Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a former capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1453 to 1923). An amazing city with extraordinary architecture and rich history. Istanbul has been called 'The City of Seven Hills' because the old part was built on seven hills each of which bears a historic mosque.
Here are some of the top rated sights that must be seen:
1.Cannon gate Palace-OLd Palace-Topkaki Sarayi-ESki Saray
The Old palace had been the city residence of the Ottoman Sultans for more than 4 centuries. The construction began in 1459 after Sultan Mehmed II conquered the Byzantine Constantinople. Topkapı Palace lost its significance at the end of the 17th century, as the Sultans preferred to spend more time in their new palaces along the Bosporus. In 1856, Sultan Abdül Mecid I decided to move the court to the Dolmabahçe Palace. Nowadays the palace is a museum where some of the most holy relics of the Muslim world such as the Prophet Muhammed's cloak and sword are kept.
Hagia Eirene was originally built as a basilica by Constantine in the forth century and thus it has the floor of one with the domes of Byzantine design. The church was rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century. Now it's a concert hall and museum .
3.Blue Mosque - Sultan Ahmet Mosque
It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. The name of the mosque comes from the blue tiles on the walls.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque was visited by Pope Benedict XVI on 30 November 2006. This is the second papal visit to a Muslim place of worship in history. Barefooted, turned towards Mecca in a gesture of Muslim prayer with eyes closed, the pontiff conducted "Silent Prayer'' staying side-by-side with Mustafa Çağrıcı, the Mufti of Istanbul and Emrullah Hatipoğlu, the Imam of the Blue Mosque .
4.Dolmabahce Palace
The palace was first inhabited in 1856 and it served as home for six sultans until the abolition of the Caliphate in 1924. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, used the palace as a presidential residence during the summers. That is also the place where he spent his last days.
Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world, and one of the great staircases has bannisters of Baccarat crystal. The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is in the center hall. The chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tonnes.
Already excited about seeing all this former glory of the Near East? If you are already planning a vacation don't trust online bookings but call Turkey to confirm your reservation. Enjoy!
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