İstanbul information

The splendid city of Istanbul has many unique and fascinating features. It is the only city in the world reaching across two continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also unique in having had capital status during two successive empires, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both is visible in the modern city today.

Istanbul's location on the water made it a much coveted site as a commercial shipping port and military lookout, and as capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople, as it was known, became extremely desirable as a center of world trade, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the imperial seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural heart of Turkey today.

The charm and character of Istanbul lies in its endless variety and jumble of contradictions. Its fascinating history has bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins, splendid palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams (bath-houses) and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes trendy bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant suburbs. The call to prayer heralds the start of each day and the city comes to life with over 12,000 residents forming a chaotic social and cultural mix of unscrupulous carpet merchants, wealthy shoppers, religiously veiled women and destitute beggars. Joining the noisy throng are over-awed tourists and those capitalising on the tourist trade.

Historical places

Blue mosque :
One of the most famous monuments of Turkish and Islamic art, the mosque is visited by all who come to Istanbul and gains their admiration.




Hagia Sophia Museum:
Hagia Sophia, which is considered as one of the eight wonders of the world, also occupies a prominent place in the history of art and architecture. It is one of the rare works of this size and age that has survived to our day. The church (called Ayasofya in Turkish) is erroneously known as Saint Sophia in the west. The basilica was not dedicated to a saint named Sophia, but to Divine Wisdom.




Topkapi Palace:
Topkapi is the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to our day. In 1924 it was turned into a museum at Atatiirk's request. Situated on the acropolis, the site of the first settlement in Istanbul, it commands an impressive view of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is a complex surrounded by 5 km of walls and occupies an area of 700,000 sq. m at the tip of the historical peninsula.

Turkish Cuisine

In addition to being the refined product of centuries of experience, Turkish Cuisine has a very pure quality. The variety and simplicity of the recipes and the quality of the ingredients are guarantees of delicious meals.

Some other typical Turkish dishes are:
Pilaf,Borek,Doner Kebap,Kofte.

İstanbul Map

İstanbul map

Hotels in İstanbul

Some hotels in istanbul :

*****5 star hotels : - The Bosphorus Swiss Hotel
                                       - Hilton Hotel
****4 star hotels :   - Golden horn hotel
                                       -Seminal hotel
***3 star hotels :     - And hotel
                                       -Residence hotel
**2 star hotels :       - Atlantis hotel
                                       - Star holiday hotel

Shopping in İstanbul

Here is Istanbul….While getting the most out of shopping, does not this metropolis city impress you with the contrast of modern with traditional? Now, let's walk through the Nuruosmaniye gate of the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) as we breathe in some history. You can not take your eyes off of shop displays filled with many gorgeous merchandise from jewellery to leatherwear, to carpets.
Now, let's walk down to the wonderful aroma of the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). This is definitely going to make you feel like you are walking through history. A small antique piece can easily be reached at Cukurcuma, Horhor or Sisli. Although walking in this city is like walking in time, different shopping centres dispersed throughout the city can make you reach the contemporary designs. You can find the elite boutiques of the world famous name brands under the 19th century buildings in Nisantasi and Tesvikiye, or in elegant stores in Bagdat Caddesi.

This is Istanbul…a city where you can derive joy from shopping.

İstanbul history

Founded as a small settlement known as Semista in about 1000B.C., Istanbul grew from a fishing village to a city called Byzantium in 657 B.C. The city was established by a Greek colonist named Byzas.

In 324 A.D. when the Roman Emperor Constantine claimed the throne he reconstructed the city of Byzantium and named it Constantinople. He made this city the capital of his kingdom, which was called the Byzantium Empire.

The Byzantium Empire however fell to the conquering Ottoman Mehmet II in 1453 and saw a flourishing period until the 19th century. Soon after in the 20th century, following the World War I, Istanbul lost its position as the capital of Turkey to Ankara. However, it continues to hold its ground today by being the business and cultural center of Turkey apart from being its largest port and city.