A passage between the worlds | sultanahmet1.com
After visiting the famous historical museums and mosques of Istanbul, the next thing on your agenda should be to enjoy the unforgettable experience of voyages to the different waterways.
Bosphorus
On your right is Asia and on your left is Europe. So enjoy the ravishing and enigmatic waters of Bosphorus to make your visit to Istanbul one of the most memorable and enjoyable visits.
Although, geologists are still to find its exact period or manner of origin, but that cannot really take away the awe and fantasy experienced by all those taking a trip to the mysterious waterways of Bosphorus. Nearly 130 m deep, 30 km long and 700 m and 3.5 km wide, it is, certainly, an experience not to be missed by any visitor to Istanbul.
No matter whatever its origins might be, the Bosphorus was regarded as stupendous by the ancient sailors in the Greek period around 1000 BC. When they reached Bosphorus, they felt like it was the place where one world ended and another began.
The fact is that even today, Bosphorus, with additions of numerous palaces, castles and exotic mansions by the waterside, is as remarkable and awe-inspiring as it was nearly 3,000 years ago.
There are daily ferries to fetch you along the Bosphorus and take you back. The views on the way from Eminonu towards the middle of the straits are exquisitely fabulous. As the ferry hurriedly moves towards the straits while passing the tine island of Maiden’s Tower, it goes straight towards its first port at Besiktas.
Just on the left is the big façade of Dolmabahce Palace that was completed around 1853. It presents a picture of the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. However, it remained neglected for nearly 20 years before the emperor fled to Yildiz Palace, situated on the hilltop, to save himself from a possible attack.
The Ciragan Palace, which was completed in 1874, lies just below the Yildiz Palace on the shore. It is now converted into a hotel named Kempinski Hotel. It shared the same fate of neglect; in fact, it was used for even lesser period of time. The Palace, which had been cursed, witnessed the murder of Abdulaziz, a sultan, and incarceration of Murad V, his weak-minded son, before being the venue of the short-lived and ill-fated Ottoman parliament in the year 1908.
The ferry moves under the huge Ataturk Bridge which happens to be the first bridge to join two continents. Just at the bridge’s foot on the European shore is Ortakoy, a small hub of restaurants, open-air coffee houses and a craft market functioning on weekends.
Moving further, we are approached by waterfront suburbs which once were the fishing villages. Located just between these waterfront suburbs are the military buildings on the Asian shores including the Kuleli naval college and the magnificent waterside mansions made of wood. These wooden mansions, also known by the name of ‘yalis’ were made for the late Ottoman dignitaries, princesses and businessmen. There are some yalis which are still occupied by the children or descendents of the original owners.
There still exist some older yalis that were built strictly according to the Ottoman designs, according to which there must be a separation or division between the public divan and the male salamlik as well as the female living areas of the haremlik. It was only in the mid 19th century that the western designs rose to popularity.
Just a little far are the narrowest straits (nearly 700 m) which provide some terrific views over the two fortresses of Anadolu Hisari located on the Asian shore and Rumeli Hisari on the European shore. Both of these fortresses were constructed in a remarkable short period of just four months by Sultan Mehmet II in 1452 before the conquest of the city of Istanbul.
At present, these two fortresses are somewhat overshadowed by the twin towers of the Bridge of Fatih Sultan Mehmet opened in the year 1988.
From this point onwards, the Bosphorus rives seems to become wide enough to help us witness the history that becomes more clearly visible with very few newer buildings rising along the shores of Bosphorus. The last (but not the least, in any way) but one stop on the European shore happens to be Rumeli Kavagi. The presence of few Ottoman and Byzantine fortifications proves the role of this quiet village as being one of the tow posts on the straits. The Byzantine Yoros fortress lies clinging on the opposite shore’s hilltop.
You will have nearly three hours at your disposal before getting into the return ferry. So, you can spend this time to climb the hilltop where lies the famous Byzantine Yoros fortress. You will be more than happy for spending the time and effort in climbing to the Yoros fortress as it provides some of the most magnificent views of the Black Sea. If you feel hungry by this severe workout a top the hill, there is no need to lose heart for there is available a variety of sumptuous mouth watering dishes waiting for you at the several local fish restaurants of the village.
The daily departure time of boats from Eminonu is 10.35 am and 1.35 pm between the months of mid-April till mid-October. These boats make five stops before they terminate nearly one and a half hour later at Anadolu Kavagi.
So, what are you waiting for? Come join the fun by taking a voyage to this another world.
Turkey- Where the Old Blends with the New
Turkey is a city where the old and the new blend together harmoniously to make it one of the most fascinating place in the world. It can be easily said that Turkey, which is located between Europe and Asia, celebrates the amalgamation of not just these two continents but also both the eras, that is the old and the new.
Blue Mosque and Obelisk in Sultanahmet Istanbul Old City
While the history and the origin of this ancient city dates back to nearly 4000 years ago, its freshness and beauty is not only still retained but is unmatched. The city was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire and saw many wars. But, it does not have any wounds of any wars.
The Bosphorus divides the European and the Asian part of Istanbul. Taking a voyage, you will discover the beauty of the Dolmabahce and the Topkapi palaces, and the Bosphorus bridge as well as the Golden Horn bridge adorning the European side of Istanbul. On the Asian side lies the ancient Anadoluhisari fort. The road facing the ocean is a hot summer spot where you can enjoy your favorite food at any of the eating places situated there.
The Sultanahmet area in Istanbul happens to be the most happening place which is always bustling with activity. The best thing about this area is that it is centrally located and one can just walk to any of the nearby historical sites and monuments easily. A number of shops welcome you as you walk by, selling just about everything from carpets to even the tickets of the Sufi shows.
