In 1810, Lord Byron expressed his deep admiration for the town of Istanbul, stating that though he had seen the wonderful cities of Athens, Ephesus and Delphi, none of those mentioned could equal the wonderful mixture of nature and art that the city of Istanbul beheld, from the Seven Towers to the end of the Golden Horn.
Today, Istanbul is the same charming place that attracts millions of visitors each year. Situated on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, being the only metropolis in the world which is located on two continents. Istanbul is one of the largest cities in Europe though it is not the capital of Turkey, that being Ankara since 1923 when the Republic of Turkey took shape. Most interesting is the fact that until 1923, except for the period of Crusader invasion, Istanbul had continously been an imperial capital for 1610 years.
The Roman Emperor Constantine I founded this city as Constantinopole, after himself, on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium. It became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1453 after the fall of Constantinopole being the third capital of that empire. Istanbul was and still is nicknamed 'The city on Seven Hills' because the historic peninsula which is the oldest part was built on seven hills and each one has a mosque on top. For many prosperous years, with names such as Byzantium or Constantinopole, Istanbul was the urban center of the Western and Near Eastern worlds, with a population of almost 1 million. Today, Istanbul has an official population of 8 million (unofficial 13 million) and though it doesn't hold the same status, it still is a city rich in history. It has a lot to tell and tourists keep pouring into Istanbul.
What is there to see in Istanbul, the city of Sultans? One of the main attractions is the Blue Mosque, named after the glowing Iznik tiles of its interior. It is one of the most spectacular sites in Istanbul and the legend tells that it was built in order to confront and outclass Constantine the Great's triumphant church of St.Sophia. Hahia Sophia is a magnificent Byzantine Church and it is considered one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world, not only in Istanbul. Some historians even claim that St.Sophia could be the 8th wonder of the world.
You can't say you've been to Istanbul if you do not visit the Grand Bazaar or Kapali ?arsi as Turkish people call it. This covered market is fascinating with its diversity, with the splendid mixture of sights, sounds and smells. It was built in 1461 during the rule of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and it grew in time covering a large area of shops and streets with roofs. It was the center of trading during the Ottoman period and today it holds almost 4400 shops, teahouses, hamams (baths), mosques, storehouses and fountains. What does if offer? Gorgeous Turkish carpets, fine clothes, handmade tiles and pottery, copper, brassware, leather, hand-painted ceramics, cotton and wool, pipes, jewelry, spices and the list can go on'Istanbul has so much to offer. If you are thinking of visiting this city, then be sure that you don't miss Topkapi Palace, Suleiman Mosque, Istklal Avenue, Basilica Cistern, Bulgarian St.Steven Church, the Hippodrome, Yedikule Castle and Galata Tower.
Istanbul hotels are fabulous and it is very likely you won't find such fine accommodations anywhere else in the world. The latest fashion on the topic of Istanbul hotels is the boutique hotel. This refers to older buildings that have been renovated for small groups and independent travelers.
Every town has legendary hotels and Istanbul does not make an exception. A very special Istanbul hotel is Pera Palace where Agatha Christie wrote 'Murder on the Orient Express' and international spies like Mata Hari met to conspire. Are there any more Istanbul hotels worth mentioning? Of course. Troya hotel is situated in Taksim, right in the center of Beyoglu, probably the only genuine bohemian neighborhood in all the Muslim Middle East. Side and Apricot hotel are two other splendid Istanbul hotels that travel agencies recommend.
What do Istanbul hotels offer? First of all wondeful views of the: Blue Mosque, Golden Horn, Asiatic Coast of Turkey, old part of the city. Istanbul hotels have first-class facilities such as: wellness centers, beauty salons, child care and satellite tv, air conditioning, business services and a wide variety of traditional dishes. Guests can unwind in an Istanbul hotel taking a Turkish bath, steam or sauna and enjoying sport activities such as swimming or tennis. Istanbul hotels are decorated in the Ottoman style, meaning traditional Turkish d'cor with oak furnishings and iron beds. There are many elegant Istanbul hotels with European-style interiors, with rooms decorated in soft colours or bright fabrics. Other Istanbul hotels have handmande ceiling ornamentation and paintings in the lobby, the rooms being furnished with dark wood, antique rugs and beautiful fireplaces. Many tourists choose Istanbul hotels for their pale wall coverings, marbled bathrooms and fine cotton linens.
So, no matter what Istanbul hotel you may choose, you can be sure that you will be treated like a Sultan! Every wish will be complied and the employees of Istanbul hotels will stand at your feet. Well, not exactly at your feet, but they will make you feel like royalty. Don't hesitate. Choose Istanbul as your next destination! It is a city full of culture and over 6,000 years of history come to life every street corner you turn. |
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