “art and culture island” once the renovation project is completed.
The grand building will feature exhibition spaces, a performing arts centre, a library, two museums and art and design studios.
Further details will be revealed in the near future, according to the Turkish minister.
Built by German architects Otto Ritter and Helmuth Cuno in the early 20th century, high-speed train services will operate again after renovation work is complete.
Art galleries and themed museums will also open at Sirkeci Railway Station in the coming years.
The former Orient Express terminus will house a museum dedicated to migration.
This is because Sirkeci Railway Station is where Turkish nationals used to migrate to Europe.
The minister added: “Traces of the area’s heritage on Istanbul’s European side will be preserved for future generations after the project concludes at the Sirkeci station.”
An advisory board of curators, archaeologists and engineers has been formed to oversee the project.
Because of its ties to the Orient Express, Sirkeci Railway Station is already a popular spot with rail enthusiasts.
The building has been given a 4/5 star rating on TripAdvisor from hundreds of reviews.
One person wrote: “Amazing place and this was our third visit. We love it there and fantastic place of Ottoman architecture.”
Another added: “If you’ve been a fan of Agatha Christie and her Murder on the Orient Express, then this is the place to surely visit as the real train used to come here.
“We only saw the exterior, and did not have the time to go in, but it was still a lovely moment to be there.”
Sirkeci Railway Station is within walking distance of the Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Suburban trains still call at the railway stations, with no plans to end services when the cultural attractions open in 2026.
Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world
Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.
Davos to Geneva, Switzerland
“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey
London to Paris by Eurostar
“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski
Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail
“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton
Beijing to Ulaanbatar
“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray
Earlier this year, a new sleeper train launched from the Turkish capital of Ankara.
Another new train service is set to launch in the UK next year, and it will travel to some of the country’s prettiest towns.
Horror fans go wild as ‘one of the best’ vampire thrillers lands on Netflix – 15 years after its release
HORROR film fans have been delighted to discover one of their favourite films is now available on Netflix.
The film 30 Days Of Night has now been added to Netflix, and despite the film coming out 15 years ago it’s proved a huge hit with viewers.
Starring Josh Hartnett, it focuses on a lonely Sheriff named Eben Oleson who is distressed to learn vampires are real – and they have targeted the isolated Alaskan town he has been assigned to defend in the Arctic circle.
Labelled as ‘the best vampire movie’ by fans, it’s proved to be a huge hit and is winning over new viewers thanks to its violence and gore.
Film fans have shard the news the vampire classic is now on Netflix, by posting in the Netflix Bangers Facebook group.
One film fan wrote: “This is one of the best vampire movies I’ve seen, absolutely loved it!”
Another shared: “Great movie, need to watch it again…”
“”It’s one of my favourites,” said a third.
When the movie was first released in 2007 it won rave reviews and took over $75 million (£58 million) at the box office. The film was so popular it also launched two spin off sequels, including a TV mini series.
Speaking about the release at the time, lead actor Josh Harnett told BlackFilm: “I grew up watching vampire movies and don’t think that there’s been an interesting look at the vampire genre in a long time.
“But the real reason I wanted to do the film was because of director David Slade’s vision.
“He came [to me] and laid out [his vision of] what the movie wanted to be like. And it seemed completely different from anything that I’d ever heard of before. Visceral and dark but something that’s also artistic.”
He continued: “He always wanted to use very little score, but to have the score rattling and weird. Brian Rice is an amazing composer. He’s always done art film, independent films up until now.
“David comes from the independent film world. And producer Sam Raimi has a real tongue-in-cheek approach to horror which makes this one obviously different, so if you’re going to trust anybody as far as the genre of horror goes… I think he’s read the novel from cover to cover.
“I just thought it was going to be an interesting project, and there were some great actors who came on too–Ben Foster, Danny Huston, Melissa George–all great people to work with.”
Dad forced to have 4in of penis chopped off and given 7 months to live after contracting virus ‘most people will get’
A DAD who contracted a virus “most people will get” received a shock terminal diagnosis and had to have four inches of his penis “chopped off”.
