Visiting Istanbul: The Passion of Turkey

Istanbul

With one foot in the West and one in East, Istanbul is a fascinating melting pot. Bustling, lively, religious and cultural, the Turkish city is a very special destination where travelers can experience sensations hardly comparable to that of other European city. Turkey is also one of the destination in Europe where travelers can apply for Turkey Visa online.

The origin of this city is to be found centuries BC when the Greeks established a colony called Byzantium in the strategic location of the Bosporus. Alexander the Great passed through it being refounded by Constantine the Great who gave him the name of Constantinople – a name that would keep for centuries as head of the Eastern Roman Empire. Its fall in 1453 marks the beginning of Turkish rule which gave birth to its final name: Istanbul.

Travelers opting for holidays in Turkey and visiting particularly the Turkish city of Istanbul, must have a first stop at the Topkapi Palace, one of the most famous in the world for its architecture and the legends associated with its dependencies. In it lived the famous Selim II, who drowned with champagne or the consort of powerful Roxelana Suleiman the Magnificent.

Topkapi is a place where opulence of the Turkish Empire shines in all its glory with essential agencies like the harem.

Another great place is St. Sophia, one of the architectural wonders of history. The construction of a centralized plant and a huge central dome was a landmark for centuries that influenced much of the architecture of an oriental court. Its construction started in Christian times, but Muslims respected this building because of its great beauty.

Near St. Sophia the visitor should make a stop in Sultanahmet the main square of Istanbul, where you can admire some of the most fascinating mosques in the world, such as the Blue Mosque. We also approach the Suleymaniye which was built by Suleiman the Magnificent, being the largest of Istanbul. Attending the prayers from the faithful is an overwhelming experience.

To appreciate the beauty of the city from the sea, there is no better way to sail by ferry or boatfrom the center of the city. The Golden Horn is shown in all its fullness as we go from west to east or vice versa in a matter of minutes. And if you are afraid of the water, at least you can cross one of the bridges of Galata that will bring you to the tourist area of ​​Taksim to spend an unforgettable evening at one of the many aesthetics clubs and Western music places.

Istanbul is also famous for its commercial bustle that we enjoy in the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar , and leverage to bargain for any of their products. If after such a walk you feel tired there is no better way to relax than going to one of teahouses and try one of their wonderful teas while you smoke a water pipe. That’s the time to look around and get sucked into the amazing atmosphere of these places.

And if you need a break you can even go to a hammam. The Turkish bath is a place from which the visitor leaves like new after soaking in baths at different temperatures (another symbol of Muslim culture in Istanbul). And after the bath you can enjoy the evening in Taksim. If you like excitement we suggest you take a taxi. Go speeding through narrow streets crowded in the passenger seat of a Turkish taxi driver which will be unforgettable