Istanbul

THE CITY OF ISTANBUL

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and fourth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.6 million. Istanbul is also a mega city, as well as the cultural and financial centre of Turkey. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosporus Strait and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosporus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.

Istanbul has a long history. As Constantinople it was the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Most visitors spend most of their time on the European side of the Bosporus, visiting the historic attractions of old Istanbul, or discovering and enjoying the nightlife and shopping in the modern part of the city.

Old Istanbul is actually the western and central part of the city. Here are the Blue Mosque and the Haghia Sophia in Sultanahmet, the Spice Market in Eminönü and Grand Bazaar in Beyazit. Northeast across the Golden Horn (a tributary of the Bosporus) are a lot of possibilities for late-night shopping in Taksim, and bars and restaurants in buzzing Beyoglu. East across the Bosporus is the Asian side of the city and Uskudar and busy Kadikoy.

THE PORT OF ISTANBUL

The port of Istanbul is the most important one in Turkey. The old port on the Golden Horn serves primarily for personal navigation, while Karaköy port in Galata is used by the large cruise liners.

The major cruise ships arrive in Istanbul at the Yolcu Salonu Passenger Terminal in Karaköy (Galata). Here stands the Galata Tower, right on the spot where the Golden Horn flows into the Bosporus. The Yolcu Salonu Terminal is not really new anymore not very comfortable. It just serves as a passage between the customs and immigration services and the actual city of Istanbul.

TRANSPORT IN ISTANBUL

Cruise ships dock at or near the Yolcu Salonu Passenger Terminal. From here it is easy to walk to some of the most important Istanbul sights, or take a tram or a taxi to visit the sites of the city.

Istanbul's yellow taxis are cheap, comfortable and prevalent.

Handy for commuters, pleasurable for visitors and perfect on sunny days, a passenger ferry between the European and Asian side of Istanbul is cheap and has the best views. Take the leisurely cruise up the Bosporus or simply use it as a way to get between Eminönü and Kadikoy.

Most of the single-decker buses are now air-conditioned but can get packed and very hot in summer. The yellow dolmuş (minibus) is faster, slightly more expensive, but always guarantees a seat so better for long journeys

With relatively few stops (but new ones being dug as you read this) the Metro is super clean, efficient, and the quickest way to get from Taksim Square to the business and shopping districts of Levent.

The best way to whiz through old Istanbul, the modern tramway starts in Kabatas with stops including Eminönü harbour (Egyptian Market), Sultanahmet for the Blue Mosque and Beyazit for the Grand Bazaar..

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul is chock full of monuments of both religious and historical significance and there’s no shortage of museums. Here are only a few of the many highlights of this wonderful and historically rich city.

The Aya Sofia (or Church of The Divine Wisdom) is widely regarded as the world's finest example of Byzantine architecture. The church was consecrated in 537AD during the Byzantine period of Constantinople. The dome rises to 56m (183ft), designed to appear suspended in space and thus representative of heaven.

Topkapi Palace is another of the must-sees of Istanbul. The palace was designed to be a summer residence and the seat of government. It was also was home to harem, state administration and military personnel in the 16th century when some 3,000 residents lived here. In 1855 the Sultan abandoned it and moved to  Dolmabahçe Palace.  A lot of the gorgeous  jewels of the original treasury , the armoury,  the silk robes for ceremonial purposes,  the Chinese ceramics and the collection of manuscripts, all bear witness to the richness and decadence of the old Ottoman empire.

Istanbul has many markets. The Kapali Çarşisi (Covered or Grand Bazaar) is the best known of all. After the 1493 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, it was founded. The market contained the slave market, as well as the hans. It replaced the caravanserais of old, where traders who had followed the Silk Road could rest themselves and their camels, and sell their products.

Misir Çarşisi is also called the Egyptian or Spice Market. It was built in the 17th century as an extension to Yeni Camii (New Mosque), with the money paid as duty on Egyptian goods. Originally it was here that exotic spices and oils from the Orient were sold. Today dried fruits, Turkish delight and caviar, as well countless souvenirs are traded here

The Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) dates from the reign of Sultan Ahmet I (1603-1617). It is actually the answer of Islam to the Aya Sofia. Today it is still the symbol and centre of religious demonstrations and Istanbul's only mosque with six minarets. Blue Iznik tiles dominate the interior, hence the name of the Mosque.

The Süleymaniye Mosque is not so popular as a tourist site as the Blue Mosque, but this mosque, commissioned by Sultan Sülemaniye I  is even more impressive and more peaceful than the Blue Mosque. It is one of the finest creations by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.

Galata Kulesi (Galata Tower) has a balcony from which a grand view over the city can be had. It was constructed in 1348 by the Genoese as part of their fortifications.

The Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi is the very heart of Istanbul's modern European side. In the southwest corner is the Monument of Independence.  The pedestrianised boulevard Istiklal Caddesi is about 1.5 km long and is full with shops, cinemas, markets and restaurants. Especially at night it is throbbing with life.

Istanbul's Archaeology Museums are located in three separate buildings that were once part of the Topkapi Palace complex. The main building houses the famous fourth-century BC Alexander sarcophagus discovered in Lebanon, as well as the facade of the Temple to Athena from Assos, Byzantine mosaics and Egyptian and Lycian sarcophagi.