CITY • DOZEN • ATTRACTIONS • ISTANBUL
Istanbul is different from other cities for its rich history and a variety of tourist attractions. In this place there are continents, culture, civilization, religion, history, past and future. The most creative people around the world looking for new experiences and inspiration, turned their attention to the potential of this city with its amazing elegance and rich culinary tradition. Istanbul - this is an ideal place for lovers of history, art and culture, and gourmet, nature lovers and even fashionistas. So, the first thing to see in Istanbul?
1. Hagia Sophia.
This is one of the most important sights of Istanbul and one of the most incredible buildings in the history of architecture. The temple is also called Hagia Sofia or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Wisdom.
Aya Sophia has a classical basilica plan. The cathedral was built with 532 by 537 years. on the initiative of Emperor Justinian I. During Byzantium there was a Christian church, which became a mosque under the Ottomans. Now here is a museum, and under the dome there are Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, traditions, Christianity and Islam.
2. Bosphorus.
Also known as the Istanbul Strait Bosphorus connects the Sea of Marmara (south of Istanbul) and the Black (north of the city), and divides Europe and Asia. It even runs through the heart of Istanbul, flowing past the Museum of Modern Art, several Ottoman palaces, at least two castles, snow-clad hills and villages with Ottoman architecture. The length of the strait - 32 km. It is the narrowest in the world, and its depth varies from 500 m to 3 km. However strait used for international navigation and hundreds of vessels pass here every day.
3. Baklava.
On this "attraction" is not necessary to look, it should have. This is a very ancient sweetness, which originates from the kitchen Turkish tribes of Central Asia. Probably baklava - the most popular and delicious Turkish dessert which is made from thin layers of dough stuffed with walnuts, hazelnuts or pistachios and sweetened with honey or sugar syrup, seasoning with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
4. Blue Mosque.
Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is the largest and has a great historical and architectural value. It is directly opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue Mosque called because inside it is lined with 20 thousand tiles azure. Construction of this building began in 1609 on the initiative of Sultan Ahmet I, when he was only 19 years old. The mosque was built only seven years.
5. Dolmabahçe.
Dolmabahçe Palace is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus, and is the most luxurious in Turkey, as well as one of the most beautiful in the world. It covers an area of 110 000 square meters It was built on the orders of Sultan Abdülmecid I in the period from 1850 to 1856. This palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the west, which is the last Ottoman sultan was used as a residence.
6. Grand Bazaar.
This is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. There are 60 streets, 4000 shops and stalls. Every day it is visited from 250 to 400 thousand people from around the world. Here you can find everything to Turkish rugs, leather clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, decorative items made of copper and brass, cotton, wool and more.
7. Basilica Cistern.
Basilica Cistern, also called the Sunken Palace - one of the largest and best preserved ancient underground reservoirs of Constantinople, having a superficial resemblance to the palace complex. Located in the historic center of Istanbul, in the Sultanahmet district opposite the Hagia Sophia.
The name comes from a large public square - Stoa Basilica - under which it was built. Construction began in the year 523, during the reign of the Emperor Justinian I, to collect rainwater and provide drinking water to Istanbul.
8. Topkapi.
This is the best-preserved palace in Turkey. The largest and oldest palace in the world, surviving. Turkish word "Topkapi" means "gate with guns." The name comes from the huge cannons near the gates of the palace. In 1924, on the orders of Ataturk, the palace was turned into a museum. This site best reflects the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire and the lifestyle of the then sultans.
9. Galata Bridge.
One of the most fascinating sights of Istanbul. It is the oldest bridge across the Golden Horn, which connects the historic center with the Eminönü quarter. In the district of Eminönü are the most important religious buildings of the Ottoman Empire, and the Imperial Palace.
10. Baths Aya Sofia, Sultan Hamam Hyurrem.
Of all the baths of Istanbul, this - the best. It's located on Sultanahmet Square. It was built for the wife of Suleiman I the Magnificent - Roksolany. Swimming becomes even more important attraction, if we take into account the fact that it was built on the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. Baths worked until 1910, but then it was closed for many years. By 2007, she had time to visit the prison, a warehouse for paper and fuel, and carpet shops. Restoration began in 2008. The current bathhouse was restored in compliance with the classical Ottoman style.
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