Amazing and fabulous Istanbul is a bridge between two continents, a meeting place of Western and Eastern cultures and an invaluable historical heritage of all humanity. The location of the city is so favorable that human settlements flourished here long before the advent of our era. Ancient Byzantium, pompous Constantinople and brilliant Istanbul - all these are the names of one city lying on the picturesque banks of the Bosphorus.
In the city, tourists will be able to see the treasures of two cultures at once - Byzantine and Ottoman. The incomparable Hagia Sophia competes in beauty with the Blue Mosque, the centuries-old secrets of the Topkana Palace are safely kept behind powerful walls, and the city's oriental bazaars add color to the busy streets. This is all Istanbul: noisy, diverse and incomparable.
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What to see and where to go in Istanbul?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
This unique historical monument is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, a symbol of the heyday of Christianity and a witness to the death of the Byzantine Empire. The cathedral was founded during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. Over the 14 centuries of its existence, it was destroyed and devastated several times. After the conquest of Constantinople, the temple was converted into a mosque, destroying many Christian values. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Turkish authorities decided to assign Hagia Sophia the status of a museum.
A Muslim temple built under Sultan Ahmed I at the beginning of the 17th century. Rare and precious types of marble were used during construction. The architecture of the Blue Mosque is a harmonious combination of Ottoman and Byzantine styles, a brilliant project of Khoja Mimar Sinan Agha, who was deservedly nicknamed “the jeweler” by the people. The building is decorated with a large number of sky-colored Iznik ceramic tiles, which is why it received the name “Blue Mosque”.
Another masterpiece of the architect Sinan, which became a symbol of the power of the Ottoman Empire. After construction was completed, the master predicted that the temple would stand forever. So far his prophecy is true - over four centuries the building has survived several dozen serious earthquakes and survived. Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest temple in Istanbul. This is a whole complex consisting of madrasahs, baths, a library, an observatory, and prayer rooms.
A strait on the Mediterranean Sea, where back in the 7th century BC. A small Greek settlement was formed. Over time, it turned into the city of Byzantium, and later into Constantinople. The bay got its name due to its shape, similar to an animal horn, and the incredible beauty of the coastal landscapes. The works of ancient Greek scientists also mention the name “Horn of Byzantium”. In past centuries, the bay was considered an important strategic site.
The Bosphorus Strait is the maritime border between the Asian and European parts of Turkey, it is often called the “soul of Istanbul”. Several picturesque bridges span the strait; magnificent Sultan's palaces, fortresses and ancient quarters stand on the banks. Istanbul cannot be imagined without the Bosphorus. This narrow strip of water has more than once become the subject of dispute between states and the arena of military clashes.
The prototype of the modern stone tower was a wooden Byzantine structure of the 6th century, built under Emperor Justinian. After the Turks conquered Byzantium in the 15th century, the tower was used as a lighthouse, fire tower and prison. The building is located on a hill, so it is clearly visible from the streets of Istanbul. From the observation deck of the tower you can admire the picturesque architecture of the city.
The Maiden Tower (Kyz Kulesi) was built in the waters of the Bosphorus on a small rocky island. It is believed that fortifications on this tiny piece of land dates back to 400 BC. during the war between Athens and Sparta. During Ottoman rule, a lighthouse was built on the island. The Maiden Tower managed to serve as a prison, an isolation ward, utility room for military and sailors, and an exhibition gallery. Since the end of the 20th century, there has been an observation deck and a restaurant here.
A palace complex built during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I. The ruler wanted to surpass European rulers in luxury and size, so the palace turned out to be truly huge: its walls stretch 600 meters along the Bosphorus Strait, with a total area of 45 thousand m². After the formation of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk settled on the ruins of the Ottoman Empire in Dolmabahçe. After his death, the palace became a museum.
The most famous and famous palace in Istanbul. Until the mid-19th century, it was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans. The complex was built on the ruins of the palace of the Byzantine emperors by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century. Topkani is divided into four parts. Each of them has separate entrances: the Gate of the Lord (service and official premises), the Gate of Greeting (office and treasury, the meeting room of the divan), the Gate of Bliss (inner chambers and harem).
A Baroque palace in the Asian part of Istanbul, built in the mid-19th century. The building was used as a summer residence for the Ottoman sultans. The interior decoration of the palace premises uses a mixture of Eastern and European traditions, which makes the interiors quite original. The layout is made in a typical Turkish style - courtyards, a separate pavilion for the harem and rooms for the hammam.
A powerful fort on the picturesque shore of the Bosphorus, built in the 15th century under Sultan Mehmed II Fatih. The defensive walls of the fortress were erected in just a few months. Rumelihisar was built specifically for the assault on Constantinople in order to cut off the city from the strait. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the fortress was used as a customs point. The restoration was carried out in the middle of the 20th century.
