Located in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world's great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent

scenic beauties. It is the only city in the world which spreads over two continents: it lies at a point where Asia and Europe are

separated by a narrow strait - the Bosphorus.

THE BOSPHORUSTHE BOSPHORUS

“The god and human, nature and art are together in there, they have created such a perfect place that it is valuable to see." Lamartine’s famous poetic line reveals his love for İstanbul

Istanbul has a history of over 2,500 years, and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas, the city has been a crucial trade center.

It has been the capital of three great empires,

the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires,

and for more than 1,600 years over 120 emperors

and sultans ruled the world from here.

No other city in the world can claim such a

distinction.

As a capital of empires, the city was not only an administrative, but also a religious center. The Patriarchate of Eastern Christians has been headquartered here since its establishment, and the largest early churches and monasteries of the Christian world rose in this city on top of the pagan temples. Within a century after the city was conquered, it was enriched with mosques, palaces, schools, baths and other architectural monuments that gave it a Turkish character, while some of the existing churches in ruins were repaired, altered and converted into mosques.

The seas and the lands created, with a great harmony, the geography of Istanbul like a work in lace, which divides naturally into four regions: the old town and Galata on the opposite

shores of the Golden Horn, and the two sides of the Bosphorus. What used to be small individual villages on the Bosphorus are now united to form a whole.

Its variety is one of İstanbul’s greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life and entertainment. And the serene beauty of the İstanbul strait, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.

A stay in İstanbul is not complete without a traditional and unforgettable boat excursion up the İstanbul Strait, that winding strait that separates Europe and Asia. Its shores offer a delightful mixture of past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty. Modern hotels stand next to “yalı” (shore-front wooden villas), marble palaces abut rustic stone fortresses, and elegant compounds neighbor small fishing villages.

Museums and Ancient Cities

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Museum : Ayasofya was built, for nearly a thousand years ago, is the largest enclosed space in the world, and still seen as one of the world’s most important architectural monuments. It is one of Turkey’s most popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size, architecture, mosaics and art. It used to be a church for 916 years, then a mosque for 481 years, and since 1935 has been a museum.

İstanbul St. Irene : This ranks as the first church built in İstanbul . It was commissioned by Constantine in the 4th century, and Justinian later had it restored. The building reputedly stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple.

Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Cistern) : Nearby Aya Sofia is the 6th century Byzantine underground Basilica cistern, with 335 massive Corinthian columns supporting the immense chamber’s fine brick vaulting. This is one of several buried into the city’s foundations, and the first to have been excavated and renovated. Thought to have been built in the 4th century by the emperor Constantine, then enlarged two centuries later, it was supplied with water from Belgrade Forest, and supplied it to the Great Palace and Topkapi Palace.

Istanbul Archaeology Museum

Religious Monuments

THE BLUE MOSQUE

Palaces, Pavillions

It is located on the promontory of the historical peninsula in İstanbul which overlooks both the Marmara Sea and the İstanbul strait. The walls enclosing the palace grounds, the main gate on the land side and the first buildings were constructed during the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (the Conqueror) (1451 - 81). Topkapı Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans.

Topkapı Palace Museum

Dolmabahce Palace

Ramparts

The Rumeli Fortress

Bedestens

Shopping in Istanbul is often a big part of any visit, and the city’s famous historical bazaars offer a wonderful insight into city life. Whether shopping for carpets, spices, vegetables or clothes, the process of making your purchase is likely to be enhanced by the atmosphere of wandering through the crowded stalls - and of course haggling. As usual when bargaining with persuasive shop owners, have an idea of a good price before you start.

Towers

Maiden’s Tower

Considered to be a symbol of Istanbul, this tiny tower was established on a small island at the entrance of the Bosphorus. In the past, it was used as a watchtower and a lighthouse, until its present purpose of a tourist attraction. Western sources describe this as Leander’s Tower, who was drowned while swimming, to reach his lover Hera. Another story suggests that it was a tower where an emperor’s daughter put her in there for security, having dreamt that she would be bitten by a snake.

Galata Tower

The tower was built by the Genoese in 1348, during their occupation of the area, primarily to prevent attacks. Originally known as the Tower of Christ, it stood above the fortification surrounding the Genoese city-state. There is a spiral rock staircase which ascends to the top viewing platform, which today offers visitors spectacular 360 degree panorama of the entire city. The tower was restored in 1967, and an elevator was installed to offer a less tiring alternative to the steep climb. There is also a restaurant on the top floor.

HAYDARPASA, A Historical Train Station

SOME PHOTOS OF ISTANBUL

Istiklal Street for Shopping

Prince Islands

For more information:http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN,33048/istanbul.html

http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/