City Guide: Istanbul

City Guide: Istanbul

Spanned on the Europe and Asia continents, Istanbul sprawls over the two sides of the Bosphorus, in the northwest of Turkey. Standing as the only city expanding on two continents, Istanbul is the most populous city of both Turkey and Europe. The city is the cultural, industrial, economic and financial capital of Turkey. The headquarters of the most of national companies and international companies operating in the country are situated at the metropolis. The Istanbul Stock Exchange is located at Istanbul. This culturally, historically and geographically wonderland has been the meeting place of the world cultures and religions. Throughout the history, countless colonies and nations arised within the Anatolian territory. So Anatolia is denominated as the cradle of civilizations. Istanbul, both geographically and historically, is the European aspect of that culture treasury. Beside harboring innumerable civilizations, nations and societies throughout the world history, Istanbul is known as the Capital of Capital Cities mainly due to its condition of being the capital of, in turn, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire in the history.

Tourist Attractions

Istanbul is absolutely one of the most romantic and panoramic world cities. The city is charming with its two basic facets, the history and the geography. The historical aspect of it allures person. The cultural and historical works and structures attests this charm. Monuments, museums, churches, mosques, synagogues and market places add charm to the incantation of Istanbul. As for the geographical position, Istanbul surrounded by Black and Marmara Seas is composed of two sumptuous peninsulas set apart by the Bosphorus. By the way of the boon granted by nature, the two shores of the Bosphorus is decorated by historical monuments, luxurious villas like Dolmabahce Palace, Goksu and Beylerbeyi Palaces, Rumelia and Anatolia Citadels. Istanbul has common historical structures getting the East and the West together such as Haghia Sophia Mosque, Basilica Cistern.

Haghia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya) is one of the symbol historical artifacts situated across the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in the Sultanahmet District. It was initially built as a Christian church by 1st Justinien in the time of the Byzantine Empire. During the history, it was plenty of times exposed to invasions, earthquakes and fires. After Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the Ottoman Emperor, invaded Istanbul It was transformed into a mosque in 1453. Kemal Ataturk, one of the former presidents of the Turkish Republic, converted the mosque in a museum. The walls of Haghia Sophia is covered with the mosaic panels of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and the emperors. Considered one of the finest architectural works in the world, it was originally built as a church. Although Haghia Sophia was occasionally damaged and was repaired and additions were built its essence remains, especially since 1453, untouched.

Another historic building that should be traveled before leaving Istanbul is Topkapı Palace constructed by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1478 and Dolmbahce Palace constructed by Sultan Abdulmecit in 1856. The Chinese porcelain collection, gold embroidered thrones garnished by valuable stones, irreplaceable codexes, The Ottoman Harems and different valuable artifacts are exhibited within the palace. Topkapi palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the center of state administration about 380 years until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace in 1856 by Sultan Abdulmecit.

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) is a historic water cistern constructed by the time of Byzantine Empire. Engraving decorations is existed over the some of its 336 columns. It has a capacity of 80.000 m3 water.

 Built on the shores of the Golden Horn of Istanbul, Miniatürk theme park is the largest one of its kind in the world. The park harbors more than 105 small miniature models of the historical and archaeological treasuries of Turkey. The miniatures from Istanbul, Anatolia and former Ottoman territories allures hundred thousands of visitors every year.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum placed at Sultan Ahmet is a significant cultural complex. Composed of three centers, the complex is home to the Archeology Museum, the Tiled Kiosk of Sultan Ahmet and the Museum of the Ancient Orient. You will find a rich collection of a long period of time in this cultural center. Another wonderful artifact from the Byzantine Empire term is Kariye Museum decorated with mosaics and fresco works.

Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) constructed on a small island at the entrance of the Bosphorus is one of the symbol structures of Istanbul. Used as watchtower at the past, the tower is now open to public to enjoy joyous times.

Through the Galata Tower in Eminonu and the Pierre Loti in Eyup, the scene of Istanbul to be watched is quite different and mind-blowing.

ISTANBUL CUISINE 

As a synthesis of east and west, the culture of Istanbul is reflected very much in its culinary tradition. A rich and diverse blend of cultural influences accumulated over the years, the cuisine of Istanbul offers visitors a sumptuous spread of the very best traditional Turkish dishes. 

The range of ingredients used is similarly vast, with recipes incorporating every kind of meat, fish, vegetable, and fruit, besides a myriad of spices. Dishes based on seafood, beef, lamb, goat, chicken, goose, duck, rabbit, and various fowl; casseroles combining meat and vegetables; cold vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil; stuffed vegetables; salads; fruit compotes and drinks; milk puddings and pastries: these are just a few examples of what Istanbul cuisine has to offer.

Whether a confirmed meat eater, a seafood fan, or a vegetarian, diet-conscious or a stickler for spicy food, you are certain to find a host of dishes to your liking in Istanbul.

OTTOMAN DESSERTS & SWEETS

Ottoman desserts and sweets are concocted from an unusual and surprising range of ingredients, unlike anything you've tasted elsewhere in the world. Puddings made from chicken breast, puddings made with pulses and dried fruits, compotes, marzipan "pillows" filled with rose water scented raisins, baked pastry mixtures or hazelnuts and angel hair pasta in butter and sugar syrups, deep ruby red candied quince, candied butternut squash (a denser pumpkin), rose petals in cream, sherbet, and of course the elastic ice creams, which street vendors still render in acrobatic feats of juggling. Many deserts are served with a cream so thick it can be cut with a knife.

@Flights to Istanbul