A picturesque palace and park complex on the coast of the Sea of Marmara. First, on the site of the modern palace, a villa was built for the mother of Sultan Selim III. Yildiz is a building that embodies several architectural styles: European classics, baroque, oriental style. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent flowering park. Since 1994, a museum has been located on its territory.
A place where horse racing was held even during the Roman Empire 2 thousand years ago. During the era of Ottoman rule, the amphitheater on the square was dismantled, many of its fragments were used for the construction of the pearl of Istanbul - the Blue Mosque. On the square there are obelisks of the Byzantine emperors Constantine Porphyrogenitus and Theodosius, as well as an ancient Greek serpentine column.
The central square of the historical Beyoğlu district. It separates the old quarters of Istanbul from the new and serves as an important transport hub of the city. In the center of the square there is a monument erected in honor of the formation of the Turkish Republic. It consists of sculptures of military leaders Kemal Atatürk, Fevzi Çakmak, Mustafa, İsmet İnönü and other revolutionaries who contributed to the fall of the monarchy.
Pedestrian street connecting Taksim Square and Galat district. Once upon a time this alley was the central avenue of Constantinople. The name "Istiklal" is translated from Turkish as "independence". The spirit of freedom and independence truly reigns on the street. It is overrun with strolling tourists, nightclubs, restaurants and inexpensive eateries. Here, temples stand one meter apart from each other and street performers perform, and modern bars coexist with traditional Turkish shops.
An ancient temple in the Sultanahmet district, located in the historical center of Istanbul. It is believed that the church was built on the ruins ancient temple Aphrodite in the 4th century AD. e., thus, this temple is older than Hagia Sophia. Before the appearance of the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the Church of St. Irene was the main temple of Constantinople; the meeting of the Second Ecumenical Council under the leadership of Emperor Theodosius I took place here.
The Byzantine Church of Christ the Savior, also known as the Chora Monastery. The temple was founded in the 4th century AD. e., at that time he was outside the city wall of Constantinople. Inside the building, original Byzantine mosaics and frescoes from the 11th century have been preserved, which are of great cultural value. The Kariye Museum is located in an ordinary residential area, away from the main attractions.
A museum where unique archaeological finds telling about the history of human development are stored. Many exhibits were preserved thanks to the export ban. historical monuments from the Ottoman Empire, which was introduced in 1884. The museum houses the very first peace treaty recorded in history. The complex includes three large buildings housing more than 1 million exhibits.
Istanbul cannot afford to lag behind European capitals, and therefore, like many of them, it has its own museum of modern art. The gallery was opened in 2004. This place hosts all kinds of exhibitions, author meetings and celebrations of contemporary artists. The premises are equipped with last word technology, so you can often see fashion installations here.
The park is located on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay. On its territory there are models of Turkish and world attractions, made in a ratio of 1:25. In total, Miniature contains more than a hundred different figures, including the Blue Mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, the Greek Temple of Artemis, and Topkani Palace. The park also has a miniature Railway, airport and seaport.
A surviving part of the ancient water supply system of Constantinople. The approximate date of construction of the aqueduct is 375 AD. The total length of the stone water pipeline was more than 550 km; the Valens aqueduct was a small section of 1.5 km that connected two neighboring city hills. In the 7th and 8th centuries. the structure was repaired. The aqueduct operated successfully until the 12th century, after which it was abandoned. Under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it was again repaired and began to be used to deliver water to Topkapi.
An underground reservoir in the historical center of Istanbul, equipped at the beginning of the 4th century. The cistern served as a city water reservoir. Water was delivered here from the Belgrade Forest through a system of aqueducts. The ceiling of the reservoir is supported by rows of marble columns that were previously part of ancient temples. During the Ottoman rule, the cistern was not used; in 1987 it was cleaned and a museum was opened on the territory.
The defensive system of the Byzantine capital, preserved from the 5th century AD. It was built to protect the city from attacks by barbarian tribes. The walls have survived to this day in good condition, largely thanks to the Ottoman conquerors. After the conquest of Constantinople, they restored all the buildings. In the first half of the 20th century, the walls began to be dismantled, but in the 80s. a decision was made to restore.
Bridge over the Golden Horn Bay. The structure was built in the middle of the 19th century under the ruler Abdulmecid I. Another common name for the structure is “Valide Bridge”, since the Sultan’s mother took an active part in the construction. The bridge has gone through five reconstructions; in 2005, tram tracks were laid across it.
Modern suspension bridge across the Bosphorus, inaugurated in 1973 in the presence of the President and Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic. The structure is supported by two metal towers located approximately 1 km away. from each other. The total length of the bridge is 1560 meters. In the evening, multi-colored lights turn on, painting the bridge in bright colors. During the busiest hours, the structure sags by 90 cm.
