ISTANBUL -- This week Istanbul saw a record amount of snow -- the most that residents here have seen in nearly 10 years and the largest snowfall of the winter. The conditions caused schools and stores to shut down, and forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights.

It snowed in the city for more than two days. Plows and salt-distributing vehicles did not make it out onto the streets for nearly 24 hours, but residents still traveled outside. Because the streets had not been cleared, those who braved the weather were at times forced to crawl up stairs, and slide down hills on their backs. Despite the harsh conditions, people still found ways to have fun.

The snow began to melt Thursday, causing massive flooding in supermarkets and basement apartments. The weather in Istanbul is supposed to climb back up into the 50s next week.

Istanbul snowstorm
Istanbul experienced the largest snowstorm in nearly ten years Erin Banco
Istanbul snowstorm
Istanbul was covered in snow this week, canceling flights and forcing tourists to stay inside Erin Banco
Istanbul snowstorm
Istanbul's massive snowstorm caused major traffic delays and congestion on pedestrian walkways. Erin Banco
Istanbul snowstorm
Travelers in Istanbul sludge through the snow on one of the main streets in the city. Erin Banco
Istanbul snowstorm
Istanbul's snowstorm caused local shops to shut down. Erin Banco
Istanbul snowstorm
Local Istanbul residents engaged in snow ball fights after the storm. Erin Banco
Istanbul snowstorm
Some Istanbul children had a day off school. Erin Banco
Istanbul snowstorm
Cars in Istanbul were buried under the snow for more than two days. Erin Banco
Winter