A consumers' nongovernmental organization (NGO) announced a number of complaints have been directed toward taxi drivers who are allegedly preferring moneyed tourists instead of locals in Istanbul's historic Fatih district.

The district houses several landmarks including the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, which are visited by millions of foreign tourists every year.

Another complaint is drivers rejecting passengers requesting short distance trips. Mehmet Bülent Deniz, the head of the Federation of Consumers' Union, said complaints have escalated recently and urged the authorities to take measures in response. "Taxi services are regulated by law and drivers are obliged to serve all customers equally. However, as peak tourism season nears, we receive complaints that drivers in the historic peninsula [the area where the landmarks are located] refuse rides to locals. This is a crime under the laws that stipulate drivers cannot reject service to a customer. Unless they have a reasonable excuse, they cannot turn the passenger down," he said. Deniz added drivers rejecting locals were subject to fines by municipal police.

Yahya Uğur, the head of a taxi drivers' association, said they also received complaints about drivers discriminating against customers. He said most of those were unregistered drivers working illegally, and urged the public to take note of the license plates of those taxis and report them.

Taking a taxi in Istanbul is the easiest way to get around and the most comfortable means of transportation, as buses, minibuses and trams are often packed during most times of the day. However, taxis may sometimes prove troubling for both locals and foreigners, especially when drivers overcharge passengers on short-distance trips.