A grandiose project by German architects of the early 20th century. The station was supposed to become a major railway junction connecting the Ottoman Empire with Damascus, Cairo, Jerusalem and Medina. But History decreed otherwise - the empire fell, and Haydarpaşa was destined for a more modest role. The station now serves domestic eastern routes to the borders with Iran, Armenia and Syria.
A city park designed for walking and relaxing from the summer heat of Istanbul. It is famous for its large number of pink flower beds, which have been preserved since the times of the Sultan. Gülhane was once part of the palace complex; only the ruler and courtiers had the right to walk in the park. At the end of the 19th century it was open to everyone. On the territory there is a large children's playground, a cafe, a small zoo and an aquarium.
Best shopping destination and sixth largest shopping mall in the world. There are about 400 shops, dozens of cafes and restaurants on 6 floors. As in leading European capitals, here you can find products from all the world’s most famous and popular brands, from affordable brands to designer houses. There is an amusement park in the underground part of the building.
A traditional oriental bazaar where sellers can communicate with buyers in many languages. Previously, goods brought from the East were sold here: spices, herbs, medicines. Nowadays, the bazaar is more oriented towards tourists, so a significant part of its area is occupied by souvenir shops. You can also buy interesting jewelry, dishes, fabrics and carpets, and oriental sweets here.
The largest indoor market in the world, covering an area of 3.7 thousand m². This is a whole “city within a city” with its own way of life, rhythm of life and laws. The bazaar consists of 66 streets and 4 thousand stalls and stores. There are mosques, a school, a bathhouse, a cafe, currency exchange offices and numerous warehouses. Every day the bazaar is visited by several tens of thousands of people. The trading platform appeared in the 15th century immediately after the capture of Constantinople on the site of the old Byzantine market.
Istanbul is a unique city located in two parts of the world: Europe and Asia. Only here, at the crossroads of cultures and religions, political and trade interests of various civilizations, could such a community, unusual in all respects, inhabited by representatives of different peoples, emerge. Despite the territorial proximity, the European and Asian parts of Istanbul are different. The reason for this is the history of the development of the metropolis. From this article you will learn in detail about the European part of Istanbul.
Galata Tower - the pearl of the European part of Istanbul
Beyoglu is the ilche of Istanbul, which includes such historical districts of the city as Galata, Karakoy, Cihangir and others. This is where the famous Istiklal Street, Taksim Square, Galata Tower and many other interesting sights are located. Many bars, restaurants, shops and hotels make this area a “Mecca of tourism”, both domestic (let’s not forget that of Turkey’s approximately 90 million population, many residents of other cities also want to see Istanbul) and international.
Tram on Istiklal Street on a rare snowy day in Istanbul
On the territory of Ilche Fatih, there are historical districts of Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Aksaray, Balat, Fener and others. Among the main attractions of Ilçe (the concentration of which here is perhaps the highest in Turkey, if not in the World), one can note the Topkapi Palace, known to us from the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (from the so popular TV series Magnificent Century), the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the square Hippodrome and others. It is here that you can spend hours just walking the streets and photographing, looking, and photographing, looking and photographing, as a result, you understand that you were able to see only a small part of everything that can be seen in Fatih.
In the Besiktas district in the European part of Istanbul there is a famous one - a pearl of architecture on the Bosphorus.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) one of the most beautiful mosques in the World is located in the European part of Istanbul
I would also like to note that it is in Istanbul, located in the European part of Istanbul, that most flights with tourists on board arrive.
The telephone code for the European part of Istanbul is 212 (and the Asian part is 216)
We can talk about the European part of Istanbul for a very, very long time. Districts, attractions, transport, cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops - all these are the topics of individual articles that have already been published or are being prepared for publication on our website.
Panorama of the historical part of Istanbul, located in Europe
Istanbul – ancient city, still maintaining its proud and amazing heritage. The largest port, a cultural stronghold not only of Turkey, but of all Muslim world. It is located on the banks of the Bosphorus and is rightfully considered its main pearl. Without any guile, this city can be called truly huge. But here you will not find skyscrapers and tall buildings.
Istanbul carefully preserves its ancient history and is calm about the development of architecture, indifferently looking at progress from the outside. That's not the point here. All the buildings of the city skillfully preserve the hilly landscape of the area, and the sea views are mesmerizing: the reflections of the water surface of the Golden Horn Bay and the Bosphorus Strait attract citizens and tourists. Read about it here.
If you look at Istanbul from the sea, you clearly understand why this is one of the main centers of the Islamic world - on the top of each of the main hills of the city there are majestic mosques, piercing the blue Turkish sky with their high minarets.
It is not surprising that these mosques, each with its own special history, are the main attractions of Istanbul. This is an integral part of Turkish culture, which is admired by tourists from all over the world, and Muslims different countries people come here to touch the main temples of Islam.
The daily chorus of muezzins fills the air and creates a special atmosphere that evokes reverence and respect for the ancient culture.
