Located between Europe and Asia, Istanbul spans two continents and has a history of over 2,500 years as a strategic center of trade. It has been the capital of three great empires and is famous for its historical monuments such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Istanbul offers a variety of attractions from ancient mosques and churches to bustling markets, parks, and boat excursions on the Bosphorus strait providing views of the city's unique blend of old and new.

2. Located in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world's
great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent
scenic beauties. It is the only city in the world which spreads over
two continents: it lies at a point where Asia and Europe are
separated by a narrow strait - the Bosphorus.

3. THETHE BOSPHORUS
BOSPHORUS
“The god and human, nature and art are
together in there, they have created such a
perfect place that it is valuable to see."
Lamartine’s famous poetic line reveals his love
for İstanbul

4. Istanbul has a history of over
2,500 years, and ever since its
establishment on this strategic
junction of lands and seas, the city
has been a crucial trade center.

5. It has been the capital of
three great empires,
the Roman, Byzantine and
Ottoman empires,
and for more than 1,600
years over 120 emperors
and sultans ruled the world
from here.
No other city in the world
can claim such a
distinction.

6. As a capital of empires, the city was not only
an administrative, but also a religious center.
The Patriarchate of Eastern Christians has
been headquartered here since its
establishment, and the largest early churches
and monasteries of the Christian world rose in
this city on top of the pagan temples. Within a
century after the city was conquered, it was
enriched with mosques, palaces, schools,
baths and other architectural monuments that
gave it a Turkish character, while some of the
existing churches in ruins were repaired,
altered and converted into mosques.

7. The seas and the lands created, with a great harmony, the geography of Istanbul like a work
in lace, which divides naturally into four regions: the old town and Galata on the opposite
shores of the Golden Horn, and the two sides of the Bosphorus. What used to be small
individual villages on the Bosphorus are now united to form a whole.

8. Its variety is one of İstanbul’s greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and
bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life and
entertainment. And the serene beauty of the İstanbul strait, Princes Islands and parks bring a
touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.

9. A stay in İstanbul is not complete without a traditional and unforgettable boat excursion up
the İstanbul Strait, that winding strait that separates Europe and Asia. Its shores offer a
delightful mixture of past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty. Modern hotels
stand next to “yalı” (shore-front wooden villas), marble palaces abut rustic stone fortresses,
and elegant compounds neighbor small fishing villages.

10. Museums and
Ancient Cities

11. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Museum : Ayasofya was built, for nearly a thousand years ago, is the
largest enclosed space in the world, and still seen as one of the world’s most important architectural
monuments. It is one of Turkey’s most popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size,
architecture, mosaics and art.
It used to be a church for 916 years, then a mosque for 481 years, and since 1935 has been a
museum.

13. İstanbul St. Irene : This ranks as the first church built in İstanbul . It was commissioned by
Constantine in the 4th century, and Justinian later had it restored. The building reputedly
stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple.

14. Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Cistern) : Nearby Aya Sofia is the 6th century Byzantine underground
Basilica cistern, with 335 massive Corinthian columns supporting the immense chamber’s fine
brick vaulting. This is one of several buried into the city’s foundations, and the first to have
been excavated and renovated. Thought to have been built in the 4th century by the emperor
Constantine, then enlarged two centuries later, it was supplied with water from Belgrade
Forest, and supplied it to the Great Palace and Topkapi Palace.

15. Istanbul Archaeology Museum

16. Religious Monuments

17. THE BLUE MOSQUE

18. Palaces, Pavillions

19. Topkapı Palace Museum
It is located on the promontory of the historical
peninsula in İstanbul which overlooks both the
Marmara Sea and the İstanbul strait. The walls
enclosing the palace grounds, the main gate on the
land side and the first buildings were constructed
during the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (the
Conqueror) (1451 - 81). Topkapı Palace was the
official residence of the Ottoman Sultans.

21. Dolmabahce Palace

22. Ramparts

23. The Rumeli Fortress

25. Bedestens

26. Shopping in Istanbul is often a big part of any visit, and the city’s famous historical bazaars
offer a wonderful insight into city life. Whether shopping for carpets, spices, vegetables or
clothes, the process of making your purchase is likely to be enhanced by the atmosphere of
wandering through the crowded stalls - and of course haggling. As usual when bargaining
with persuasive shop owners, have an idea of a good price before you start.

27. Towers

28. Maiden’s Tower

29. Considered to be a symbol of Istanbul, this tiny
tower was established on a small island at the
entrance of the Bosphorus. In the past, it was
used as a watchtower and a lighthouse, until
its present purpose of a tourist attraction.
Western sources describe this as Leander’s
Tower, who was drowned while swimming, to
reach his lover Hera. Another story suggests
that it was a tower where an emperor’s
daughter put her in there for security, having
dreamt that she would be bitten by a snake.

30. Galata Tower
The tower was built by the Genoese in 1348, during
their occupation of the area, primarily to prevent
attacks. Originally known as the Tower of Christ, it
stood above the fortification surrounding the
Genoese city-state. There is a spiral rock staircase
which ascends to the top viewing platform, which
today offers visitors spectacular 360 degree
panorama of the entire city. The tower was restored
in 1967, and an elevator was installed to offer a less
tiring alternative to the steep climb. There is also a
restaurant on the top floor.

32. HAYDARPASA, A Historical Train Station

33. SOME
PHOTOS
OF
ISTANBUL

41. Istiklal Street for Shopping

44. Prince Islands

45. For more information:
http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN,33048/istanbul.html
http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/