Istanbul is a city where east and west met, the city that is part of two continents, namely Asia and Europe. City of “two races” this store is very diverse culture, that is, the western culture mixed with traditional culture from the east. Buildings and art objects is a conglomeration of cultures native Turkish, Byzantine and Roman.
Economic activities, industry, tourism, entertainment and education growth rapidly in the city. Trip to Istanbul be like to travel to the past with the modern civilization. Many of the heritage building, the kingdom of Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman remains awake, side by side with modern buildings is growing rapidly. One of the places of tourist interest because its unique is Bosphorus. Bosphorus is not a river but a strait connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmora, between the strait that separates Asia and the Turkish part of Europe. To explore the Bosphorus we can use the ferry.
Traveller can start from Eminonu to the Black sea. A journey which is very diverting such as Dolmabahce Palace, Palace Belerbeyi located not far from the bridge to Asia with Europe. In addition to the palace, the palace is also building hotels, restaurants and houses along the Bosphorus which is a blend of European architecture and architectural Asia.
Other place which is very interesting is Topkapi Palace, which is the largest palace in Istanbul. Since 1924, Topkapi palace changed into the museum. Topkapi palace is the first place a sultan and the central Turkish government in the past. Topkapi Palace is a typical Turkish buildings that have beautiful gardens that connect between the buildings with other buildings. Gardens of green-tree is a large shady tree. Palace is now a museum, this store many works of art and of historical value that is not priceless.
Another excited place for visit is Hagia Sophia Museum. Many experts say that the history of Hagia Sophia as can be nominated to the eight wonders of the world. Hagia Sophia is a church building that was built by Constantine in the 4th century. Hagia Sophia is Roman visible interior and exterior of buildings that have a large and magnificent dome. After Constantine Turkey occupied nation under the leadership of Sultan Mahmed the conqueror, Hagia Sophia became a mosque and changed its function. The church at the mosque is not removed. Jewelry-jewelry that shows the Hagia Sophia church was still awake, as shown in the image on the ornament in the building.
Some additional ornaments like any posts calligraphy, mihrab and the pulpit took to complete the building interior has been changed into a mosque in the function. Building that has functioned as a church for 916 years and 477 years as a mosque, now turned into museums under Ataturk regime. Other buildings named Dolmabahce Palace is unique. The building is a mix of European architecture that store collections of things ancient and palace items such as furniture, silk carpets and painting walls.
Istanbul is also famous as a place to trade many tourists visit. There are two places of trade that is a very famous Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Grand Bazaar is the oldest and biggest market in Istanbul is located in the middle of the city. This market consists of thousands of shops that sell items of high quality crafts, jewelry, antiques and various other types of goods which is a genuine product of Turkey.
Spice Bazaar (Bazar spices) or also called the Egyptian Bazaar is a market that is unique and interesting. Here sold a variety of spices, caviar (beluga caviar), sausage, cheese and handicraft typical of Turkey. In the transaction does not shop in Istanbul can only be done with the money they are the national lira, but also can be done with the United States dollar and euro. So, you can easily shop without the need to explore the foreign currency exchange.
Trip to Istanbul is not only enough to explore the historical places. Much more interesting place that unfortunately for the skip, Taksim Square, for example, is the center of modern Istanbul. In Taksim square’s many hotels, restaurants and other night life center. In addition there is also Ataturk cultural center. This place is a community gathering place to celebrate the new year, a concert, parade and other shows. It’s not complete without a tour in Istanbul to enjoy the culinary tour. You can enjoy a typical Turkish food that is often heard that we taste and the kebab variations vary. Not only kebab, a variety of seafood is also very popular in Istanbul. A number of restaurants not only provide the delicious food, but also an attractive show.