Sultanahmet Square
Istanbul is one of those cities in which the main attractions are concentrated close to each other. Every tourist who wants to appreciate the local beauty certainly goes to the central square - Sultanahmet.
Here is the largest concentration of cultural attractions. And it is here that the two main attractions of the city – the Hagia Sophia Cathedral and the Blue Mosque – rise majestically.
Adjacent to Muslim temples is a completely non-religious place - a hippodrome. Founded back in the 13th century, it was not only a sports ground, but also an important meeting place and solutions to many public problems. Today you can see here beautiful fountain octagonal in shape, the main decoration of which was a golden mosaic.
Against the background of other attractions on Sultanahmet Square, another monument stands out, or rather the obelisk, Feodosia. It was once transported from Egypt, but underwent changes: it was specially shortened and erected on a marble pedestal.
The series of antiquities continues with the famous column called the snake column. It was created by the Greeks using bronze from the shields of the defeated Persian army. Now the heads of the column’s snakes have been destroyed, but even in this form it deservesly takes its place in the main square of Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia Cathedral
Of course, the main attractions of Sultanahmet, as well as the entire city, are the mosques. And the Hagia Sophia built here is no exception. Its history dates back to the 4th century. Temples were repeatedly founded on this site, but due to various historical events, nothing remained of them.
And only the Hagia Sophia has stood here since 994 to this day. The mosque owes its “birth” to the Byzantine emperor Justinian. He sought to create a grandiose temple that would reflect all the greatness of the empire.
Here you can see that different colors of marble are used in the decoration of the walls and floor: white, pink, as well as red and green. In addition to expensive stone, ivory, carved gold friezes, natural pearls and many precious stones were widely used in decoration.
But it was not only the materials that amazed Justinian’s contemporaries with their high cost and beauty. For the construction of the temple, technologies that were innovative for that time were used: cement became more durable thanks to the addition of vegetable oil, and water for diluting lime was specially infused with barley grains.
Most of all attention was paid to the dome in the cathedral project. The design of bent triangular vaults used for the first time made such a large-scale detail visually completely light and weightless, and multiple arches fill the interior with daylight.
It cannot be said that history has treated the majestic building favorably. Most of the main valuables of the temple were looted or taken away and the main Christian relic of the Byzantine Empire became a Muslim mosque. But even this does not in any way detract from the dignity of the structure, and even today Hagia Sophia delights with its appearance.
The famous Blue Mosque does not lag behind its closest “competitor”. Today it is the main symbol of Istanbul, striking and surprising with its elegance and grandiose decoration.
The mosque begins its history during the time of Sultan Ahmed I. In those days, the country was losing its position and authority, because during the reign of the Sultan there was not a single victory in the wars. And then Ahmed I decided to offer a truly great temple as a gift to God.
Truly unique materials were used during construction. A rare black stone was brought especially for carving the makhrib from the distant and sacred Mecca. Construction work lasted seven years from 1609.
For the interior and exterior decoration, the best elements of the Byzantine style were borrowed, which, in combination with Ottoman classics, created a truly masterpiece ensemble.
Sultanahmet Mosque It was not for nothing that it was nicknamed the Blue Mosque. The point is in its decor: the ceramic tiles used in construction were specially skillfully coated with blue and white paints. Their manufacturing production worked only for this project, refusing all their previous customers, and it was this arrogance that ultimately led to the ruin of the enterprise.
But, nevertheless, the tiles of the Blue Mosque are a whole work of art, the floral patterns of which are presented in more than fifty variations.
The main wall of the mosque, to which parishioners face during prayer, deserves no less attention. It is decorated with as many as sixty stained glass windows.
Today's glass is not “original”, as it was replaced due to many disasters that were merciless to the fragile colored material. But the previous stained glass windows were a match for the grandiose project: they were carried out by the best Venetian masters.
A separate feature of the mosque is its minarets. Here there are two more than the accepted number - six. History says that this was not a special move by the Sultan, but the fault of the architect, who mixed up the required quantity.
Istanbul is amazing beautiful city, attracting not only with its unique culture, but also with its stunning location. Advantageous positions throughout history have haunted foreign conquerors. And the Bosphorus Strait is to blame for it all.
According to the ancient Greek myth, Hera became angry with her husband’s next mistress, the beautiful Io, and then Zeus had no choice but to save her by turning her into a white cow. And then Io fled through the sea strait, giving it the name “cow ford”, or Bosporus.
Its length is 30 kilometers, and the widest part of the strait between Europe and Asia reaches 3500 meters. At the same time, the depth of the Bosphorus is quite modest, approximately 30-80 meters.
