MERHABA
ISTANBUL
Turkey
is a fascinating country. Istanbul, where West meets East over the
Bosphorus, is the prelude to fascination with Turkey.
Istanbul,
the city of mosques, palaces, bazaars, restaurants, waterways and
parks, can be proud of its history and architecture.
Sultanahmet,
the old town, is a marvel of history at every step. Topkapi Palace
through which walls Ottoman soldiers entered Istanbul, known back in
1453 as Constantinople, and changed Byzantium into Ottoman Empire,
was a royal residence for over 600 years. Now is a museum holding
royal jewels, riches and treasures on display. Panorama 1453 History
Museum illustrates the conquest of Constantinople.
Sultanahmet
is also the location of Hagia Sophia, blue tiled Blue Mosque, the
Basilica Cistern built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the mid
500s, fountains and obelisks.
Crossing
of Galata Bridge on the junction of Bosphorus and Golden Horn, brings
one to a steep ascent through narrow medieval streets to Galata Tower
built in 1348. It is a replica of old Galata Tower destroyed by the Crusaders in 1204. Built from medieval stone, Galata Tower still dominates the skyline of Istanbul today.
Dolmabahce
Palace is relatively new comparing to many ancient treasures of Istanbul. It dates from mid 1800, was and administrative center of Ottoman Empire and a residence of Sultans and Caliphs till early
1900s.
Even
after Turkey became a Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk lived there.
The Clock Tower is guarding entry to Dolmabahce Palace.
Grand
Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, is a
competition to any shopping mall and offers many oriental goods and
delicious food, Turkish Delight being a “finger licking” true
sweet delight. Leather accessories, jewelry,shoes,
clothes and souvenirs are on display glistening with color and
sparkling gold.
Istanbul
with its unique cuisine is the joy not only for history and
architecture lovers. The tastes of its culinary delights are an
additional attraction.
