Istanbul
Istanbul is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.
Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city as well as its cultural and financial hub. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Istanbul's population is estimated to be between 12 and 19 million people, making it also one of the largest cities in Europe and the world.
Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, and throughout this vibrant city, you’ll find centuries-old mosques, churches and markets happily co-existing with modern restaurants, galleries and nightclubs. And plan on visiting a hamman—for about $20 your skin will be scrubbed clean. And we mean scrubbed. Your wimpy loofah has nothing on this.
Istanbul is primarily known for its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, but its buildings reflect the various peoples and empires that have previously ruled the city. Examples of Genoese and Roman architecture remain visible in Istanbul alongside their Ottoman counterparts. Nothing of the architecture of the classical Greek period has survived, but Roman architecture has proved to be more durable.
Istanbul has been a cosmopolitan city throughout much of its history, but it has become more homogenized since the end of the Ottoman Empire. Most of Turkey's religious and ethnic minorities remain concentrated in Istanbul. The vast majority of people across Turkey, and in Istanbul, consider themselves Muslim, and more specifically members of the Sunni branch of Islam.
Tourism
Istanbul is a city that wears its cultures and history well, blending them into an exciting city that has much to offer travelers from around the world. Founded during Neolithic times, Istanbul today is a modern city that remains true to its historic heritage through its mosques, basilicas and cathedrals, and ancient bazaars. Standing between the East and the West, Turkey’s largest city offers an aura of intrigue and charm that will appeal to all visitors. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Istanbul:
Sights in Istanbul
Grand Bazaar
If you fall into the category of tourists who catalog attractions as must see,then you will definitely have the Grand Bazaar on your list of must see things.Travelers who love to shop shouldn’t miss out on a visit to the Grand Bazaar, with 5,000 shops making it one of the largest indoor marketplaces in the world.The shops on the street and aveues outside the Grand bazaar had fresh air,sunshine,and a much better atmosphere.The shop assistants were friendly without being pushy and having the "here comes another gullible tourist gleam"in their eyes as we saw in the Grand bazaar.Also the ventilation is not good,so smells stale,and gets hot.This massive covered market is basically the world's first shopping mall; it takes up a whole city quarter, surrounded by thick walls, between the Nure Osmaniye Mosque and Beyazit Mosque.
Entrance is through one of 11 gates from where a maze of vaulted-ceiling lane-ways, lined by shops and stalls, cover the area. The various trades are still mostly segregated into particular sections, which makes browsing easier.
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet I's grand architectural gift to his capital was this beautiful mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque today. Built between 1609 and 1616, the mosque caused a furore throughout the Muslim world when it was finished as it had six minarets (the same number as the Great Mosque of Mecca).The Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century, remains an active house of worship today. This means visitors need to time their visits carefully, as the mosque is closed to sightseers during the five daily prayer times for Muslims.
All visitors must remove their shoes and women must cover their hair. This is a small price to pay for seeing its priceless treasures that include 20,000 ceramic tiles in various tulip designs and 200 stained glass windows, all with intricate designs. It's a bit hassle at the entrance where you have to put your shoes in a plastic bag, but thereafter you just enjoy the beauty of the building. Please be aware that shorts are not permitted.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's most surprising tourist attractions.Yerebatan Saray means underground palace. It is a huge underground cistern
The Basilica Cistern has been providing Istanbul residents with water since the sixth century when it was ordered built by the Roman Emperor Justinian I.
This sight is also in the Sultan Ahmet area. For some reason many tourists don't visit the Yerebatan Saray. Perhaps they have not heard of it, don't notice it or think it won't be all that interesting. Personally I rather liked it. It's certainly something different.
This underground cistern is approximately 453 feet by 212 feet, making it about 105,000 square feet in area. It is capable of holding 2,800,000 cubic feet of water. The ceiling of the cistern is supported by 336 marble columns, arranged in twelve rows of twenty-eight columns. Some of these columns are carved with tears. This is said to be in memory of the slaves who died building the cistern. Two of the most famous columns in the cistern are carved with the head of the Medusa. One is placed sideways, one upside down, perhaps in the hope she does not turn any visitors brave enough to look at her into stone.
The water that used to fill the cistern came from the Belgrade Forest. This is about twelve miles north of Istanbul. The water travelled to the cistern through the Valens Aqueduct, and the Maglova Aqueduct, which were built by the Emperor Justinian. Parts of these aquaducts can still be seen today.
