Istanbul, with itsunique blend of Western and Eastern history and culture, attracts tourists fromall over the world. Enjoy modern Turkey in the malls, galleries and clubs whilealso indulging in the exotic appeal of the traditional Turkish bazaars,palaces, coffee houses and mosques. The natural beauty of the city plus thepleasant Mediterranean climate completes the picture. The largest city inTurkey, it was for centuries the capital of a mighty empire. Istanbulis now all things - modern and traditional, familiar and exotic.
Istanbul is situatedon the Bosphorus, the strait that connects the Sea of Marmara to the southwith the Black Sea in the north. Istanbul is the link between Europe and Asiaand this strategic location has been involved in many struggles over thecenturies. It’s gone by many names over the centuries, including Byzantium andConstantinople, having been part of or even capital of the Roman, Byzantine,Latin and Ottoman empires in the past. The city was even once the capital ofIslam.
The varied political and religious past is stillrecognizable all around the city, especially in architecture. The monumentalHagia Sophia (Ayasofya), for example, was once a Christian cathedral, beforelater becoming a mosque. Visit the nearby Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı),Hippodrome (Hipodrom) and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), and also savesome liras to buy souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi). From the top ofthe 14th Century Galata Tower (Galata Tower) you have a fantastic view of allthese buildings, while miniature versions are on display in Miniatürk. When itall gets a bit much, cool off in the underground Basilica Cistern.
Cross the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn overto visit Taksim Square. Here in the new city you can enjoy the modernskyscrapers, nightclubs and shopping and mingle with the young and hip, and thebusinessmen who populate the streets.
Istanbul houses than13 million people and it is the most populous city in Europe. It's not hard tosee why the city has such great appeal. The fusion of East and West makes itrich in the culture, architecture, art and cuisine. It is a truly unique city.
