Istanbul
Istanbul
State
Country
Turkey
Continent
Europe and Asia
Size
5,343 KM2
Population
2
Spending Budget
$1,700 - $2,000
Famous For
- Istanbul stretches across a narrow strait that connects Asia and Europe, making it the only city on Earth-spanning two continents.
Best Time to Visit
- January
- March
- April
- May
- September
- October
- November
History
Istanbul has a long history. It had a settlement of humans approximately 3000 years ago! Greeks colonised the area and established the city of Byzantion in the 7th century BC. It was later renamed Constantinople and became the new capital of the Roman Empire. Constantinople functioned as the capital of the Byzantine Empire. After its fall, Constantinople then became the capital of the Ottoman Turks.
Present Day
Once, the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today is the most important city in Turkey. Istanbul stretches across a narrow strait that connects Asia and Europe, making it the only city on Earth, spanning two continents. Top attractions include the Hagia Sophia that’s been an orthodox Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque and now a museum, and thus the 15th century Topkapi Palace, also a museum today. Get a touch of shopping at the Grand Bazaar that's been operational since 1461. The saltiness of the sea can be tasted in the air of Istanbul. 99% of Istanbul’s population is Muslim. Mahmutpasha Bazaar has been Istanbul's important spice market since 1660. The 3rd oldest railroad subway in the world at 573 meters running is in Istanbul city.
Future
In terms of population, by the 2030s, it is expected that the population of Istanbul will exceed 20 million people. For infrastructural and economic growth, bridges and highways, as well as the economic and service sectors are being stimulated. Istanbul is considered the financial centre of Turkey; most of the industrial plants in Turkey are located in Istanbul, which attracts investments and job opportunities.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)
Starting with the most famous and influential magnificent architecture and illustration of the Byzantine Empire, Hagia Sophia is Turkey's most visited monument. Hagia Sophia, the cathedral, with its huge dome of about 102 feet or 31 meters in diameter, is the biggest dome in the world of that time. The elaborate mosaics and frescoes everywhere in this sumptuous museum is marvellous.
Blue Mosque
Across Sultanahmet Square, just right opposite the famous Hagia Sophia, as the name indicates it is decorated (20,000 ceramic tiles in several tulip designs and 200 stained glass windowpanes) with blue interiors and thousands of intricate embellishments, The Blue Mosque. The mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed in 1616, ie, the early 17th century as an indication of the Ottoman empire. This Mosque is truly a gift to Istanbul city. All visitants here must discard their shoes and women must cover their hair.
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
One of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, the palace, which was used as the main headquarters of the Ottoman rulers for nearly 400 years. Today it serves as a Museum for the tourists. Topkapi Palace is one of the world’s biggest extant palace. Topkapi Palace is the Harem, an embellished ‘coop’ of the Sultan’s women, the storehouse of the crown jewels, and the weaponry room promoting the Ottoman’s exquisite art. This place is great for understanding some vibes about the living style of Ottoman emperors.
Grand Bazaar
Having over 5000 whooping shops makes it one of the biggest indoor market places in the world. And of course, it is heaven for Shoppers, making it the busiest bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar is very well-known for its leather, ceramics, carpets, souvenirs and jewellery. Nowadays, Grand Bazaar is home to two mosques, 4 fountains, 2 hammams (steam baths), and the Cevahir Bedesten.
Sulaymaniyah Mosque
One of the least famous, but must visit this mosque in Istanbul. Constructed in 1550 by the order of Sultan Suleyman, the Magnificent, this mosque is a perfect blend of Islamic and Byzantine architecture, when it was built, the Sulaymaniyah mosque's dome is one of the biggest in Istanbul. This Mosque will let you meet with spirituality and tranquillity at the same time.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Generally compared to the Palace of Versailles, this rich, elegant, and majestic palace was built in the 19th century using 14 tons of gold leaves. It was constructed in 1856 by Sultan Abdüi Mecit. And, one can see the influence of Europian style (Neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo) in the Ottoman’s empire.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarniçi)
Known as the sunken palace, supported by 336 columns in 12 rows is a huge underground water system serving as a water resource for Istanbul for many years. The design was begun by Constantine the Grand but ended by Emperor Justinian in the 6th centenary. This place seems romantic to some and for others, it is a little scary.
Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi)
The beautiful Byzantine art will attract you to visit here for sure. Chora Church is placed just outside old Constantinople's city walls. This church like other churches in Istanbul was converted to a mosque by the Ottomans. The church is classified into three parts, the narthex (entry hall), naos (central church), and the preclusion (front chapel). The narthex further then is split into the exonarthex and the exonarthex. Chora Church (now a museum) is the best place in Istanbul to visit for religious pleasure and architectural splendour.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
The archaeological collection of more than 1 million items from around the world, is an amazing perspective of the Ottoman’s empire. and it is the most impressive historical museum in Istanbul. The museum consists of three parts. The main is the Archeological museum and the other two are the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. It comprises examples of items recording back thousands of years from ancient Mesopotamia, pre-Islamic Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Galata Tower
At 219 feet (67 meters) raised, built in the mid-14th century, the Galata tower, also known as the Tower of Christ, was the tallest tower in Istanbul when it was built in 1348. The reason to build such an observation tower was to spot the res barracks and a dungeon. But, today it is also the main tourist attraction in Istanbul occupied with restaurants, cafes, and a night club.