The most famous of these are the column bases known as the Medusa stones in the northwest corner with their Medusa head carvings. A visit here is very atmospheric with the columns beautifully lit and the soft steady trickle of water all around you.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the must-see attractions in Istanbul. he Topkapi Palace is surrounded by five kilometers (3.1 miles) of stone wall with 27 towers. he vast complex is a dazzling display of Islamic art with opulent courtyards, lined with intricate hand-painted tile-work, linking a warren of sumptuously decorated rooms, all bounded by battlement walls and tower.
The Topkapi Palace is a huge building, partly open to the public. The area takes up 700.000 square meters.
The construction started in 1460 and was finalised in 1478. It has been the residence for all Ottoman Sultans. Of the many highlights here the most popular are: the Harem (where the sultan's many concubines and children would while away their days); the Second Court where you can walk through the vast Palace Kitchens and stand in awe at the dazzling interior of the Imperial Council Chamber; and the Third Court (which contained the sultan's private rooms) which displays an impressive collection of relics of the Prophet Muhammad in the Sacred Safekeeping Room, and is home to the Imperial Treasury where you're greeted with a cache of glittering gold objects and precious gems that will make your eyes water. To fully see Topkapi Palace, you'll need at least half a day.
Hagia Sophia
It is an absolutely incredible place, but for history lovers it is something really special. We had spent a lot of time researching historical stuff before we went there, but when you go knowing the details it takes your perception to the whole new level. I strongly recommend everyone, who is going to visit this place to read a little bit before. Actually this is an absolutely unique place in the worlds culture, religion and history.
The Hagia Sophia was once a house of worship that served several religions well over the centuries. It started out as a Greek Eastern Orthodox basilica that was home to the Patriarch of Constantinople when it was built in 537.It is most famous for its mosaics depicting various religious scenes.
Dolmabahce Palace
Luxurious, plush and beautiful are just some of the adjectives used to describe the Dolmabahce Palace, which has been compared to the Palace of Versailles.Until the 17th century this area where Dolmabahce Palace stands today was a natural harbour providing anchorage for the Ottoman fleet and for traditional naval ceremonies.
The new Palace was built by an American Architect so that it resembled a European style. It was completed in 1856. LUXURIOUS it is, has 46 reception rooms & galleries, an extreme amount of gold and crystal, and a 41/2 ton chandelier, just to name a few of the extravagances.
The main features are its gates, Waterfront facade, Ceremonial Hall, Harem, State Rooms, Ataturk rooms, Crystal staircase, Sultan's bathrooms, Clock Tower and Gardens.
It is just beautiful, and probably my favorite destination in Istanbul.
Climate
Winter is colder in Istanbul than in most other cities around the Mediterranean Basin, with low temperatures averaging 1–4 °C (34–39 °F). Lake-effect snow from the Black Sea is common, although difficult to forecast, with the potential to be heavy and—as with the fog—disruptive to the city's infrastructure.Spring and autumn are mild, but often wet and unpredictable; chilly winds from the northwest and warm gusts from the south—sometimes in the same day—tend to cause fluctuations in temperature. Overall, Istanbul has an annual average of 130 days with significant precipitation, which amounts to 810 millimeters (31.9 in) per year.The highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded in the city center on the Marmara coast are 40.5 °C (105 °F) and -16.1 °C (3 °F). The greatest rainfall recorded in a day is 227 millimeters (8.9 in), and the highest recorded snow cover is 80 centimet.
Transport
As Istanbul is easily accessible from different cities across the world, tourists do not have to ponder over how to reach Istanbul. The national carrier of the country is Turkish Airlines that offers several flights to Istanbul. Majority of the flights from major cities are directly connected to two airports of Istanbul, namely Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The passenger flights mainly land at the Ataturk Airport, while the Sabiha Gokcen Airport caters to chartered flights. To commute to the city from airport there are various options available like metro, tram, airport bus, city bus, taxi, shuttle van and private transfer. Tourists taking indirect flights can reach Istanbul via Ankara, which is the capital of Turkey. There are various trains and bus services operating from Ankara, besides the domestic flights offered by Turkish Airlines. Indian tourists wondering how to reach Istanbul can reach the city by air. Terminal B of the Ataturk Airport receives flights from India. Almost all the cities including the metropolitans in India are connected to Istanbul by flights.
