| Istanbul is a unique part of the world where East | | | | the surface's tiles are blue and this is why it is known |
| meets West and where European culture is fused | | | | as the blue mosque. |
| with Asian culture. You can see examples of this all | | | | Hagia Sophia is a heavily tiled masterpiece across the |
| over the city, from the spicy aromas which come from | | | | square which is a must see for every visitor. This |
| the Grand Bazaar and the splendid mosques encircling | | | | building has evolved from being a church to a mosque |
| Sultanahmet but then contrastingly when you reach | | | | to a museum. The building was constructed almost |
| Beyoglu you can shop in some of the West's most | | | | 1500 years ago between 532 and 537 by Byzantine |
| fashionable stores. Crossing the divide is an edifying | | | | emperor Justinian. It features one of the world's largest |
| experience as the clash of Western culture with | | | | domes and as a result I think it would be a wise move |
| Eastern culture is suddenly revealed. | | | | to visit it early in the day to avoid the huge midday |
| The city has evolved greatly during its eventful history | | | | crowds. |
| and with this its name has changed three times from | | | | The Grand Bazaar is a paradise for all of you |
| Byzantium, to Constantinople to its present day name | | | | shopaholics out there. This is a striking forerunner to |
| of Istanbul. Istanbul is located along the Bosporus strait | | | | our modern day shopping malls today. In Istanbul you |
| off the Sea of Marmara. Because of its location on | | | | will notice locals trying to sell you everything from pots |
| the frontier of Asia and Europe the city has been a | | | | to novelty cigarette lighters to intricately woven kilims. |
| conquest of great civilisations from both the East and | | | | However the Grand Bazaar offers a more luxurious |
| West. Throughout its existence the city has been | | | | shopping experience and is evidence of the city's rich |
| occupied by the Persians, Byzantines, Romans and | | | | trading history. |
| Ottomans. The has led to the city having many | | | | The Suleymaniye mosque lies past the university. This |
| renowned rulers such as the Roman Christian emperor | | | | was build by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar |
| Constantine and the most influential one of all on the | | | | Sinan in 1557. Amazingly the mosque has more than |
| city's present day condition the Ottoman emperor | | | | two hundred windows and the interior space is one of |
| Suleiman the magnificent who ruled from 1520 to 1566. | | | | the most impressive from all of Istanbul's enormous |
| Suleiman presided over the construction of some of | | | | compilation of mosques. |
| the city finest structures today. The Topkapi palace | | | | The Galata Bridge has a booming street market along |
| makes a big impression on every visitor especially | | | | with teams of fishermen. Barely a space is to be |
| when you enter it via the towering Imperial gate beside | | | | found along the upper tier as the fishermen try to |
| Hagia Sophia. A walk through the palace offers | | | | capture some of the Golden horn's abundant fish |
| beautiful views of the Bosporous and the Sea of | | | | stocks. Cafes, bars and seafood restaurants are to be |
| Marmara as it stretches along an overlooking hill. | | | | found along the lower tier. While these businesses ply |
| Seraglio point is situated at the end of the fourth court | | | | their trade here it remains a peaceful spot and ideal for |
| has the best view of this scenery and believe me you | | | | quietly observing the ferries sailing along the shores. |
| will not regret queuing after you have captured a | | | | The penultimate phase of your trip to Istanbul should |
| glimpse of the Mecidiye Pavillion. Don't forget to see | | | | include a visit to the imposing Galata tower which was |
| the luxurious underground rooms of the Harem where | | | | built in the 14th century. A stone stairs and an elevator |
| the sultan's wives and concubines once resided. The | | | | give you access to its summit where you can enjoy a |
| majestic Imperial Treasury is also well worth a glance. | | | | gorgeous view of the sun going down over the |
| If you are an admirer of stonework or simply a fan of | | | | minarets, and soak in the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. |
| Indiana Jones the inscriptions on a series of stone | | | | A memorable journey is waiting for all who visit. You |
| tablets scattered around the first court's inner wall is | | | | can visit Istanbul during the 12 months of the year but it |
| worth a look. | | | | is extremely warm during the summer. True to most |
| The elaborate gardens just outside of Topkapi take | | | | places the main attractions are quieter and easier to |
| you to the remarkable Sultanahmet mosque. Its | | | | visit earlier in the day. You reach nearly all of the |
| towering minarets and spectacular domes are a sight | | | | attractions by foot but prepare to get in shape as the |
| to behold. A humbling and calming experience awaits | | | | city is quite hilly. |
| those of you who take your shoes off and enter the | | | | I have been lucky enough to travel to many places |
| mosque's shaded inner chamber. The mosque is a | | | | and cities around the world and Istanbul is definitely in |
| place of prayer so treat it with respect and obey the | | | | my top 5 cities to travel to worldwide. Book Cheap |
| signposted rules of prayer times. You will notice as | | | | Flights and get information on Europe Holidays before |
| you walk around the mosque's interior that much of | | | | you leave. |