The magical waters of the Bosporus divide the city between the romantic ideals of Europe and the intoxicating hubbub of Asia. Along these shimmering shores mighty empires have risen and fallen, palaces have crumbled, myths born and voyages begun. With so much to see, where do you begin?
Topkapi Palace is a typical tourist shop, but also the cultural symbol of imperial Istanbul. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1459. Topkapi palace showcases the heart and the pride of the historic Turkish empires. The sultan harem, royal gardens, peeling frescoes, religious relics and tiled mosaics are all breathtaking in the context of their own historic beauty. The glittering jewel house isn’t bad either, yet sadly, nothing’s for sale at any price.
Istanbul Modern is the contemporary art museum, set in a stylish restored warehouse I the old dock district of Tophane. Check out the permanent exhibitions, conceptual installations, cinema, art library and photographic exhibitions that chronicle the changing face of a diversely enchanting Istanbul. There’s also splendid restaurant with a terrace on the Bosporus offering an outstanding view of the city.
Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most important and imposing religious in the world, the gravity-defying domed Basilica remains an architectural wonder, providing the blueprint for countless Greek churches. Sparkling with the gold mosaics, Hagia Sophia is surely the ultimate must see Byzantine building in Istanbul. Built more than 1000 years ago.
The Blue mosque is a divine statement of voluptuous domes and gorgeously spindly minarets. The interior space gleams with the dreamy hue of blue Izinik tiles from which its name derives.
The trip by ferry to the fine arts, Sakip Sabanci Museum is half the fun, set in sumptuous private villa, the often-overlooked museum is one of the best in the city. It has touring exhibitions along with its own collections concentrated on exquisite Ottoman calligraphy.
Last if you are looking a place to eat, Aqua is a fine-dining restaurant with an imaginative fusion of Turkish and Italian influences. Expect impeccable dining with outstanding service, great food and even greater waterfront views. For vertiginous value nowhere tops Mikla owning its lofty location atop the fashionable, 18-story Marmara Pera hotel. Hailed as the most ambitious and revered restaurant in the city, and consistently receiving rave local and international reviews, Mikla is now showcasing its Anatolian kitchen- that’s traditional Turkish and Kurdish cuisine conceived with mind blowing flair.
This is a small overview of Istanbul, well worth visiting ! ! ! !
Topkapi Palace is a typical tourist shop, but also the cultural symbol of imperial Istanbul. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1459. Topkapi palace showcases the heart and the pride of the historic Turkish empires. The sultan harem, royal gardens, peeling frescoes, religious relics and tiled mosaics are all breathtaking in the context of their own historic beauty. The glittering jewel house isn’t bad either, yet sadly, nothing’s for sale at any price.
Istanbul Modern is the contemporary art museum, set in a stylish restored warehouse I the old dock district of Tophane. Check out the permanent exhibitions, conceptual installations, cinema, art library and photographic exhibitions that chronicle the changing face of a diversely enchanting Istanbul. There’s also splendid restaurant with a terrace on the Bosporus offering an outstanding view of the city.
Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most important and imposing religious in the world, the gravity-defying domed Basilica remains an architectural wonder, providing the blueprint for countless Greek churches. Sparkling with the gold mosaics, Hagia Sophia is surely the ultimate must see Byzantine building in Istanbul. Built more than 1000 years ago.
The Blue mosque is a divine statement of voluptuous domes and gorgeously spindly minarets. The interior space gleams with the dreamy hue of blue Izinik tiles from which its name derives.
The trip by ferry to the fine arts, Sakip Sabanci Museum is half the fun, set in sumptuous private villa, the often-overlooked museum is one of the best in the city. It has touring exhibitions along with its own collections concentrated on exquisite Ottoman calligraphy.
Last if you are looking a place to eat, Aqua is a fine-dining restaurant with an imaginative fusion of Turkish and Italian influences. Expect impeccable dining with outstanding service, great food and even greater waterfront views. For vertiginous value nowhere tops Mikla owning its lofty location atop the fashionable, 18-story Marmara Pera hotel. Hailed as the most ambitious and revered restaurant in the city, and consistently receiving rave local and international reviews, Mikla is now showcasing its Anatolian kitchen- that’s traditional Turkish and Kurdish cuisine conceived with mind blowing flair.
This is a small overview of Istanbul, well worth visiting ! ! ! !