A classic blend of the Asian and the European flavors, the city of Istanbul is indeed an impeccable choice for your vacation trips. Istanbul is acclaimed to be the financial and cultural pivot of Turkey. Abode to the major chunk of the Turkish population, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey.
- Istanbul -A true historical feast:
Owing to the cardinal and highly critical location of Istanbul, the city has invited quite a good number of invaders in the past. The invasions of the Romans, the Greeks, the Persians, the Venetians and the Ottomans have left the Turkish city of Istanbul with great many ruins of high historical value.
The most frequented historical site in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia Museum (also known as the Ayasofya Museum). Initially built as a church in the era of the great emperor Constantine, Hagia Sophia is an epitome of the Byzantine architectural skills.
The Blue Mosque, which was built to compete with the Hagia Sophia mosque, is another must visit site in Istanbul. The colossal domes and the minarets speak of extreme grandeur. The beautiful interiors of the Blue Mosque, adorned with patterns of blue tiles, prove to be truly appealing to the senses.
The Topkapi Palace, constructed during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II, is simply a site that inspires great awe. Though there have been many renovations done to it over the years, the palace still preserves its true origins.
The other notable sites of historic significance include the Galata Tower, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, The Basilica Cistern, the Rumeli Fortress, the Dolmabahce Palace and the Haider Pasha Cemetery.
- Scenic attractions of Istanbul:
On par with the historical and cultural merits, the natural beauty of Istanbul is absolutely remarkable.
Surrounded by the Marmara Sea in the south, the Black Sea in the north and the Istanbul Strait across the middle of the city. Istanbul is home to beauteous golden beaches.
The splendid Princes Islands, an amalgamation of nine fabulous islands along the Marmara Sea, is a hot spot visited by a great number of tourists every year. Open beaches and magnificent coves make the islands truly amazing.
Nature lovers should definitely pay a visit to the Belgrade Orman Forest. Bunches of lakes and wide varieties of trees like the elm, pine, oak and spruce, render the forest with an inviting appeal.
The sandy beaches of Kilyos possess a good deal of fame for all its charm and allurement.
- Shopping in the city of Istanbul:
Istanbul is undeniably a perfect location for endless shopping. Anything and everything can be easily fetched from the numerous bazaars and shopping malls of Istanbul.
One among the oldest bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar endows the shopping buffs with a totally delightful experience. Antique collections, jewelry, furniture, carpets and leather goods are the major commodities that one can find in the bazaar.
Shopping is all easy and lovely at the shopping districts of Bagdat Avenue, Nisantasi and Abdi Ipekci Street. A good number of huge shopping malls functions in Istanbul. The noteworthy ones include Akmerkez, Istinye Park, Kanyon, Galleria and Forum Istanbul.
Istanbul, thus, is an enticing fusion of history, culture and trade. An ever memorable experience, traveling to Istanbul is too simple if you have your Turkey visas ready.
