I like to hear more about this train. Shady figures, unsafe and tourists become target of theft, etc. etc.

put it into Google and read reviews, Waseem.

Like to hear more personal insights of those who took the Sirkeci train along the Marmara to Yedikule and beyond during the day time.

I think I've been in that train.. at least I took a train a few times from sirkeci.. I always wonder why people worry so much about these things. Istanbul is a city just like any other city. I don't believe it is more or less dangerous than being in a train in Amsterdam. (Or in a subway for that matter, and in any other city). Just don't take these trains at 12 midnight without being with someone else. I wouldn't do that in Amsterdam either..

I always think it's interesting to see that people get really worried because of what they read in the newspapers etc. If I have to behave according to what is happening in everyday life here in Amsterdam I might as well lock myself up in my bedroom and never go out again..

if you mean the Banyilo train ,I use it quite often from Bakirkoy to SultanAhmet.Its very old and sometimes its a very bumpy ride. During the day it seems safe to use it, and some guys get on at different stations and try to flog you gadgety things . I also watch the kids jumping onto the train and hanging on until the end of the station track,crazy kids,but like this everyhere, a bit like the game chicken in England, where kids try to walk across the busy motorway.I wouldn't use it at night though, but only because I tend to travel alone, if I had a hunky turkish guy to protect me on the train ,I would use it at night also

I know it's a late answer but I have taken this train and I must admit I did feel a little uncomfortable and not very safe. That said, there really is no reason to take it and the bus (especially the new metro bus) and tram is probably faster anyway.

Carl

What made you uncomfortable, Carl, pls. elaborate, interested to hear about your pers. experience

"SİRKECİ TRAIN STATION", SİRKECİ, İSTANBUL, TÃœRKİYE=

You can go to some local districts of İstanbul (Yenikapı,Aksaray, Yedikule, Yenimahalle, Osmaniye (Veliefendi Horse Race hippodrome), Bakırköy, Yeşilköy, etc) and Europe Countries (Germany) by train from local and international "Sirkeci Train Station".
Sirkeci Train Station is near "Eminönü" and "Sirkeci", under "Gülhane Parkı", by the sea.

"HAYDARPAŞA TRAIN STATION, HAYDARPAŞA, İSTANBUL =
You can pass to "HAYDARPAŞA" by steamship from "KARAKÖY" near Eminönü, after Galata Bridge.
And you can go to some local villages and cities (Gebze, Tuzla, Dilovası, Hereke, Yarımca, Tütünçiftlik, Derince, İzmit, Kocaeli, Adapazarı and other far Turkish cities (Bandırma, Balıkesir, İzmir, Ankara, Elazığ, Ağrı, Kars etc) by train from "Haydarpaşa Train Station", near "Ãœsküdar" and "Kadıköy", by the sea.

"BASMANE TRAIN STATION, BASMANE, İZMİR =
You can pass to "BASMANE" by steamship and bus/taxi from "Konak, Karşıyaka, Alsancak, Bornova, City Bus station, etc".
And you can go to some local villages and cities (Manisa, Aydın, Denizli)and other far Turkish cities (Balıkesir, Eskişehir, Ankara, Sivas, Elazığ, Ağrı, Kars) by train from "Basmane Train Station".

"ANKARA TRAIN STATION, ANKARA =
You can pass to "ANKARA TRAIN STATION" by bus/taxi from "Ulus, Kızılay, Çankaya, Bahçelievler, etc".
And you can go to some local villages and cities (Eskişehir, Balıkesir, İzmir, Konya, Adana, mersin, Elazığ, Sivas, Ağrı, Kars) by train from "Ankara Train Station".