Patrick Howard, 65, was initially told it could be thrush when he noticed itching and redness on his member in April 2020.
But Patrick, who is now retired and lives with his wife Laura, 59, in Liverpool, was later diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of penile cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and given six to eight months to live.
Patrick initially joked to Laura, saying, “surely they’re not going to chop it off?”, but his consultant said a penectomy was recommended as the best course of treatment.
The dad underwent surgery to remove two-thirds – approximately four inches – of his penis.
As lumps continued to appear post-surgery, Patrick then underwent radiotherapy, followed by two types of chemotherapy, which was “horrendous”.
Thankfully, there has been no further progression of the disease over the past few months.
Patrick said more people need to be aware of penile cancer and HPV.
He told PA Real Life: “My penile cancer is caused by HPV, and most people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
“If you have HPV, it’s very unlikely you’ll get cancer, but more people need to know about the possibility.
“The HPV inoculation campaign for boys and girls needs to be much more widespread.”
NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, said: “We’re very sorry to hear about Patrick’s prognosis, but very thankful to him for speaking openly about his experience of penile cancer and his call for awareness about this form of the disease.
“In England, the HPV vaccine is offered to all children between the ages of 11-13, those up to the age of 25 who have missed their vaccination, or men who have sex with men.
“Anyone with worrying symptoms should contact their GP because detecting cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment.”
Penile cancer is very rare and mostly affects men aged over 50 years old – and roughly half of all penile cancers are caused by certain types of HPV, the NHS says.
Before being diagnosed with penile cancer, Patrick first suffered prostate cancer – which he was diagnosed with “by accident” in October 2018 after undergoing routine check-ups and blood tests.
He underwent a radical prostatectomy – the removal of the entire prostate gland – to treat the disease and then “put that behind [him]”.
‘Deeply shocked’
In April 2020, Patrick noticed his penis was itchy, red and sore, and, during a phone consultation, a nurse suggested it could be thrush – a common yeast infection which affects men and women.
He was prescribed some topical creams, but none alleviated his symptoms, so he visited his GP in September 2020.
“It was a beautiful day and I breezed in there, feeling lucky to actually see a GP in person [during the Covid-19 pandemic],” Patrick explained.
“And my GP said, ‘I hate to say it, but I think you’ve got penile cancer’.”
Patrick was shocked as he had never heard of penile cancer, and he saw a specialist on October 9, 2020 – his 61st birthday – at Clatterbridge Hospital.
He said the specialist told him that he had “an extremely rare and aggressive form of penile cancer” and, without treatment, the prognosis was “bleak” – leaving him with only six to eight months to live.
“We were shocked, deeply shocked, and he said I needed to have an operation,” Patrick explained.
“I said to Laura, my now-wife, ‘I don’t know what operation they’re going to do, but surely they’re not going to chop it off?’
“And she said, ‘Well, I hate to say this, but I think that’s exactly what they’re going to do’.”
Feeling “bewildered” about the prospect of a penectomy, Patrick was referred to The Christie, the largest single site cancer centre in Europe, where he underwent further tests and scans.
He was also told he had renal cancer, as doctors had discovered a tumour on his kidney.
He then had the procedure to surgically remove two-thirds – approximately four inches – of his penis, followed by surgery to remove some lymph nodes around his groin and pelvic area and then radiotherapy.
He said he questioned doctors over whether he would be able to urinate normally and have sex again after the penectomy – and he wants to encourage other men to be open about these “important” topics.
Gruelling treatment
Speaking about intimacy with Laura, he explained: “It’s not penetrative, but there’s a whole load of other things you can do, and there’s still a lot of pleasure and sensation.
“It’s only strengthened our strong relationship.”
Patrick and Laura got married on November 5, 2021, and the pair decided to venture on some holidays and arrange trips to see friends and family.
However, with lumps continuing to appear on his penis, it was decided that Patrick would need to undergo chemotherapy, which he said was “heavy duty” and caused side effects of hair loss, lethargy, loss of taste, “brain irritation” and short-term memory loss.
I didn’t even know penile cancer existed. All men should go and get checked and keep their partner in the loop from the beginning
Patrick Howard
He later underwent a second, new type of chemotherapy, which finished in October 2023, and since then Patrick has been managing his condition and going for regular three-monthly scans.
