Just in time for the winter break: Istanbul gets coat of snow

People enjoy their time at Çamlıca Hill during a snowy day in Istanbul, Turkey, Jan. 22, 2022.

Just in time for the winter break for most of Turkey's students a cold spell took over the country.

And finally, the long-awaited snow hit the mega city Istanbul, covering the metropolis in a blanket of white.

Children especially had a field day with the snow, in some districts more than others.

But with the snow came disruptions in traffic, causing accidents and jams all around the city.

As much as we humans might enjoy the cold white snow, the animals have their own take, with the gendarmerie units giving out food for street animals.

Higher altitude districts of the 16-million megapolis received heavy snowfall beginning Friday night.

Istanbulites mainly heeded weeklong calls by the authorities to avoid going out unless necessary, with streets largely occupied by residents who wanted to enjoy the snow.

One major positive from the snow is the additions it makes to the water reserves in the city.

Once the snow starts to melt, it will contribute to the dams.

But even now the capacity levels have increased from 41% late last year to reach 53.4% as of Jan. 22.

People enjoy their time at Çamlıca Hill during a snowy day in Istanbul, Jan. 22, 2022.

A view from Çamlıca Hill during a snowy day in Istanbul, Jan. 22, 2022.

An aerial view of Belgrade Forest and its surroundings during a snowy day in Istanbul, Jan. 22, 2022.

An aerial view of Belgrade Forest and its surroundings during a snowy day in Istanbul, Jan. 22, 2022.

An aerial view of Belgrade Forest and its surroundings during a snowy day in Istanbul, Jan. 22, 2022.

A woman is seen near Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Jan. 23, 2022.

A dog is seen at Sultanahmet Square after snowfall in Istanbul, Jan. 23, 2022.

An aerial view of a car moving through snow-covered trees during a snowy day in the Polonezkoy district of Istanbul, Jan. 22, 2022.

An aerial view of snow-covered trees during a snowy day in the Polonezkoy district of Istanbul, Jan. 22, 2022.

A man makes a snowman at Sultanahmet Square after snowfall in Istanbul, Jan. 23, 2022.

People fishing on Galata Bridge during the winter season in Istanbul, Jan. 23, 2022.

A view of Sultanahmet Square after snowfall in Istanbul, Jan. 23, 2022.

People are seen near Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Jan. 23, 2022.

A woman is seen near Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Jan. 23, 2022.