Istanbul is the only metropolis to straddle two continents and also the mix of civilizations here, both present and historical, makes Istanbul a unique and fascinating location.
There’s been a settlement of kind banks of this Bospheros in which Europe and Asia meet since olden days. Around 660 BC, Greeks from Megara settled the area that would become Istanbul. Their leader, King Byzas, lent his name to the city, which was called Byzantium.
The city was later known as Constantinople and then as Istanbul. Yet the number of names it has carried is far fewer than the number of empires that used it as their capital. A Greek town, a Roman town and capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.
The city first succeeded the Eastern Roman Empire. It was briefly ruled by the Latin Empire. It then returned to the Byzantines before becoming the center of the Ottoman Empire. The Republic of Turkey chose Ankara as the capital to break from its Ottoman past. Even so, Istanbul continues to be Turkey’s cultural and commercial hub. It is also widely considered the country’s most impressive city.
Places to Visit in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Some favour the Blue Mosque. Others prefer the Hagia Sophia. Both are magnificent and make a visit to Istanbul worthwhile.
The Hagia Sophia is now a museum while the Blue Mosque is currently in everyday use as a Mosque. The Hagia Sophia allows for a longer visit. It also has much more to offer a tourist compared to the Blue Mosque.
The Hagia Sophia was a church from 360, a Byzantine cathedral, and a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire from 1204 to 1261.
The Hagia Sophia became a mosque town converts to Islam after the siege and fall of Constantinople and the start of the Ottoman era. It was Kemal Ataturk himself that had the Mosque converted into a museum in 1935, and a lot of the original characteristics and decorations place on display again.
Nowadays it’s possible to see the first Christian frescoes and mosaics in addition to harm from the pillage of the city in 1453. As a museum, it mostly monitors the building’s history employing the decorations on building and show work from other eras.
The Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque to give it its real name built this gorgeous structure between 1609 and 1616; when it’s many similarities to the Hagia.Sophia that is because it was created using Byzantine influences and affects directly from the much old Hagia Sophia mosque that it faces in addition to components of Ottoman building layout.
You’ll want to visit the mosque both during the day, when sunlight highlights its colors and intricate details, and at night, when its lighting makes it appear even more imposing and impressive.
Tourists can go to the inside of the Mosque but have to dress appropriately and may then see at particular times; you’re going to encounter the courtyard first. Where you can view more of the outside layout before going inside and throughout the primary prayer area of the Mosque, decorations have been at a traditional Ottoman style. The central dome rises above you painted with the most vivid detail. Visit Southwest Airlines Reservations and get the most suitable tour packages with cheap flight fares to Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is an intriguing structure in the architectural standpoint, but it’s the contents which are possibly most intriguing. The stores here provide a vast assortment of products, both brand new and second hand.
There are several stalls selling tourist souvenirs, but many sells to the men and women that reside in town and products include antiques, jewellery, clothing, and the products of several fantastic Artisans. All of these and much more accessible from the 3,000 stores online the 61 inner paths if you believe this impressively sized shopping centre then considered this covered market constructs back in 1455-1456.
Topkapi Palace
For the Majority of the reign of the Ottoman sultans, they had established from Istanbul Topkapi Palace. To give you some notion of how big this complicated at the same stage 4,000 people dwelt the principal palace locates around four courtyards, and you will find lots of smaller buildings spread around the palace complex.
Open to tourists, you can explore most of the enormous buildings and areas that once housed the Mint, the Imperial Treasury, and a significant Imperial Armoury, all containing numerous artifacts from the Ottoman period.
A selection of various gardens and the patio overlooking the Bosphorus and nearly every other portion of the palace such as rooms for state events and living quarters, all nicely maintained.
The Galata Tower
The medieval Galata Tower, built in 1348 by Genoese traders living in the town, has become a famous landmark and a fantastic spot to enjoy this historic part of Istanbul. However, the area around the tower includes a far more European feel than much of the remaining old city.
The tower is a total of nine tales, but considerably higher than the buildings high point too. In the restaurant and café on the top floors, you can enjoy the view taking in a lot of the Bosphorus while getting some dinner or lunch.
Bosphorus Cruise
Even a Bosphorus cruise will allow you to skirt between Europe and Asia and take in the vista of their European and Asian town, websites visible from the river comprise the Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower and other palaces and parks.
Continue a little farther and you’ll come across the grand villas of wealthy Turks. Many of them date back to the Ottoman era and line the coast, nestled among parks and woodlands. On the Bosphorus, you’ll encounter fishing boats, tankers, and many other kinds of ships. The waterway is always busy. It feels like a living, breathing part of the city rather than just a channel running through it.
There’s far more to see and do in Istanbul. Walking between these sites whenever possible gives you the chance to experience the town more fully. Along the way, you’ll discover charming streets and find shops, restaurants, and cafés that showcase Istanbul’s unique character.
