ISTANBUL, The Big City

Istanbul, a city on two continents

For millennia, Istanbul represents the gateway to the Easta land coveted by would-be conquerors and kings.

In the 21st century, the charisma of the city endures, supported by the remains of Greek and Roman, Byzantine, opulent cathedrals and billowing Ottoman domes. the spectacularly scenic bosphorus straitthe walks world class shopping and exquisite gastronomy in fancy restaurants.

Typical and Old Istanbul

If there are two icons that symbolize the city, they are the blue Mosquenamed for its 20,000 rich blue tiles handcrafted by the empire’s best craftsmen, and the imposing Hagia Sophia, palatial work of Justinian to the Almighty. The juxtaposition of these two monuments in the epicenter of the historic Peninsula, are a hallmark that give life to the collective heritage of the city, which introduces the visitor to a city full of monumental Byzantine history and enduring Ottoman tradition.

Vestiges of an empire that lasted almost 1,500 years form the city’s foundation.

Large churches, such as the Church of Saint Sophia and Saint Savior in Chora safeguard gold mosaics of remarkable tiles They depict stories of saints and saviors and of emperors and empresses.

Ancient ruins, such as the Hippodromebuilt by Septimius Severus and later extended by Constantine, stand proudly in the public spaces of the city.

Incredible remains can be found under the city streets, such as the Yerebatan Cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient underground cisterns, built in the 6th century during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. In fact, at almost every step, one can run into Ancient walls, Byzantine basilicas, celebrated mosques, Christian relics and patios with peristyle.

The unrivaled power of the Ottoman sultans rises in silhouette along the Tarihi Yarimada (Historic Peninsula), revealing a legacy of masterpieces fit for the capital of their sultanate.

The iconic Topkapi Palace offers a window into the mystique of the sultans and their harems in a vast complex of pavilions, gardens, towers, monumental gates and spectacular landscapes, which houses gold and silver treasuresprecious porcelain and precious stones including the famous 85-carat diamond that he says was worn by Sultana Hurrem.

Closer in time, from the 19th century, the luxurious palaces of European inspirationbuilt in the last centuries of the empire along the banks of the Bosphorus, such as the Kucuk Palace and including the opulent Dolmabahce Palace where Ataturk ruled, lived and died.

Istanbul restless and commercial city

The richly decorated hamams by ÇemberlitasSuleiman and Haseki Hürrem Sultan stand out as marble temples to personal hygiene, inspiring modern western spas.

Amazing The Grand Bazaarconstituted the center of Ottoman commerce around a labyrinth of 80 streets of merchants and artisans The extensive and spectacular Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar)which today houses 4,000 merchants and the selling silk rugs, dazzling gemstones, lush fabrics, and glittering treasures and trinkets to appeal to every desire.

This rich past is preserved not only in the city’s buildings and cultural traditions, but also in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art, which together house more than a million pieces that represent almost all eras and civilizations in world history.

The streets of Istanbul

But while Istanbul’s heart lies in its past, Istanbul’s soul is headed squarely into the future, fueling a renaissance that permeates nearly every corner of the city.

Once abandoned neighborhoods, they are now charming and atmospheric places to visit. The Soguk Cesme is a picturesque cobbled street lined with 19th-century Ottoman terraced houses and sandwiched between the Hagia Sophia (at the rear) and the outer courtyard walls of Topkapi Palace.

In the middle of the Bosphorus stands the beautiful and mysterious Kiz Kulezi, Tower of the Maiden or Leandrowith its eternal legend.

Balat, once home to Jewish, Greek and Armenian immigrants, it is now a chic residential neighborhood with art galleries, churches and synagogues. However, it retains its old buildings and its typical spirit. Center of great tourist activity.

The Karakoy neighborhoodjust 500 meters from Sultanahmet, is a bohemian fashion area where the medieval Galata Tower it is mixed with fashion boutiques and art galleries.

Modern Istanbul

On both sides of the Bosphorus Strait are a growing number of cutting-edge art galleries and forward-looking cultural centers. Turks love their past but live with cutting-edge technology and projects.

Watch street artistslarge murals in kadikoyexhibitions of young painters in the modern istanbulabsorb 18o0 art and 19th century Ottoman portraiture, watch an independent film screening at the legendary Pera Museum or be inspired by spaces of contemporary art exhibition, everything has its place in Istanbul.

The sound of Turkey’s heart can be heard in the back streets of Taksim, while the Whirling Dervishes spiritual dance or the fearsome percussion of the Ottoman Mehter Band can win over audiences in venues all over the city.

In recent years, famous chefs have come to istanbul to lead the way in establishing the city as the culinary capital of the Orient. With bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the Bosphorus, a meal could not be more romantic.

If shopping is your main goal, you need to look at the elegant streets of Nisantasi and Bagdat Avenuethe exclusive boutiques of Kanyon, Zorlu Mall, Istinye Park and Trump Tower. You can’t miss the Turkish delights, teas and spices in the Misir Carsisi Egyptian Spice Bazaar) and the trinkets, knick-knacks, and souvenirs found throughout the city.

Istanbul maintains a veil of mystery and projects a vital force that togethercomprise a unique synergy of the ancient and the modern, the Turkish and the cosmopolitan.