Istanbul
The Bosphorus Strait divides the old Istanbul in Europe from the modern Istanbul in Asia, so the region of Istanbul stretches across two continents and is a diverse and interesting region to explore. It is also unique in having had capital status during two successive empires, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both is visible in the modern city today.
The ideal location of Istanbul has made it a popular port and military base over the centuries, once the capital of the Roman Empire, Istanbul was the centre of world trade and know as Constantinople, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the imperial seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural heart of Turkey today.
The vivacious history of Istanbul offers the region a charming atmosphere in addition to some fascinating artefacts, including Byzantine ruins, splendid palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams (bath-houses) and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes trendy bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant suburbs. The call to prayer heralds the start of each day and the city comes to life with over 12,000 residents forming a chaotic social and cultural mix of unscrupulous carpet merchants, wealthy shoppers, religiously veiled women and destitute beggars. Joining the noisy throng are over-awed tourists and those capitalising on the tourist trade.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)
The impressive tawny shaded dome structure of the Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbuls more popular attractions and is famed for it's beautiful mosaics, frescoes and unique architechture, It was commissioned as a cathedral in the 6th century and remained the most important church in Christianity for over 900 years. In the 15th century Mehmet II conquered the city and converted it into a mosque, adding the minarets and fountains. It functioned as such for the next 481 years until the founding of the secular Turkish Republic in 1934 when it was declared a museum. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest Byzantine buildings in the world, and the vast interior, with its huge soaring dome, is extraordinary. The interior contains different features from its time as a cathedral and then as a mosque, including incredible Byzantine mosaics, icons and marble columns, a mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), and Islamic calligraphy inscriptions on the dome from the Ottoman period.
Address: Sultanahmet Square; Telephone: (212) 518 1802; Transport: Sultanahmet tram stop; Opening time: Open daily except Mondays from 9.30am to 4.30pm; Admission: 15 YTL
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
The Blue Mosque is more traditionally known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii and is made up of enchanting tiered domes and detailed minarets set against the sun kissed Istanbul horizon. Constructed as an Islamic rival to the Hagia Sophia in 1609, it is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture and is still used by hundreds of worshippers. The interior is splendidly decorated with thousands of blue and white Iznik tiles embellished with traditional Ottoman flower patterns, and it is this special feature that gives the mosque its name. Its design of successively descending smaller domes, soaring columns and 260 stained glass windows leaves a lasting impression of graceful accord and open space. At the back of the mosque is a Carpet and Kilim Museum exhibiting antiques from all over Turkey.
Address: Hippodrome, Sultanahmet; Telephone: (212) 518 1319; Transport: Sultanahmet tram stop; Opening time: Open daily, access restricted during prayer times, especially at midday on Fridays. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and
4pm; Admission: There is no charge for visiting the mosque, but the museum has a small entrance fee
Topkapi Palace Museum
The Topkapi Palace Museum is situated in the collection of buildings, which are connected by courtyards to complete the Topkapi Sarayi. The Topkapi Sarayi dates back to the thirteenth century and was originally intended as the Sultan's Palace for Mehmet the Conqueror. Magnificently situated on one of the seven hills of Istanbul with uninterrupted views over the Bosphorus River and the Golden Horn, it was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost four centuries. Home to nearly 3,000 people, it served as royal residence, harem, state administration and military barracks. One of the most popular sections is the harem, once the quarters of about 300 women who were the sultans' wives and concubines, and their children. Visitors can view the apartments, halls and terraces of the harem, and see the lavish royal bedchamber and Imperial Hall. No expense was spared in decorating the palace and exquisitely designed rooms, intricately detailed fountains and gateways, and the splendid Treasury, housing one of the greatest collections of treasure in the world, afford insight into the opulent lifestyle of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire.
