Istanbul Guide

Istanbul's most prominent attractions are of the architectural variety, a selection of formidable & historical structures that make sightseeing in Istanbul educational as well as visually rewarding. Sightseeing in Istanbul offers attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, a huge museum & former cathedral, that is adorned with stunning mosaics. Another iconic Istanbul attraction is the Blue Mosque, with its graceful minarets & tiered domes. The 1st century Basilica Cistern is supported by hundreds of underground columns, an essential Istanbul landmark. While sightseeing in Istanbul, Galata Tower offers visitors a 360º panoramic view of the old town. Nearby, the 5th century land walls stand testament to the city's resistance of its 1453 conquest by the Ottoman Empire. The Covered Bazaar, or Kapali Carsi, is the oldest & biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, a must-see while in Istanbul.

		Hagia Sophia, for almost a thousand years was a triumph of Christianity & the symbol of Byzantium & until the 16th century, maintained its status as the largest Christian church in the world. After the conquest of the city in 1453, the great house of worship became a mosque. Mosaics that were previously covered were rediscovered & restored in 1935, now serving as a museum.
		Blue Mosque, is one of the great & defining features of Istanbul's skyline. Constructed in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I, who was not only driven by a desire to leave behind an imperial mosque & also to build a monument to rival the Ayasofya. The overall effect is one of such great harmony, grace & power that it's impossible to walk away from this building unaffected.
		Topkapi Palace, residence of the Sultans, administrative seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years & the source of legend on life in the harem. Built by Mehmet the Conqueror over the ruins of Constantine's Imperial Palace, Topkapi Palace occupies one of the seven hills of the city at the tip of the historic peninsula overlooking the sea.
		The Bosphorus, is the strait between the Black Sea & the Sea of Marmara, one of the world’s most strategic waterways. Literally this is where east meets west, the shores of Asia & Europe are parallel for 34 kms. There are two suspension toll bridges on this strait & its shores are dotted with classic waterfront mansions, built as early as the 18th century.
		Taksim Beyoglu, this is the culture, art & entertainment center of Istanbul. Taksim is the intersecting point of roads flowing to various places in the city, or in another words, Taksim distributes Istanbul life to the rest of the city. It’s all here; world famous restaurants, movie theatres, opera, exhibitions, art galleries, hotels, cafes, bars, street pubs, night clubs...
		Dolmabahce Palace, in 1843, Sultan Abdul Mecit, who wanted to reinvent the Ottoman Empire in a European image, employed architects to build a luxurious new palace on the Bosphorus shore. 46 reception halls, 350 rooms, 8 Turkish Baths & lavish decoration in gold & crystal rivals the Palace of Versailles in France. Ironically at the end the palace bankrupted the Empire.
		Miniaturk, here’s a chance to take in all of Turkey’s finest sights in a single afternoon, Europes finest miniature park on the shore of the Golden Horn contains 1:25 scale models of the country’s most impressive structures, from the Bosphorus Bridge to Haghia Sophia, Cappadocia, Pamukkale... Other attractions include a miniature railway, model cars & boats, a cinema & a play-ground.
		Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi), more mall than market since its last restoration, the Grand Bazaar remains a true Turkish delight, a shopaholic’s colourful fantasy that is also a photographer’s dream. Whether you are after a Hereke carpet or a pair of silk slippers, you will be satisfied here in the bazaar at the western end of the Silk Road.
		Basilica Cistern, this beautiful 'Sunken Palace', as the Turkish name has it, had a prosaic purpose: it was built as a vast underground water-storage tank. The structure was expanded in 532 to ensure that Constantinople was always supplied with water; covering an area of 9,800 sq/m, it once held 80 million litres of water & the roof is supported by 336 pillars, 8 m in height.
		Chora Museum (Church of St Saviour), is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Byzantine art; more than 100 magnificent mosaics & frescoes depicting biblical images. They were commissioned in 1315 by Theodore Metochites. The church was converted into a mosque in 1511 & like many other former places of worship in Istanbul, Chora is now a museum.
		Cicek Pasaji, opened in 1876, the 19th century Cicek Pasajı can be described as a miniature version of the famous Galleria in Milan, Italy & has rows of historic pubs, winehouses & restaurants. Once a flower market, this passage off Istiklal St. is now one of the most entertaining places in Istanbul, with a host of restaurants serving delicious food.
		Galata Tower, one of the city’s most distinctive sights, the tower was built in 1348 by the Genoese, the Byzantine Empire’s greatest trading partners, as part of their fortification of Galata. Since then, the tower has survived several earthquakes & been restored many times. A lift climbs to a viewing balcony, nightclub & restaurant on the top floor with amazing views of the the city.
		Istanbul Archaeology Museum, the national collection of one of the world’s most ancient & enthralling countries naturally promises something special & this fabulous museum does not disappoint. A world-class collection spanning 5,000 years, it was founded in 1881, fuelled by the realization that European treasure hunters were walking off with much of the Empire’s heritage.
		Istanbul Modern, this cutting-edge gallery’s small permanent collection of modern Turkish painting, sculpture & photography is augmented by touring exhibitions, video & audio installations & art-house cinema. For centuries, Turkish art has been known for tradition rather than innovation, set in a beautifully converted warehouse on the Bosphorus, the museum is sure to surprise.
		Maidens Tower, its Turkish name means 'Kiz Kulesi', in reference to a legendary Byzantine princess who was told that she would die of snakebite & was locked up on the island for her own protection, only for a snake to arrive in a basket of figs. In its time, the tower has served as a quarantine centre and a customs office; nowadays it houses a restaurant.
		Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts, located in the Ibrahim Pasa Palace, former home of one of Suleyman the Magnificent's grand viziers, the artefacts ranging from the earliest period of Islam through modern times. Begun in the 19th century, the collection now has more than 40,000 items, including beautifully displayed Islamic sculptures, works of art, silks & carpets.
		Princes' Islands, with deserted beaches, pine forests & ancient monasteries, these nine islands in the Sea of Marmara offer a restful break from the city. This is an easy day trip; most ferries from Istanbul (Sirkeci) call at the four largest islands. On Buyukada & Heybeliada, walking or horse carriage are the only means of transport as cars are allowed only for essential services.
		Rumeli Hisari, in 1452, as he prepared for his final attack on Constantinople, Mehmet II built this vast fortress on the Bosphorus, opposite the earlier Fortress of Asia, to cut the flow of supplies reaching the city. The castle’s three main towers are surrounded by a huge curtain wall with 13 bastions. Following restoration in 1953, the fortress is now a venue for open-air events & concerts.
		Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the finest creations of the Ottoman Empire’s greatest architect, Sinan, Suleymaniye Cami was built in 1550-57 for Suleyman I. He established this magnificent hilltop mosque as a charitable foundation (kulliye) as well as a place of worship & it stands in a vast complex that includes medreses, a hamam, a hospital & a caravanserai.
		Cagaloglu Hamami, one of the city’s best-known & most picturesque bathhouses, Cagaloglu Hamami was built in 1741 by Sultan Mahmut I, with the intention of raising funds to support his library in Haghia Sophia. International figures from King Edward VIII to Kaiser Wilhelm, from Franz Lizst to Florence Nightingale, are all reputed to have bathed here.
		Spice Market (Eyptian Bazaar), this marketplace was built in 1660 as part of the New Mosque complex. Its name derives from the fact that it was originally financed by duties on Egyptian imports. These days, the bazaar has given itself over entirely to satisfying the tourist trade, it’s the best place to buy small presents from Turkish Delight to saffron, from caviar to coffee.