Istanbul is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.
Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city as well as its cultural and financial hub. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Istanbul's population is estimated to be between 12 and 19 million people, making it also one of the largest cities in Europe and the world.
Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, and throughout this vibrant city, you’ll find centuries-old mosques, churches and markets happily co-existing with modern restaurants, galleries and nightclubs. And plan on visiting a hamman—for about $20 your skin will be scrubbed clean. And we mean scrubbed. Your wimpy loofah has nothing on this.
Istanbul is primarily known for its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, but its buildings reflect the various peoples and empires that have previously ruled the city. Examples of Genoese and Roman architecture remain visible in Istanbul alongside their Ottoman counterparts. Nothing of the architecture of the classical Greek period has survived, but Roman architecture has proved to be more durable.
Istanbul has been a cosmopolitan city throughout much of its history, but it has become more homogenized since the end of the Ottoman Empire. Most of Turkey's religious and ethnic minorities remain concentrated in Istanbul. The vast majority of people across Turkey, and in Istanbul, consider themselves Muslim, and more specifically members of the Sunni branch of Islam.
Tourism
Istanbul is a city that wears its cultures and history well, blending them into an exciting city that has much to offer travelers from around the world. Founded during Neolithic times, Istanbul today is a modern city that remains true to its historic heritage through its mosques, basilicas and cathedrals, and ancient bazaars. Standing between the East and the West, Turkey’s largest city offers an aura of intrigue and charm that will appeal to all visitors. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Istanbul:
Sights in Istanbul
Grand Bazaar
If you fall into the category of tourists who catalog attractions as must see,then you will definitely have the Grand Bazaar on your list of must see things.Travelers who love to shop shouldn’t miss out on a visit to the Grand Bazaar, with 5,000 shops making it one of the largest indoor marketplaces in the world.The shops on the street and aveues outside the Grand bazaar had fresh air,sunshine,and a much better atmosphere.The shop assistants were friendly without being pushy and having the "here comes another gullible tourist gleam"in their eyes as we saw in the Grand bazaar.Also the ventilation is not good,so smells stale,and gets hot.This massive covered market is basically the world's first shopping mall; it takes up a whole city quarter, surrounded by thick walls, between the Nure Osmaniye Mosque and Beyazit Mosque.
Entrance is through one of 11 gates from where a maze of vaulted-ceiling lane-ways, lined by shops and stalls, cover the area. The various trades are still mostly segregated into particular sections, which makes browsing easier.
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet I's grand architectural gift to his capital was this beautiful mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque today. Built between 1609 and 1616, the mosque caused a furore throughout the Muslim world when it was finished as it had six minarets (the same number as the Great Mosque of Mecca).The Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century, remains an active house of worship today. This means visitors need to time their visits carefully, as the mosque is closed to sightseers during the five daily prayer times for Muslims.
All visitors must remove their shoes and women must cover their hair. This is a small price to pay for seeing its priceless treasures that include 20,000 ceramic tiles in various tulip designs and 200 stained glass windows, all with intricate designs. It's a bit hassle at the entrance where you have to put your shoes in a plastic bag, but thereafter you just enjoy the beauty of the building. Please be aware that shorts are not permitted.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's most surprising tourist attractions.Yerebatan Saray means underground palace. It is a huge underground cistern
The Basilica Cistern has been providing Istanbul residents with water since the sixth century when it was ordered built by the Roman Emperor Justinian I.
This sight is also in the Sultan Ahmet area. For some reason many tourists don't visit the Yerebatan Saray. Perhaps they have not heard of it, don't notice it or think it won't be all that interesting. Personally I rather liked it. It's certainly something different.
This underground cistern is approximately 453 feet by 212 feet, making it about 105,000 square feet in area. It is capable of holding 2,800,000 cubic feet of water. The ceiling of the cistern is supported by 336 marble columns, arranged in twelve rows of twenty-eight columns. Some of these columns are carved with tears. This is said to be in memory of the slaves who died building the cistern. Two of the most famous columns in the cistern are carved with the head of the Medusa. One is placed sideways, one upside down, perhaps in the hope she does not turn any visitors brave enough to look at her into stone.
The water that used to fill the cistern came from the Belgrade Forest. This is about twelve miles north of Istanbul. The water travelled to the cistern through the Valens Aqueduct, and the Maglova Aqueduct, which were built by the Emperor Justinian. Parts of these aquaducts can still be seen today.