Once upon a time, these places were closely associated with ancient Greek legends and myths, but today times are completely different. Now the strait and Istanbul standing on it are completely different, but without losing some of their ancient attractiveness.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the city from the sea, you need to sail along the Bosphorus on one of the local pleasure boats. It is during such a voyage that one can understand that, with its constant contractions and expansions, the strait is very much like a series of small lakes.
The only thing that does not allow you to forget about the port status is the constant flow of ships plying along the Bosphorus.
Another iconic and recognizable landmark of Istanbul is its bridges - the name of Sultan Fatih and the Bosphorus. Now they are paid for travel and are strictly closed to pedestrians, since these main connecting highways of the city were once a favorite place for suicides.
While walking along the strait you can see another interesting place. Here, in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, there are two high-rise towers. European Rumelihisar on one side and Asian Anadoluhisar on the other. Both of them were erected for the sole purpose of blocking access to the Black Sea, and were used to capture Constantinople. Today, the European tower houses the Artillery Museum.
If after a walk along the sea you want to see the whole of Istanbul at a glance, then you should definitely go to the Galata Tower.
This is one of the most ancient attractions of the city, and its size is amazing: the 61-meter height of the tower itself is successfully complemented by its location on a hill. Such a scale makes Galata perfectly visible from all parts of the city. It is this advantageous location that has made it so popular among tourists.
They decided to use the good location of the hill back in the 5th century. Then the first local building was erected. What happened to it is unknown, but already in the 14th century the Genoese began the construction of Galata “from scratch.” They called it the Tower of Christ and built it in honor of the increase in the number of colonies.
In its subsequent history, it was used in completely different capacities: the tower was a fire tower, a starting point for air travel, and simply as a beautiful panoramic place overlooking the city.
And since the sixties of the last century, Galata has become accessible to visitors. Now there are restaurants and observation deck, from where there is a stunning view of Istanbul at night.
Haydarpasa Station
If you are not impressed by religious sites, then it is worth visiting Haydarpasa Station. This building is one of iconic places Turkish city. Built in 1909, it has become a real symbol not only of Istanbul, but of the entire country.
The creators of the project were German architects Otto Ritter and Helmut Kohn. To implement the idea, the neoclassical style was chosen. The stone façade was the result of the hard work of renowned German and Italian craftsmen. The construction involved so many workers and engineers that they even settled nearby, populating an entire block.
In 2012, the fate of the building came under the supervision of the World Monuments Fund, as the station ceased to function. There were even ideas about turning the building into a hotel.
Be that as it may, in the Haydarpasa area there are many local attractions that are not as popular as mosques, but also attract the attention of tourists. For example, a museum named after the nurse Florence Nightingale was founded among the Selimiye barracks.
War Museum
Istanbul is a city with definitely rich history. Over the past years, the city has repeatedly participated in sieges and wars, becoming a stumbling block for many armies. Therefore, when coming here, you should not forget about this part of the Turkish heritage and visit local museums. For example, Military.
Now his exhibitions are very popular and attract not only visitors, but also city residents. The museum is located in the former building of a military academy, and in terms of the number of halls and exhibits it ranks second in the world among military history galleries. Not only military elements are presented here, but also items closely related to Turkish history, which, undoubtedly, largely influenced the development of Western civilizations.
This museum was once located in the Church of St. Irene, but after the city was captured by the army of Sultan Mehmed II, a weapons warehouse was located in its building. And later it was restored and turned into a museum, which, unfortunately, did not last long. Everything was looted again and turned into a warehouse.
Thus, the building opened and closed its doors to the general public several times, and only in 1950 it finally moved to the building of the military academy. And already in 1993 the building acquired its current appearance.
One of the main elements of the museum is its military brass band Mehter, whose performances take place daily in the concert hall or in the open air area. The history of the orchestra is no less interesting: during the Ottoman Empire, it took part in campaigns, battles and official parades, performing military marches in an unusual minor key.
Istanbul has unique historical attractions: the center of power of the Ottoman Empire - Topkapi Palace; Dolmabahce Palace, stretching 600 meters along the European shore of the Bosphorus; palaces of Beylerbey, Yildiz, Geksu.
There are almost three thousand small and large mosques, the most visited of which are the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, and the Fatiha Mosque.
There are a great many museums in this metropolis; every traveler will find something to see. The most interesting are: the Museum of the Church of Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient East, museums of Turkish ceramics, mosaics, aviation, Turkish carpets...
Rumelihisar Fortress Thus, we can conclude that Istanbul rightfully occupies an honorable place among the most famous and significant cultural centers. Proudly located on the sea expanses of the Bosphorus, the city combines the features of Europe and Asia, the West and the East, but at the same time remains itself, without losing its individuality and without chasing progress.
Where to go in Istanbul – shops, cafes, entertainment
This one won't disappoint amazing city and food lovers, this is a paradise for gourmets. Everyone will be able to experience new taste pleasures, because Turkish cuisine considered one of the best in the world.