The first tourist stop visited by us was the Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Its interior walls are made of blue tiles and hence its name, the Blue Mosque. Built in 1600s, this national mosque of Turkey has won itself a coveted position of being the most famous tourist spot.
The next stoppage was the renowned monument of the Ottoman era known as Hagia Sofia. It was a basilica in the Byzantine period but was later converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period.
Just located at a short distance is the most ancient monument belonging to the 15th century BC. It happens to be the Hippodrome Obelisk. The structure that we see today was re-erected following its destruction by the Byzantine Emperor belonging to Egypt.
Next famous tourist spot is the Grand Bazaar, one of the biggest and most ancient covered bazaars in the world. This 450-year-old market has nearly 1,200 shops and about 58 covered streets selling everything under the sun.
You cannot resist the charm of Topkapi palace which is live example of the colorful and rich past of the Ottoman Empire. From the thrones and daggers studded with jewels to some exotic pieces of antique jewelry, everything is a reminiscent of the rich history of Istanbul.
If you want to explore more, you can take a tour to Troy, the ancient spot of the Trojan War. This place is almost a two-hour drive from the city of Istanbul. You can see a horse made of wood which reminds of the war that took place here. Another famous place worth visiting is the Ottoman capital of Bursa. It is nearly a four-hour drive and is a famous tourist spot. You must eat Iskender kebab, a famous cuisine of Bursa.
The fact is that Turkey has so much for any tourist that even a week’s time might prove insufficient to explore various famous places. There are the beautiful beaches of Turkey, the city of Ephesus known for being the town of Virgin Mary.
Turkey is a living example of a country where the old is not conquered by the new but presents a beautiful intermingling of both. You can catch a flight from Europe for Istanbul. There are a number of affordable and established hotels for staying. You can enjoy shopping as well as sight-seeing in this beautiful city.
Top 10 Tourist Sites of Istanbul
Istanbul Sight -Blue Mosque - Hagia Sophia
If you are on a short visit to Istanbul and want to experience the richness of the place in your visit, then you might feel confused as to which places to visit and which to keep for the next time. This is because Istanbul is a any tourist’s delight as it has not just one or two riches but a plethora of beautiful and famous historical places to be explored. However, the following list of places will help you get the best of Istanbul in the shortest possible time----
Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey
Hagia Sophia —Also known as Aya Sofya , this ancient monument was built in 532-537 A.D. during the rule of Justinian. Being one of the masterpieces of architectural design, it has Byzantine mosaics that date back from sixth century to the 10th century. It was converted to an Ottoman mosque following the fall of Byzantium. Now days, this church works as a museum open for public from Tuesday to Sunday.
Blue Mosque —Popularly known as Sultanahmet Mosque , this magnificent ancient building was made in 1609-1616 by Mehmet Aga. This functioning mosque has nearly 250 windows that allow natural light to flow in making the place appear larger in size. Tourists can enter the mosque once the prayers are over.
Topkapi Palace--- Topkapi Palace was built by Mehmet II after the conquest of Constantinople to be used as his main residence. Built in 1465, the buildings comprise a number of pavilions inside the huge courtyards. This palace used to be the Sultan’s residence and the official government seat. In 1924, Topkapi Palace was converted to a museum and since then, it has on display some of the most exquisite and finest collection of manuscripts, miniatures, jewelry, costumes and some items of religious significance.
Grand Bazaar--- Grand Bazaar is not just any ordinary place to shop. In fact, it has numerous shops, eating joints, banks and a mosque in its periphery. A visit to Istanbul is incomplete without visiting this famous place that is packed to capacity whenever you go there. This covered bazaar was built in 1453 by Mehmet II following his win over the city. It is open from Monday till Saturday.
Basilica Cistern---Meant to provide water to the Great imperial palace, this cistern was made in 532 A.D. by Justinian and is located near the Hippodrome. The cistern has 336 columns of being nearly 26 feet high providing support to the roof. The visitors can enjoy walking along the side ways of the cistern and listen to the mesmerizing sound of water.
Galata Tower--- Built in 1348, this huge tower seemingly touching the skyline used to serve the purpose of a watch tower during the Ottoman period. One can have views of Princes’ Islands from the top of this tower on clear days. The top floors of this tower have been converted to a night club and a restaurant.
Chora Church---This church of St. Savior was constructed in the 11th century at the site where an earlier church used to exist. The remodeling of Chora Church was done during 1315-1321 with the help of funds provided by an elite Byzantine theologian, Theodore Metochites. The walls and the roofs of this church have some of the most exquisite mosaics of the Byzantine period that depict religious scenes of Christ and Virgin Mary among others. The church now serves as a museum after its conversion into a mosque during the 16th century.
Spice Bazaar---As the structure was built from the funds collected through tax imposed on goods imported from Egypt, this bazaar got to be known as Egyptian Bazaar or Misir Carsisi. From spices, caviar, nuts to herbs, the bazaar is a good place to shop for spices of almost all types. This is a perfect place to shop for herbs to get relief from a number of ailments.
Dolmabahce Palace---Designed by the famous Armenian family of architects, this palace was made by Sultan Abdulmecit I in 1856. One can go inside the palace only by guided tour. The palace is still very luxuriant although it was built when the Ottoman Empire was on its last legs.
Eyup Sultan---Eyup is regarded as one of the main Muslim pilgrimage ranking only after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. It is the resting place of Eyup Ensari, the “alamdar” or the standard bearer of the Prophet Muhammad. Eyup Ensari was buried outside the city walls following his death during the siege of Constantinople by Arabs in 678 A.D. Meanwhile, a mosque was built around the tomb of Eyup Ensari by Sultan Mehmet II after he conquered Istanbul. Being a sacred place, it is often visited by Muslims for performing prayers and seeking blessings.