“Doctors said there was probably a less than 10 per cent chance that it would work, this new chemotherapy,” Patrick said.
“I think I was the second patient on it for penile cancer.”
Patrick’s most recent scan showed that his existing lumps have either shrunk or remained the same size and there has been no further progression of the disease.
In support of non-profit organisations Global Action on Men’s Health and Noman is an Island: Race to End HPV, he is campaigning for more equitable, gender-neutral HPV vaccination programmes worldwide.
Protect yourself and get checked
Patrick and Laura, who have six children between them, recently went on a road trip around Italy and Patrick said he feels “amazing” at the moment.
Although he is uncertain whether he will need further treatment, he wants to raise more awareness of penile cancer and HPV and encourage men to speak out.
He said: “I didn’t even know penile cancer existed.
“All men should go and get checked and keep their partner in the loop from the beginning – I wouldn’t have been able to get through this without Laura.
“Men are crap at talking about stuff, but definitely talk to your nearest and dearest and don’t be embarrassed.”
Laura added: “It has been so hard… but because it’s a terminal diagnosis, and the fact that it was in 2020 and he’s still here and really well, we almost feel it was all worth it because we’ve been given extra time together and had amazing adventures.”
Penile cancer and HPV
Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects around 700 mean in the UK each year.
Most penile cancers affect the skin covering the penis – known as the foreskin – or the head or tip of the penis.
The most common symptoms are:
- A growth, lump or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks
- A rash
- Bleeding from your penis or under your foreskin
- A smelly discharge
- Difficulty pulling back your foreskin
- A change in the colour of the skin of your penis or foreskin
Other symptoms of penile cancer may include:
- A lump in your groin
- Feeling tired
- Tummy pain
- Losing weight without trying
You should see a GP if you have any changes to the look of your penis, bleeding or discharge, or any other symptoms of penile cancer that aren’t going away.
What does HPV have to do with penile cancer?
Roughly half of all penile cancers are caused by high risk strains a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are different types of HPV and some affect the genital area.
You can get HPV from:
- any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
- vaginal, anal or oral sex
- sharing sex toys
Most people affected by HPV will not get penile cancer.
Penile cancer is most common in men over the age of 50. It can affect anyone with a penis.
You might also be more likely to get penile cancer if you:
- Smoke
- Have problems pulling back your foreskin to keep your penis clean (a condition called phimosis)
- Have or had treatment for psoriasis with medicines called psoralens and an ultraviolet (UVA) light source (called PUVA treatment)
- Have a weakened immune system because of a condition like HIV
Source: NHS, Cancer Research UK
Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “The HPV vaccine for boys was introduced in schools in 2019 and all pupils are now offered this vaccine in year 8 or 9.
“It not only protects young women against cervical cancer but also protects men and women against genital warts and some other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some mouth and throat cancers.
“The HPV programme, now just a single jab for most of those under 25, is one of the most successful in the world and has dramatically lowered the rates of cervical cancer and harmful infections in women and men – preventing many cancers and saving lives.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Patrick and we commend him for his efforts in raising awareness of his condition.
“Patrick’s story serves as a reminder that we need to do more to improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“As part of our 10-year plan to radically reform our broken NHS, we will fight cancer on all fronts, from prevention, to diagnosis, treatment, and research.”
For more information about Global Action on Men’s Health and Noman is an Island: Race to End HPV’s campaign, visit: nomancampaign.org and endhpvglobal.org.
Ex-Scotland rugby star Stuart Hogg convicted of five-year domestic abuse campaign against wife
DISGRACED former Scotland rugby skipper Stuart Hogg has been convicted of a five-year domestic abuse campaign against his estranged wife.
The 32-year-old rugby ace admitted the charge against Gillian Hogg on the first day of his trial today.
We told earlier how Hogg arrived at court this morning flanked by his mum Margaret and dad John.
The trial was due to last three days at Selkirk Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Peter Paterson read out the charges and Hogg, who stood in the dock wearing a navy three-piece suit, answered “yes”.
