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Snowfall in Istanbul: Thrilling images of city’s whiteout

Snow covers Istanbul, turning it into a stunning winter wonderland. Istanbul transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland under a blanket of snow. (Photos by Ahmet Erol; Collage by Koray Erdogan/Türkiye Today)
By Koray Erdogan
Feb 20, 2025 12:05 PM

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.

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 walking with umbrellas on Istiklal Street while the nostalgic tram operates through the snow in Taksim, Istanbul.
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.

Children playing in the snow in Istanbul, building snowmen after heavy snowfall.
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.

Snowfall in Istanbul leads to reduced flights and snow-covered Istanbul Airport.
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 walking on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul as snow falls on February 19, 2025.
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.

A view of snow-covered streets in Istanbul, with drivers facing difficult conditions due to the snowstorm.
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.

Maiden's Tower in Üsküdar, Istanbul, covered in snow on a winter day.
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.

Children and families playing in the snow in Istanbul after a heavy snowfall.
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 view of empty main roads in Istanbul with no traffic, as schools are closed.
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.

Snow blankets the Beykoz district in Istanbul after a heavy snowfall.
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 walking in Istanbul, Türkiye, during a snowfall on February 19, 2025.
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 walking in the snow in Şişli, Istanbul.
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 view of empty main roads in Istanbul with no traffic, as schools are closed.
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.

Last Updated:  Feb 20, 2025 5:31 PM