Istanbul
The god and human, nature and art are together in there, they have created such a perfect place that it is valuable to see." Lamartines famous poetic line reveals his love for Istanbul, describing the embracing of two continents, with one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe.
Istanbul, once known as the capital of capital cities, has many unique features. It is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, and the only one to have been a capital during two consecutive empires - Christian and Islamic. Once was capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural pulse of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all co-exist here.
Its variety is one of Istanbuls 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 Istanbul strait, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.
Districts
Adalar, Avcilar, Bagcilar, Bahçelievler, Bakirköy, Besiktas, Bayrampasa, Beykoz, Beyoglu, Eminönü, Eyüb, Fatih, Gaziosmanpasa, Kadiköy, Kâgithane, Kartal, Küçükçekmece, Pendik, Sariyer, Sisli, Ümraniye, Üsküdar, Zeytinburnu, Büyükçekmece, Çatalca, Silivri, Sile, Esenler, Güngören, Maltepe, Sultanbeyli, and Tuzla.
Don't Leave Without
- Seeing two of the master pieces of religious art of Istanbul, Süleymaniye Mosque and Sultanahmet Mosque,
- Visiting Hagia Sophia and Museum,
- Visiting Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Hisari,
- Having a ship voyage at Bosporus and Islands,
- Watching Istanbul panorama from Galata Tower and Pierre Loti,
- Following art and cultural activities,
- Being curious and seeing entertainment life,
- Visiting Ortaköy bazaar,
- Having a tour via phaeton in Büyükada,
- Eating fish in Bosporus, Kumkapi and çiçek bazaar, yogurt in Kanlica, and profiterole in Beyoglu,
- Buying carpet, jewelry, leather clothes in Kapaliçarsi, and Turkish delight, baklava, pastirma and deserts in Misir Bazaar,
- Shopping in Beyoglu and all mega shopping centers.
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