Many tourists go to Istanbul not only for the impressive landscapes and architectural masterpieces. Local cuisine has also become a unique symbol of the city.
And, what’s most interesting, you don’t need to go to luxurious and expensive restaurants to get it: as in all seaside ports, the best place to look for traditional cuisine is in small street eateries and cafes, where they prepare dishes from the freshest ingredients.
It is noteworthy that in local catering establishments it is customary to choose the fish for cooking yourself. Therefore, it is worth remembering that when assessing the famous “red mullet”, you need to carefully examine the scales and eyes - by these signs you can identify a freshly caught fish.
Another surprising fact for foreigners is that, despite the abundance of choice of dishes in seafood restaurants, it is quite difficult to find seafood for sale in stores and supermarkets.
It has to do with religiosity local residents, since the Koran prohibits eating “sea scavengers.” However, in the cafe this rule is neglected, which is definitely to the liking of tourists.
You should definitely try such traditional Ottoman dishes as kebab, dener, dolma and Turkish pilaf (pirinç pilyav), which are offered by countless Istanbul restaurants and cafes. While walking around the historical part of Istanbul, be sure to stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants located under the Galata Bridge. Freshest seafood, budget prices and you are guaranteed a beautiful view of the sailing ships.
Istanbul is recognized as one of the world's shopping centers. It's worth starting with a visit to the Covered Market (Kapalı Çarşı), where there are more than 4,000 shops. 
Continue shopping in stores located in the areas of Taksim, Nisantasi, Sisli. For high-quality shoes and clothes, jewelry, you should go to boutiques located on Istiklal, Rumeli, Cumhuriyet avenues.
And the most fashionable departments are located in the Akmerkez shopping centers (the largest shopping center in Europe), Carousel, Capitol, and Atakei Gallery.
Istanbul is the place where you can get to know Turkey, its culture and history. An original city, colorful and alluring - this is what Istanbul has been like for centuries, and undoubtedly remains so to this day, attracting crowds of tourists from all over the world. And it’s definitely worth visiting at least once to breathe in this sea air, in which history and culture soar.
Visit Istanbul at any time of the year, it is always beautiful. But in the spring, when flowers bloom everywhere, the sun warms, but there is still no exhausting heat and influx of tourists, which makes fabulous city simply breathtaking!
What you can see in Istanbul in one day
Read about it here.
Sights of Istanbul photo gallery
Majestic Istanbul, which bore the name Constantinople until 1930, is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, at the place where the waters of the Black and Marmara seas meet, and the border between Europe and Asia passes. The mixture of these two cultures to this day largely determines the appearance of the city, giving it a unique charm and charm. Probably the main charm of Istanbul lies in its amazing, sometimes absurd diversity. Known from ancient Russian chronicles as Constantinople, this legendary city is still confidently developing at a rapid pace.
The city of Istanbul is located on two continents at once and is “cut” by the Bosphorus Strait into European and Asian parts, connected by several bridges. In turn, the European part is divided into two halves beautiful bay The Golden Horn, which is one of the symbols of the city. South of the bay is the Eminönü area, or Old city, which has largely preserved its historical appearance. To the north of the Golden Horn Bay are the port and business districts of the city. The Asian part of the city is mainly residential areas, but many interesting monuments and attractions.
In terms of the significance and influence the city had on the formation of the European world, Istanbul can only be compared with Rome. Number historical values, stored in the museums of Istanbul, and architectural attractions on its territory constitute half of the cultural and historical heritage of all of Turkey. It is not for nothing that this city bears the nickname “The Most Beautiful” and is considered the richest and most beautiful in its region. World-famous Christian churches and Muslim mosques, many museums, monuments ancient architecture, palaces and fortresses - all this attracts many tourists to Istanbul. More than 6 million travelers visit the city on the Bosphorus every year, and their number is growing steadily.
Istanbul today
Udachnoe geographical position the city predetermined its fate - a small seaport quickly turned into the largest trading hub, gradually becoming the largest and richest city in Europe. Today's Istanbul is the country's most important industrial center, playing a key role in the state's economy. In addition, the city dominates in the fields of science, education and culture - there are many universities, major libraries, museums and theaters.
The largest city in Turkey occupies a fairly impressive area - 2106 square kilometers. The population of Istanbul is 13,483,052 people, according to this indicator it is even ahead of Moscow. At the same time, the number of city residents is constantly growing due to migration from other parts of the country.
Safety
For so large city The crime rate in Istanbul is quite low, especially when compared with other world tourist centers. However, as in any big city, you need to exercise caution and safety measures. There are known cases of pickpocketing, so it is better not to take large sums of money with you, but to store documents in hotel safes, with only copies with you. At night, you should beware of walking along the sparsely populated streets of the Old City and areas such as Aksaray and Zeytinburnu.
