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İSTANBUL
Istanbul
(Turkish: İstanbul) is Turkey's most
populous city, and its cultural and financial center. Located on both
sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea
and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and
Europe both literally and figuratively. Istanbul's
population is variously estimated between 12 and 19 million people,
making it also one of the largest cities in Europe.Founded by Constantine the Great in
324 CE on the site of ancient Byzantium (going back to 650 BC), Istanbul
was the capital, successively, of the Eastern Roman Empire (324-476),
the Byzantine Empire (476-1453) and the Ottoman Empire (1453-1922) -
this almost unrivalled heritage, as well as its dynamic modern existence,
makes Istanbul a fantastic destination for many travellers.
History
Expanding the ancient Greek colony
of Byzantium by the order of the Roman Emperor Constantine the
Great, the imperial city of Constantinople was for nearly a
thousand years the last remaining outpost of the Roman (later termed
Eastern Roman or Byzantine) Empire before finally falling to the Ottoman
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in May 29th, 1453, an event often taken to
mark the end of the Middle Age. It was the nerve center for military
campaigns that were to enlarge the Ottoman Empire dramatically. By the
mid 1500's, Istanbul, with a population of almost half a million, was a
major cultural, political, and commercial center. Ottoman rule continued
until it was defeated in WWI and Istanbul was occupied by the allies.
When the Republic of Turkey was born in 1923 after the War of
Independence, Kemal Ataturk moved the capital to the city of Ankara. But
Istanbul has continued to expand dramatically; today its population is
approximately 13 million and increases at an estimated 700,000
immigrants per year. Industry has expanded even as tourism has grown. It
continues to be a city that creates its own history at the intersection
where both Continents meet.
Orientation
Istanbul
is divided in three by the north-south Bosphorus Strait (Istanbul
Bogazi), the dividing line between Europe and Asia, the estuary of the
Golden Horn (Haliç) bisecting the western part and the
Sea of Marmara (Marmara Denizi) forming a boundary to the
south. Most sights are concentrated in the old city on the peninsula of
Sultanahmet, to the west of the Bosphorus between the Horn and
the Sea. Across the Horn to the north are Galata, Beyoğlu
and Taksim, the heart of modern Istanbul, while Üsküdar is
the major district on the comparatively less-visited Anatolian side of
the city. The Black Sea forms the northern boundary of Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
(Aya Sofya), Sultanahmet Square (by tram: Sultanahmet), 0212
5221750. Tu-Su 9:00AM-7:30PM. Dating from the sixth century, originally
a basilica constructed for the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. A masterwork
of Byzantine engineering, the huge 30 m diameter dome covers what was
for over 1000 years the largest enclosed space in the world. The
basilica was looted in 1204 during the fourth Crusade, and became a
mosque in the 15th century when the minarets were added. It was turned
into a museum in 1930's. Don't miss the excellent mosaics, including
those in the gallery, reached by a stone ramp to the left of the
entrance. 10 YTL (no concessions, no cards accepted). NOTE: the
inside is undergoing a major refurb and there is a huge amount of
scaffolding in a gigantic tower going up to the top of the dome.
 Topkapi Palace
(Topkapi Sarayi), Bab-i Hümayün Caddesi (by tram:
Gülhane/Sultanahmet), 0212 5120480. M,W-Su 9:00AM-5:00PM. The imperial
enclave of the Ottoman emperors for three centuries. Lavishly decorated,
with four courts of increasing grandeur. In the second court in the
entrance to the Harem (admission extra, only by joining a guided tour)
and the State Treasury, housing a weaponry display. The third court has
the Imperial Treasury. The views from the Fourth Court over the
Bosphorus are spectacular. 10 YTL (no concessions, cards accepted,
Harem extra).
Sultanahmet Mosque
(Sultanahmet Camii, aka Blue Mosque), At Meydam Sokak 17,
Sultanahmet (by tram: Sultanahmet), 0212 5181319. May-Oct 9:00AM-9:00PM,
Nov-Apr:9:00AM-7:00PM. With its six minarets and sweeping architecture
the Sultanahmet or 'Blue' Mosque impresses from the outside. Unlike
Haghia Sophia, this is still a working mosque, entry is through the
courtyard on the SW side. No shorts or bare shoulders (shawls are
provided) and you will need to remove your footwear. Free.
Basilica Cistern
(Yerebatan Sarnici). Yerebatan Cad., Sultanahmet.It
doesn't sound like much, but this giant underground cistern built by
Justinian in 532 to provide water to the city in cases of siege, and
later consacrated as a basilica, is one of the most fascinating places
to visit in Istanbul. A wooden walkway winds between the pillars, and
lights and piped music add to the eerie atmosphere. Bring some type of
fish food as you'll see enormous fish swimming below your feet. 10 YTL (no
concessions).
Hippodrome,
adjacent to the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. This was
the center of Roman and Byzantine Constantinople, and is a great place
to begin one's tour and to people watch. The building no longer stands,
but the obelisks and sculptures that have been collected here since
Theodosius' time in the fourth century remain.
Galata Whirling Dervish Hall
(Galata Mevlevihanesi). Galipdede Caddesi (near Tünel's Galata
station). A dancing hall of the mystical Mevlevi order, shut down in
1925 along with all other 'reactionary' movements in Turkey. Today the
building houses the Museum of Divan Literature, but the best time
to come Sundays between 3 to 5 pm when sema dervish ceremonies
are staged. (Buy tickets in advance, as space is limited.) Also check
out the small graveyard next door, where the carved fez perched upon the
gravestone indicates the occupant's rank in the dervish hierarchy.
Ortakoy
A shore line of the bosphorus beside the Ortakoy mosque. Filled with
nice cafes and a perfect view crowded and fun.
The Museum of Archeology
A must see! One of the best, including a great
collection of Sumerian tablets! Close to Sultanahmet.
Museum of Modern Art
At Karakoy. A nice, organized museum with contemporary installations.İncluding
a cafe with a top notch menu and view.
Dolmabahce Palace
See the Ottoman Palace centered close to Taksim at the Dolmabahce shore.
Build on 110.000 meter square ground with 285 rooms and 43 halls where
the Ottoman empire was administered in the last 150 years. Guided tours
in major spoken languages available.
Galata Tower
Ride an elevator to the top, then walk the parapet for a 360 degree view
of Istanbul, including the entire Sultanahmet peninsula: crowned by
Topkapi Palance, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. A beautiful spot
for using up a lot of film!
Chora Church,
a 1000 year old Byzantine church, with precious mosaic frescoes and a
captivating mood inside. The early church frescoes had been covered with
plaster for nearly 500 years, as the building had been converted to a
mosque, but were uncovered in the mid-twentieth century and have been
partially restored.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Lying under the legs of the Bosphorus Bridge, the palace was built
between 1861-1865 by Sultan Abdulaziz. Guided tours in major spoken
languages available.
Camlica Hill
is one of the highest hills of Istanbul (268 metres high) and almost
major broadcasting antennas are located on this hill, since the hill
dominates a great part of the city. On the top of the hill, a public
park with cafes remind the visitors of an Ottoman atmosphere.
The Princes' Islands
lies on the southeast of Istanbul, and consists of 8 islands, Buyukada
being the largest of them all. Buyukada is also the highest island among
the others; its peak reaches to 202 mt (Yucetepe) where the ruins of a
monastery remains.
The rest of the islands are;
Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kinaliada, Yassiada, Sivriada, Tavsan Adasi and
Yassiada. Buyukada and Heybeliada both have a limited range of hotels,
some of which serve in a boutique style, preferred by many tourists.
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