Plan on Site-seeing in Istanbul

“Biography of Ataturk” To understand modern day Turkey, one must understand the founding of the modern Republic, and to understand the Republic, one must understand its founder: Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk’s dedication and service to his nation makes him a rare icon in mankind’s search for freedom and democracy. Since the likeness of Ataturk is seen in a majority of Turkish businesses, households, lapel pins and rings, visitors can clearly see he is still considered vastly important to the Turkish people.

Bosphorus Boat Tour

Tourists are brought into the harbor for about 4 hours. Boat trip on the Bosphorus provide an unforgettable tour, with beautiful views over the whole of Istanbul. This is exactly where a tourist wants to be for taking in a unique city tour.

There are far more places in Istanbul to visit besides those listed here, to include over 5,000 locations within Turkey of noted historical importance, to include 13 sites designated by UNESCO. For instance, in ancient history, Turkey was known as Asia Minor, and of great historical significance to Christendom. A great, many ancient civilizations came and went within the lands of what is now known as Turkey. Those who are adventurous enough can go outside of Istanbul to find many other important provinces, such as the province of Izmir to the south, which boasts such things as the ancient ruins of Ephesus; one of the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelations and was once the capital of Asia Minor. There is a tour available known as “The Seven Churches Tour” which takes its attendants to all seven of the ancient churches referenced in the Bibles Book of Revelations! The house of St. Mary is included in some of those tours as well, her house being the place she retired to after the death of Jesus. Here is just a small sample of things that one can explore and so it is highly suggested that go to YouTube and search for the following just to get an idea (each search phrase is already linked to its corresponding YouTube video):

The district of Beyoğlu

The former Greek district of Pera, now known as Beyoğlu, is one of the centers of nightlife in Istanbul. Cafés and restaurants line up here, one after the other, and everywhere one looks there is something to see and hear. Beyoğlu thrives with activity: the music scene of Istanbul is here, where sounds from all the world gather. There is classical Turkish music to experience, as well as Western, Greek or even Jewish melodies to be heard; more! Istanbul is a city with a very young population, and so has a fantastic night life. In recent years there has been a very large influx of more and more young tourists gathering here, attracted by the energetic scene powered by music, drink, and entertainment. If it is sleep you desire, do not seek it in Beyoğlu, because there are plenty of bars clubs here that stay open all night long! For those seeking a little more tranquil, quiet surroundings, it is suggestion they seek out the trendy districts of either Kadikoy or Ortaköy.

The Grand Bazaar

Between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors come to this bazaar every year. It is said that one can find almost everything at the bazaar; from gold, fine fabrics, leather, carpets, spices, shoes, bags, watches, jewelry, to books and antiques. It is easy to see much of its rich history just by walking down the covered paths of this huge market. Created in 1461, it has now seen over 500 years of hustle and bustle as people from all over the world come to take in its sights. The first covered halls date from the time of Mehmet the Conqueror. Over the years, the bazaar grew to the largest and oldest covered market in the world. Built upon 20,000 square meters, the goods that are on display here are spread amongst some 5,000 shops placed throughout 61 streets. Over 20,000 people earn their living from the bazaar. On the outside there are still craftsmen and hostels, though their presence decreases slowly over time. This is yet another location worthy of exploring during a visit to Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace, now a museum, was once a city within a city, much like Versailles, near Paris. It was here which was the seat of power for the Ottoman Emperor, where the Sultan lived with his ministers and staff. Sultan Mehmet II ordered its construction in 1478, from which to rule the empire. About 4,000 people lived within the palace grounds, though many more came daily to the palace from outside the walls. The women’s quarters, famously known as “the harem” wasn’t added until the 16th century. The palace, surrounded by a five-kilometer long wall, is divided into four courtyards, each with different functions. First, the elite troops of the sultan, the Janissaries, had a training ground. Next, there was a hospital built upon the grounds, then stables, the building of the Minister, and finally the private quarters of the ruler. It was in the mid-19th Century when then Sultan Abdümecit ordered the building of a new palace, known as the Dolmabahce Palace, a lavish wonder seated on the banks of the Bosphorus and took the place of the then outdated Topkapi.

