The Delights of Istanbul
Istanbul, the capital city of Turkey, beautifully depicts a perfect blend of eastern culture with the western culture. It is a modern city but still keeps alive its rich history and culture. Located along the shores of the beautiful Bosphorus , Istanbul is a best bet not just for some of the most ancient monuments but also for a shopping retreat.
No wonder, it has won itself the coveted name of being the hot tourist destination. Although, it might not be a cheap city, however, still it is one of favorite attractions for tourists even in the times of global recession.
Istanbul offers the tourist not only the historical monuments but also a best place for discovering the tradition and the rich culture. From the Hagia Sophia mosque to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome, the list seems to be inviting and endless.
Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey
As you walk along the old streets, you will come across the ancient alleyways and the huge buildings reminiscing the time gone by. The Hagia Sophia church is an example of the exquisite skills of ancient architecture. The famous mosaic of Virgin Mary lies within the building, protected by a thick piece of cloth.
The beauty of Blue Mosque is simply amazing. Adorned with fine red and blue tiles, this mosque is symbolic of the city to which it belongs. It was built in the 17th century during the period of Sultan Ahmet I.
Moving on to the next delight of Istanbul, let us talk about the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace. In this palace built by Mehmet II after his victory over Constantinople (now Istanbul), you can view the diamonds and the emeralds of the Ottoman Era.
Also on the display are the relics, hair, mentor and the swords of Prophet Mohammad. Additionally, you can also find the swords of Prophet Mohammad’s companions including Hazrat Umar Farooq, Khalid bin Waleed and Hazrat Ali. You cannot afford to miss the harem of this palace, which was once a centre of political activity.
Cagaloglu Hamam Istanbul
If you feel exhausted and thirsty, you can quench your thirst with the ice cold water on sale just a couple of yards away. As you walk away after seeing the Blue Mosque, you will fail to miss the famous Cagaloglu Hamam Turkish Baths. These are nearly 300 years old traditional baths of Turkey.
In Sultanahmet, you can find exquisite pieces of Turkish artifacts on display on just every nook and corner of the streets. So, as you walk, you are unlikely to resist the charm of Turkish carpets, ceramics, tiles or the colorful jewelry. And, if you have a craze for collecting exclusive paintings and unusual pieces of jewelry, then the Sunday market in Ortakoy is the best place for you. It is a small suburb located at the foot of the famous Bosphorus Bridge.
While you are in Ortakoy, you must not miss to visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace. It was built in the 19th century as a tribute to Turkey’s first President Kamal Ataturk. You must spare at least an hour to see the ancient painted ceilings and the crystal staircases of this palace.
Among the other mosques worth seeing are the Rustem Pasa Mosque and the Suleymaniye Mosque out of nearly thousands of mosques dotting the map of Istanbul.
Rustem Pasa Mosque Istanbul Turkey
Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul Turkey
Your visit to Istanbul is considered incomplete if you have missed to watch a live performance by the Turkish dancers known as whirling dervishes. You can watch a stunning performance at the 550 year old traditional Turkish Hamam, the Hodjapasha, which now serves as a culture centre.