Istanbul, the lively downtown of Turkey, is a city full of magic, where the past goes hand in hand with the present and every step brings to light a relic of times gone by. Istanbul is the only transcontinental city in the entire world. On the western side of the Bosphorus strait, you’re in Europe, but if you cross the other side than you’re setting foot in Asia!
Istanbul is best known for being the cultural capital of different monothetic religious communities, who believe to have their amazing signature of architecture and domes all across the city. There are various famous buildings in Istanbul which displays abundance of legends lived by its great ancient rulers. You can learn a lot about Islamic culture and architecture that were created during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. Turkey is the sixth most visited country in the world and Istanbul is the eight most visited city. It’s a place everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
#Places to Explore:-
1)Hagia Sophia:-
One of the most prominent monuments in the world and one of the most visited museum, Hagia Sophia is well-known for its mesmerizing art and history of elegant architecture. The Cathedral was originally built as a Greek orthodox Church which lasted from 360 AD until the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453.
2)The Blue Mosque:-
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known by its official name, the sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an ottoman- era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. The Blue Mosque today is a tourist hotspot because of its tradition and importance to the history of the Ottoman Empire and the city of Istanbul.
3)Grand Bazaar:-
If you are a shopaholic, you’ll love the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. It is known as one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4000 shops. It is also considered as one of the very first shopping malls in the world and was once a booming hub and centre of the world’s trade and commerce.
4)Galata Tower:-
The Galata Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Istanbul’s landscape. It is situated in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul and rises 62.59m (205 ft) above the ground, contrasting starkly with the other building around it. Under the Ottoman Empire, the Galata Tower changed to a dungeon and eventually a fire Tower. Nowadays, it is a museum and the most famous observation deck in Istanbul.
5)Sultanahmet Square:-
Sultanahmet Square or the Hippodrome of Constantinople is a square in Istanbul, Turkey. Previously, it was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. It is located a few minutes walk away from the Sultanahmet tram station. It leads to city’s most magnificent attractions, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and Ibrahim pasa palace.
#Culture:-
While the majority of the population are Muslims, it’s a mix of Cultures and background fused together in one city. It has a mix of Jewish, Greek and Armenian populations. It is a city where one can truly experience Middle Eastern and western cultures all at once. Turkish is the official language of Istanbul’s, Turkey.
#Food:-
Kumpir is a must-try in Istanbul and is also a famous street food here. This tasty dish is baked in a special oven, then blended with local butter and cheese to make a rich flavour. Incredibly varied and very delicious, the best Istanbul food pulls influences from all over the world and melda it into a food scene that is truly unique.
#How to Reach:-
The Easiest way to get to Istanbul is by plane ofcourse. Turkish Airlines and many other world airlines have regular daily flights to Istanbul. There are also local airliners that run charter flights to Istanbul especially during holiday season such as summer months or Easter and New year’s period.