Hagia Sophia, Ayasofya

The structure was first built as a Christian church, with its construction happening between 325 and 360 A.D. under Constantine II and was considered to be an architectural wonder of the world. After it was destroyed in 404 by a fire, it was rebuilt under Theodosius II. This happened in the early years of the reign of Justinian, the emperor who was believed to be chosen by God, and was a strong advocate of Christian orthodoxy. Justinian set the goal of building the largest church in Christendom. The Hagia Sophia was inaugurated by the Emperor on 27 December 537. It is said that when Justinian arrived at the church for its dedication, he raised his arms up towards heaven and exclaimed: “Blessed be God who has chosen me to lead such a great work to an end. Oh Solomon, I have surpassed thee!” On 19 May 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. In the late afternoon of that day, Fatih Sultan Mehmet entered the Hagia Sophia, and after nine centuries of Christian worship, the sound of Islamic prayers issued forth from the mighty domes. The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque was carried out with incredible respect, even though numerous changes were made. Of first note, the metal cross in the dome was replaced by a crescent moon, which was believed by some to have had 50,000 gold coins were melted down to do this. The history of the Hagia Sophia is very rich in detail and deserves a closer look. It takes only a short time to visit this magnificent, architectural wonder of the world and is a top tour destination for travelers.

The Sultanahmet (Sultan Ahmed) – Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque for all of its 20,000 handmade blue tiles which adorn it. Its construction was ordered by the devout Sultan Ahmet I in 1609 and was not complete until 1616. Sultan Ahmet was but 13 years old when he ascended the throne in 1603, and ordered the mosque built in order to try to reassert declining Ottoman power. Usually such great works were paid for by spoils of war, but due to a poor outcome with a war with Persia, the mosque was paid for from the empire’s treasury. This caused an outcry from the Muslim legal scholars, known as the Ulama. The mosque was considered by the Sultan to be the first of many during his reign, but he died only one year after its completion, leaving the mosque the only one to be completed during his reign. It is reported that during the opening of the mosque, Ahmet I, as a sign of humility, wore a hat in the shape of the foot of the Prophet Muhammad. After the unveiling of the mosque, the mosques six minarets were considered presumptuous, for the only other mosque in the world at the time to have six minarets was the Ka’aba, in Mecca. To restore its religious supremacy, Sultan Ahmet I wisely ordered the building of a seventh minaret at the Ka’aba Mosque.

Plan on Site-seeing in Istanbul

With a population of over 14 million, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and boasts over 60,000,000 visitors each year. It is also the only city in the world spanning two continents – bridging West and East; Europe and Asia. The city has a 2500 year old very colorful history. In the last 1600 years, Istanbul was controlled by the Romans, Byzantines and then was finally the capital of the Turkish-Ottoman Empire which was destroyed at the end of World War I. There were over 120 emperors and sultans who used the great city as their seat of power, ruling over the empire from the throne in Topkapi Palace. Even after Ankara was declared the capital, Istanbul lost nothing of its importance. This unique city was able to preserve much of its historically pleasing scene, and today continues on with its celebrated vitality. Here is a very short list of famous landmarks which are visited by millions of people each year. A great website giving so many tourist attractions and details about the city of Istanbul can be found at this highlighted link. Additionally, please note our affiliates in Istanbul offer a very popular tour of many Istanbul sites every Saturday – so schedules should be adjusted to try to fit this great tour in.

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Istanbul (these videos only scratch the surface of what there is to see and do in Istanbul):

“Istanbul City Guide”

“The Roman Basilica Cistern”

“The Foods of Istanbul” (a great overview of common, Turkish comfort food!)

“Ataturk Museum Istanbul”

“Istanbul Walls of Constantinople”

“Aquarium Istanbul video” (Istanbul has the second largest aquarium in the world!)

“Istanbul the Valens Aqueduct”

“Dolmabahce Palace”

“Galata Tower”

“Fortress of the Seven Towers” (also known as the Golden Gate, or the Yedikule Fortress)

“Chora Museum” (reconstructed in 536A.D. it is an architectural and artistic masterpiece, a rare leftover of the Byzantines)

“Istanbul Archaeological museum” (amateur video but shows an interesting glimpse into an ancient world)

“Street Market in Istanbul” (amateur video of a small part of a huge market)

“Traditional Turkish Restaurant” (amateur video of a “Lokanta” restaurant…fantastic, everyday Turkish comfort food)

“1453 Museum” (amateur video giving a glimpse into the beautiful “Panorama Museum” and painting detailing the fall of Constantinople)

“Turkish Barber” (something every man should experience while is Turkey)

“Turkish Delights” (an very short overview on the importance of Turkish sweets)

Other locations in Turkey (scratches only the surface!)

“Top 10 places to go in Fethiye”

“Saklikent Gorge”

“Pamukkale”

“Cappadocia”

“Hatching of Loggerhead Turtles in Antalya”

“Ephesus”

“Father Christmas born in Turkey” (Yes, Santa Claus birthplace was actually in Turkey)

“Noah’s Ark” (Would this place be worth visiting?)

The list truly does go on and on and on!