There are a lot of merchants on the streets of Istanbul, especially in the center - every minute a new seller will offer you another carpet, lunch, a walk along the Bosphorus, souvenirs or, say, a shoe shine. Therefore, simple advice: be careful and careful.
Attractions (what to see)
The sights of Istanbul cannot be described in a few words, so we will focus on the main ones tourist places. Undoubtedly, when you first come to Istanbul, you can’t help but visit historical Center city - Sultanahmet district. There are two truly impressive architectural and religious monuments here - St. Sophia Cathedral and the Blue Mosque.
Hagia Sophia is one of the main symbols of the city. It was once the main church of the Christian faith in the East and the largest church in all Christendom, and now the cathedral functions as a museum. The grandiose structure with a dome with a diameter of 31 meters became a real architectural masterpiece of its era.
Directly opposite the cathedral is the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmet Mosque, another religious symbol of Istanbul and one of the largest operating mosques in the world, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture.
Also in Istanbul, you should definitely visit the Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome Square.
Istanbul is a city with an unrivaled historical and architectural heritage. The meeting of peoples, religions and civilizations contributed to the transformation of this city into a real wealth. We will tell you which attractions of Istanbul you can visit in 2-3 days literally on foot.
Before you go on excursions in Istanbul, we recommend purchasing a museum card. Paying for it 85 liras ($24), you can visit the main attractions within 5 days. Afterwards it will be invalid. Its advantage is that you can enter at 12 historical places no queues. The validity of the Museum Pass İstanbul begins with your first visit to the museum. Each card can only be used once in each museum. You can buy a map, for example, at the entrance to the Archaeological Museum.
On the official website of the Istanbul Museum Map you can find out the exact places of purchase and full list places to visit.
The Hagia Sophia is the symbol of Istanbul and the building that best represents Byzantine art. Initially, the cathedral was a church, then for nine hundred years the residence of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, then a mosque. Now it is the Hagia Sophia Museum.
This majestic architectural work represents the harmony of Christian and Islamic art. Translated from Turkish, Hagia Sophia means “Divine Wisdom”. The Basilica of Hagia Sophia was born by the will of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine, then it was destroyed several times in fire.
Emperor Justinian decided to restore it, but with such size and beauty that it would eclipse the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem and be “the most luxurious since the Creation.” One hundred and eighty tons of gold were used to decorate the cathedral. The power and beauty of the Cathedral amazed the imagination of people, and they believed that the Hagia Sophia was built with the help of divine intervention.
The building has four huge minarets and a gigantic dome, the weight of which is supported by four columns of processed stones. The interior is very solemn: huge sizes, harmony in proportions, abundance of columns (there are 107 of them), height of the dome and richness of decorations. Among the most famous mosaics are Christ enthroned and the Virgin Mary with her child. Cost of visit - 40 liras ($11)
Topkapi Palace and Sultan Suleiman's harem
Welcome Gate in Istanbul
Topkapi Palace was built in 1453 by Mohamed the Conqueror and served as a fortress for 26 sultans for 400 years. The structure of the building is very complex with many buildings connected by tunnels and passages. In general, the building is one-story, has a rectangular shape and can accommodate up to 4 thousand people.
Four courtyards and a harem are adjacent to the main building. In the courtyards there were buildings of the treasury, court, library, and mosque. The harem was a private place and there was no access to it; it was surrounded beautiful gardens with numerous fountains and views of the Sea of Marmara.
Inside the harem
It consisted of three hundred rooms, several bathrooms, kitchens, mosques, wineries and an infirmary. About a thousand women lived here, including the queen - mother, the Sultan's favorites, ex-wives who gave him sons, and in addition nurses, tailors, musicians, dancers and eunuchs - the only people who were allowed entry into the harem.
One of the chambers of Sultan Suleiman's harem
The treasury of the palace is a famous treasure in the world; it occupies four rooms where you can admire the collection of furniture, books, and precious jewelry made of diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. As well as a collection of daggers, one of which is an invaluable item with a handle made of gold and diamonds. Entry price - 40 liras ($11), with a museum card - free.
Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet is the historical heart of Istanbul, a beautiful, huge square with numerous flower beds and trees. All events in the city's public life take place on it and the most famous monuments Istanbul. There are many tourists here. In the center of Sultanahmet Square stands a huge and beautiful mosque known as the Blue Mosque.
This is the most visited mosque in Istanbul. Its construction began in 1609 opposite the Hagia Sophia Palace by order of Sultan Ahmet and was carefully described in eight volumes, which are now kept in the Topkapi Library.
The name Blue comes from twenty-one thousand ceramic tiles that are turquoise in color. Turquoise is the main color of the temple. The light coming from two hundred and sixty windows creates a surreal atmosphere in the mosque. The Blue Mosque has six minarets, each minaret has two or three balconies. Interestingly, the Sultan had his own loggia at the top, which could be reached directly by horse. The interior spaces are striking in their high ceilings and grandeur, with the floors being completely carpeted. Entrance to the mosque is free for everyone.
