The only city in the world connecting two continents.
With Istanbul’s thousand year old past, it’s not surprising for one to easily lose himself with this megacity’s grandiose history.
Constantinople, the centre of the Byzantine Empire which lasted for over a thousand years is the city which we now call Istanbul - the capital of the great Ottoman Empire for almost 500 years.
And since Istanbul is the only city in the world which connects two continents - Europe and Asia, this makes Istanbul as a unique city with an authentic blend of the East and West.
And since Istanbul is the only city in the world which connects two continents - Europe and Asia, this makes Istanbul as a unique city with an authentic blend of the East and West.
It will take quite some time for one to really see the fascinating beauty of Istanbul. To those who love to explore the remnants of its grandiose history, the oldest part of the city – that is the Sultanahmet district is where you'll find the traces of old Byzantine Constantinople. Haghia Sophia or Aya Sofya for instance is among the splendours of Imperial Ottoman architecture including the Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Though Sultanahmet district is not the only historic part of Istanbul, but it is by far one of the country’s very popular tourist spot. A stroll around Sultanahmet, inside the city walls, among mosques, museums and the grand bazaar is a like a stroll through both history and daily life.
Northwest of Sultanahmet lies the area of Beyazıt. Here is where you’ll have chance to walk in a labyrinth of thousands of small shops in the famous Kapalı Çarşı or more popularly known to the tourists as the "Covered bazaar" or the "Grand Bazaar". Directly north from Sultanahmet and following the tramway is the noisy and chaotic Eminönü docks on the Golden Horn.
Modern Istanbul on the other hand is a simmering metropolis well worth a visit. Strolling around Istiklal Caddesi for instance, a mile-long pedestrian thoroughfare which leads all the way up to Taksim Square in Beyoğlu district - the heart of modern Istanbul is where you'll find lots of really good shops, fine restaurants, and yes - lots of people and mostly tourists. The Taksim area is also home to much of modern Istanbul’s real nightlife. Walking all the way through Istiklal Caddesi is an experience you’ll never forget as world class shopping, restaurants, and the nightlife pulsates around this area.
And though Istanbul is no longer the Turkey’s capital, it still remains to be country’s most busiest business, cultural and entertainment centre and a fast growing metropolis where new trends are continously created.
* * *