The most famous of these are the column bases known as the Medusa stones in the northwest corner with their Medusa head carvings. A visit here is very atmospheric with the columns beautifully lit and the soft steady trickle of water all around you.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the must-see attractions in Istanbul. he Topkapi Palace is surrounded by five kilometers (3.1 miles) of stone wall with 27 towers. he vast complex is a dazzling display of Islamic art with opulent courtyards, lined with intricate hand-painted tile-work, linking a warren of sumptuously decorated rooms, all bounded by battlement walls and tower.
The Topkapi Palace is a huge building, partly open to the public. The area takes up 700.000 square meters.
The construction started in 1460 and was finalised in 1478. It has been the residence for all Ottoman Sultans. Of the many highlights here the most popular are: the Harem (where the sultan's many concubines and children would while away their days); the Second Court where you can walk through the vast Palace Kitchens and stand in awe at the dazzling interior of the Imperial Council Chamber; and the Third Court (which contained the sultan's private rooms) which displays an impressive collection of relics of the Prophet Muhammad in the Sacred Safekeeping Room, and is home to the Imperial Treasury where you're greeted with a cache of glittering gold objects and precious gems that will make your eyes water. To fully see Topkapi Palace, you'll need at least half a day.
Hagia Sophia
It is an absolutely incredible place, but for history lovers it is something really special. We had spent a lot of time researching historical stuff before we went there, but when you go knowing the details it takes your perception to the whole new level. I strongly recommend everyone, who is going to visit this place to read a little bit before. Actually this is an absolutely unique place in the worlds culture, religion and history.
The Hagia Sophia was once a house of worship that served several religions well over the centuries. It started out as a Greek Eastern Orthodox basilica that was home to the Patriarch of Constantinople when it was built in 537.It is most famous for its mosaics depicting various religious scenes.
Dolmabahce Palace
Luxurious, plush and beautiful are just some of the adjectives used to describe the Dolmabahce Palace, which has been compared to the Palace of Versailles.Until the 17th century this area where Dolmabahce Palace stands today was a natural harbour providing anchorage for the Ottoman fleet and for traditional naval ceremonies.
The new Palace was built by an American Architect so that it resembled a European style. It was completed in 1856. LUXURIOUS it is, has 46 reception rooms & galleries, an extreme amount of gold and crystal, and a 41/2 ton chandelier, just to name a few of the extravagances.
The main features are its gates, Waterfront facade, Ceremonial Hall, Harem, State Rooms, Ataturk rooms, Crystal staircase, Sultan's bathrooms, Clock Tower and Gardens.
It is just beautiful, and probably my favorite destination in Istanbul.
Climate
Winter is colder in Istanbul than in most other cities around the Mediterranean Basin, with low temperatures averaging 1–4 °C (34–39 °F). Lake-effect snow from the Black Sea is common, although difficult to forecast, with the potential to be heavy and—as with the fog—disruptive to the city's infrastructure.Spring and autumn are mild, but often wet and unpredictable; chilly winds from the northwest and warm gusts from the south—sometimes in the same day—tend to cause fluctuations in temperature. Overall, Istanbul has an annual average of 130 days with significant precipitation, which amounts to 810 millimeters (31.9 in) per year.The highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded in the city center on the Marmara coast are 40.5 °C (105 °F) and -16.1 °C (3 °F). The greatest rainfall recorded in a day is 227 millimeters (8.9 in), and the highest recorded snow cover is 80 centimet.
Transport
As Istanbul is easily accessible from different cities across the world, tourists do not have to ponder over how to reach Istanbul. The national carrier of the country is Turkish Airlines that offers several flights to Istanbul. Majority of the flights from major cities are directly connected to two airports of Istanbul, namely Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The passenger flights mainly land at the Ataturk Airport, while the Sabiha Gokcen Airport caters to chartered flights. To commute to the city from airport there are various options available like metro, tram, airport bus, city bus, taxi, shuttle van and private transfer. Tourists taking indirect flights can reach Istanbul via Ankara, which is the capital of Turkey. There are various trains and bus services operating from Ankara, besides the domestic flights offered by Turkish Airlines. Indian tourists wondering how to reach Istanbul can reach the city by air. Terminal B of the Ataturk Airport receives flights from India. Almost all the cities including the metropolitans in India are connected to Istanbul by flights.
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