The square is also home to several small but famous landmarks. For example, the historical German fountain, erected in 1901. It is also notorious for the fact that there was a major terrorist attack in Istanbul near it in January 2016.
The Egyptian Obelisk or Obelisk of Theodosius rises nearby. It is considered the oldest building in Istanbul. It was constructed in the 16th century BC. e., and was brought to Constantinople from Luxor in 390.
Nearby you can see a small bronze snake column. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was cast from the weapons of fallen soldiers during the Persian battle. Most of The sculpture was destroyed or lost in ancient times.
One of the tallest and oldest towers in Istanbul is the Galata Tower. With a height of 67 meters and a wall thickness of 4 meters, it is a famous tourist attraction. The tower was built by the Genoese in 1348 and was called the Tower of Christ.
Over the years, it has had many purposes. At first it was a strategic observation post, then during the rule of the Ottoman Empire - a prison. At the end of the 16th century, one of the scientists turned it into an astronomical observatory. And also the Galata Tower served as the site of one very curious legend, which says that one aviator made a flight with the help of artificial wings across the Bosporus Strait.
Today, from the panoramic terrace of the tower you can admire the city and the Golden Horn Bay. The breathtaking views from the tower inspired many artists, for example the Frenchman Pierre Prevost painted a painting from the top floor “Panorama of Constantinople”. You can climb the tower using elevators. There is a restaurant on the top floor. Entry cost observation deck — 25 liras ($7).
Suleymaniye Mosque
The mosque was built in the mid-16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent on the highest of Istanbul's seven hills, which offers incredible views of the Bosphorus. It was designed by the famous court architect Mimar Sinan, who was inspired by the Hagia Sophia. The mosque with adjacent buildings, including a school, a hospital, a canteen, and a hammam, is considered a kind of mini-city. On the territory there is a cemetery where Suleiman himself, his wife and daughter, as well as Mimar Sinan, are buried in mausoleums. Suleymaniye often appears in a number of Hollywood films:
The mosque has four impressive minarets and ten balconies. With these figures, Suleiman wanted to show that he was the fourth ruler of Istanbul and the tenth in the Ottoman Empire. The interior of the mosque is a rectangular room with 24 white marble columns and pink granite support a mighty dome. The mosque has impressive acoustics, where even the quietest sound can be heard in every corner. Decoratively, the interior of the mosque is simple, but the decoration is the mihrab, which is completely covered with man-made ceramic tiles from the Turkish city of Iznik. The mosque can simultaneously accommodate 5 thousand people. Entry to Sulaymaniyah is free.
Basilica Cistern
A visit to the Basilica Cistern will allow you to see another facet of tourist Istanbul. Cost of visit - 20 liras ($5.5). This underground complex or "sunken palace" is located in Sultanahmet Square with a magical atmosphere. The great underground work of building the Basilica was done by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to collect and conserve water.
This architectural structure has impressive dimensions, 336 marble columns are located on an area of one hectare. The reservoir contained more than 80 million liters of water, which was pumped into more than 19 aqueducts. The columns have different shapes, since they were brought from different ancient temples, two of them have the head of the Gorgon Medusa as their base.
Thanks to the special lighting, the atmosphere of this place is very unusual and the marble columns seem to be “suspended” on the water. It is noteworthy that it was here that the final scene of the film “Inferno” with Tom Hanks was filmed. Here are the shots:
Maiden's Tower
The Maiden's Tower (or Leandra Tower) is located 200 meters from the shore on a small island in a bay in the Usküdar area of Istanbul. The time of construction of the Tower is not certain, but according to some sources architectural style corresponds to 340 BC. Previously, the Tower was used for a variety of purposes: it was a territory for collecting taxes from traders, a defensive structure and a lighthouse. During the cholera epidemic it was used as a quarantine hospital, then as a radio station. There are many different legends about the tower; a James Bond film was filmed here. Now the Maiden Tower is owned by a private company and operates as a restaurant with excellent 360-degree views.
Rumelihisar Fortress
Thousands of tourists cruising the Bosphorus see the impressive walls and towers from afar. This is the Rumeli Hisari fortress. Construction began in 1452 and, with the help of several thousand masons, was completed in record time, just four months. The Rumel Fortress was built by Sultan Mehmed II at the narrowest point of the strait at an altitude of about 700 meters and had a defensive purpose.
The fortress has three main towers and 13 secondary watchtowers. The main tower is 28 meters high and the walls are 7 meters thick. Now you can only admire the monumental remains of the fortress. The total area of the fortress is more than 31,000 square meters. Entry price - 10 liras ($2.7), with a museum card - free.Map of the main attractions of Istanbul:
