Istanbul's century-old streetcar receives a makeover

In Istanbul, the new battery-powered trams, from their wooden floor to their reversible seats, stay faithful to the look of their predecessors. Photo: AFP

Istanbul's emblematic red and white trams, built over 100 years ago and loved by both locals and tourists, are about to give way to a more modern streetcar.

The tramway has become a symbol of Istanbul's most popular shopping street, Istiklal Avenue, which runs for 1.4km (0.9 miles) on the European side of the city.