Istanbul's famous pedestrian street wooing lovers on Valentine's Day

Istiklal Avenue, a well-known pedestrian street in Istanbul, made efforts on Tuesday to draw couples and lovers for the annual Valentine's Day, known as lovers's day in Turkey.

A giant heart-shaped platform, set up at the entrance to the avenue lined with shops and malls, became a hot spot for lovers to take romantic pictures inside despite freezing cold outside.

Meanwhile, shops on both sides are featuring love-themed decorations, love songs are playing, and romance novels on display in shop windows.

Discounts and special offers are ready for lovers looking for distinct gifts, with some shops offering up to 70 percent off throughout the week while some brands presenting "buy one, get one free" deals.

Red roses are still the top choice of those clueless lovers.

Istiklal Avenue was not spared from a spate of deadly terror attacks that hit Istanbul over the past year, as it was targeted by a suicide bomber in March last year and saw four foreigners killed.

The lingering threat of terrorism and concurring political uncertainty have brought down business in the street and other touristic attractions in the city. Endit