He initially faced further charges but his not guilty pleas to them were accepted by the prosecutor.
He will appear back in court next month to be sentenced.
Hogg, who now plays for French club Montpellier, donned a poppy and a black protective cover on his left hand as he turned up at court.
He had initially been due to stand trial in September but was arrested the day before the hearing after over fresh allegations and breach of bail claims.
Hogg was accused of monitoring Gillian’s communications and controlling her family life under section one of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act.
He missed an earlier court appearance last month and his lawyer told the hearing he’d been “excused”.
Hogg had initially denied all charges before today’s appearance.
More to follow…
For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Scottish Sun.
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Evil killer who dismembered landlady, 74, & hid remains before sending Christmas cards to her family is jailed for life
A HEINOUS killer dismembered his landlady and hid her remains in a storage unit for months before sending Christmas cards to her family.
Scott Paterson, 45, murdered Annette Smith at the home they shared in Fairfield, Bedfordshire, in November last year.
He then dismembered the 74-year-old’s body and hid her remains at a storage unit in nearby Letchworth.
To avoid suspicion over her disappearance, Paterson told police she had left their home with an unknown woman.
He also sent Christmas messages and Moonpig cards to her family and friends to pretend she was still alive and cover his tracks.
But concerns were raised by Annette’s family in April, four months after she had vanished, and police launched a murder probe.
During a search of her home, police found her passport, clothing and the laptop that had been used to send the Christmas messages.
Paterson was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder, before making a full admission and directing detectives to a storage unit at which he had hidden her remains.
The killer, of no fixed address, formally pleaded guilty to murder during a pre-trial hearing at Luton Crown Court on September 9.
He appeared at the same court today, where he was jailed for life.
Speaking after his guilty plea, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “Annette’s death is tragic, and deeply saddening. Our thoughts remain with her loved ones.
“Paterson’s actions to conceal his horrific crime and later mislead Annette’s family and friends with a false sense of assurance, reveals the nature of a very cold and calculated individual who has no place in our community.
“Uncovering Annette’s death has required the finest level of police work, and I would like to commend the Major Crime Unit and supporting teams on their meticulous efforts over the last five months.
“Our hope is that this swift progression towards justice, provides some level of comfort to those affected by Annette’s death.”
Love Island’s Eve and Jess Gale leave nothing to the imagination as they strip to lingerie for daring Halloween costumes
LOVE Island’s Eve and Jess Gale stripped to skimpy lingerie for a very daring Halloween night out.
The reality TV twins paired up as sexy angels – but ditched their clothes.
They posed in lace bras, thongs and suspenders, which they teamed with fluffy wings.
Fans of the pair said they looked “unbelievable” and one remarked: “Fallen from heaven”.
The pair aren’t afraid to flash the flesh and left fans drooling with their latest outfits on social media.
They also paid homage to Tomb Raider last week, dressing up as protagonist Lara Croft.
The twins, 25, found fame on Love Island four years ago as the first identical sisters to enter the villa.
The twins, both students and VIP hostesses at the time, enjoyed contrasting fortunes on the show.
Eve wound up lasting just six days while Jess made it all the way to the end bagging the fourth place spot with Ched Uzor.
These days the pair are Instagram stars posting a non-stop stream of envy-inducing snaps, with millions of devoted followers between them.
They have posed in Dubai, Santorini and Mykonos in Greece and Tulum in Mexico – posing in outfits from their various brand deals.
They have also been tipped to return to the villa – with the twins in talks to appear on a THIRD series of the dating show.
Jess said that she’d be open to appearing on the dating show again, but would prefer it to be an international version.
“I always say with UK TV shows Love Island is probably the biggest show and I’m happy to have done that,” she told The Sun.
“I think if I was to do more TV, I think it would be nice to do more in America or the idea of Netflix.
“Even in All Stars it was a bit repetitive, when you start getting people from different places and you’re in different places, with a slightly different format and cultures.
“I think that would be a bit more exiting.”
The sisters have spoken openly about undergoing cosmetic procedures like fillers and botox, but have never confirmed whether they’ve had breast implants, nose jobs or bum implants.
