Istanbul

عن المكان

The city where two continents meet and centuries live side by side The only city that straddles two continents, and for fifteen centuries the capital of empires. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul, three names for one of the great cities of the world. The historic peninsula holds the heart of it: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque facing each other across a garden, Topkapi Palace above the water, and the covered lanes of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Most of it sits within walking distance, layered Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman on the same streets. But the city lives on the Bosphorus. Ferries cross between Europe and Asia all day, fish sandwiches grill by the Galata Bridge, and the waterfront neighbourhoods from Karakoy to Kadikoy are where the real life of the city happens. Give it at least three days, and cross to the Asian side at least once. Eight places worth your time. Tap a photograph, the map will follow. 01 Hagia Sophia Built in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years. It became a mosque under the Ottomans and is now an active place of worship again. The massive dome and Byzantine mosaics are the main reason people visit Istanbul. Best visited early morning or late afternoon. Home to Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace has four courtyards, a treasury with the Spoonmaker's Diamond, the Harem quarters and views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. Allow at least three hours and buy the separate ticket for the Harem, it is worth it.

معلومات سريعة

المدينة

إسطنبول

العنوان

إسطنبول، تركيا