Istanbul-Crossroad of Asia and Europe
Istanbul has a strategic location on either side of Bosphorous, the narrow strait linking the Marmara Sea and Black Sea and serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Istanbul is Turkey’s financial and cultural center and most densely inhabited city. The population of Istanbul is between twelve to nineteen million people and this makes it one of Europe’s largest cities. Istanbul has a long standing history dating back more than a thousand and five hundred years. Istanbul held an extremely important position on the trade route between Marmara Sea, Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. It has been a jealously guarded world trade center since the time of Byzantine Era. Istanbul is safely guarded on three sides by water and has a natural harbour, the Golden Horn in the city premise.
History of Istanbul
Istanbul was earlier known as Constantinople, owing to the rule of the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great of Byzantium, the ancient Greek colony. The Roman rule lasted for nearly 1,000 years and the city fell to Ottoman conquerors in 1453. Due to its strategic positioning, Istanbul has been under constant attacks and sieges and hence has seen transformation from being New Rome’s Hellenic outpost, world’s first Christian capital and the seat of world’s largest Islamic empire. The modern identity of Istanbul is a blend of both European and eastern features.
Reaching and Getting Around Istanbul
Istanbul is a highly developed city and the tourist infrastructure is of highest order. You can get in by Istanbul by nearly all means of transport- planes, trains, buses and boats. Getting around in cars in Istanbul is slightly difficult due to the chaotic traffic. Taxis are the best way to explore Istanbul as they are cheap and easy mode of transport. You can easily travel around in shared taxis, public buses and sea buses and ferries. Metro and trams are comfortable as well. Walking tours are one of the best ways to see Istanbul and they will give a valuable insight into the culture and lifestyle of the city.
Places to be Seen in Istanbul
Istanbul is full of historical places and the most notable one is the Hagia Sophia, a 6th century basilica, built by Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor. This is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and engineering. You must see the magnificent mosaics in the museum. Topkapi Palace is another important landmark and this had been the imperial residence of the Ottoman emperors for nearly 3 centuries. It has lavish decorations with four courts steeped in magnificent grandeur. You will be able to see many exhibits like the Christian and Islamic china, rugs and relics. The State Treasury, Imperial Treasury, weaponry display and Harem are all very stunning.
The Sultanahamet Mosque has sweeping architecture with six minarets and impressive Blue Mosque. The mammoth underground cistern-Basilica Cistern is a must see for all tourists. Hippodrome was Roman and Byzantine Constantinople’s center and has remains of sculptures and obelisks since the fourth century. The other tourist attractions include Galata Whirling Dervish Hall, Ortakoy, Museum of Archaeology, Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Chora Church, Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palalce, Prince’s Islands and Museum of Modern Art.
The holiday in Istanbul would be incomplete without a visit to the Turkish Baths or Hamams. And, of course, do not miss the pleasurable Hookah or Narghile.
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