Istanbul, Turkey

Answer 1

Byzantium and Constantinople in ancient times, Istanbul is the capital of Turkey. Situated on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is both in Asia and in Europe which makes this great city the only one that sits on two continents. Once the seat of the Roman and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul today is a romantic city boasting impressive architecture, breath-taking scenery and historical sites to engage the most enthusiastic history buff.

The Hagia Sophia is a prime example of Byzantine architecture. It was dedicated in 360 as a Cathedral, became a Mosque in 1453, was secularized in 1934 and made into a museum in 1935. Famous for its dome, the Hagia Sophia was the world’s largest cathedral for one thousand years. The inside of the Hagia Sophia is richly decorated with mosaics and with marble pillars. Two marble urns from Pergamon were brought to the Hagia Sophia around 1580 and can be seen along with the Marble Door, the Loge of the Empress and the Virgin and Child Apse Mosaic.

Turkish legend has it that a sultan locked his princess daughter up in Kiz Kulesi (Leander’s Tower) to protect her from a snake after hearing a prophesy that she would die of a snake bite on the day of her 18th birthday. Also known as the Maiden’s Tower, this tower is located on an islet on the Bosphorus Sea. It was built in 408 BC for the purpose of watching the Persian ships in the strait. Later it was used as a lighthouse and today it is a popular tourist destination with a restaurant giving guests a stunning view of Istanbul.

Istanbul is a city of arts with its many museums. One of the most impressive museums is the Topkapi Palace. Once the main residence of Ottoman Sultans, for 400 years, the palace serves as a museum today. Sarcophagi and baptismal fonts have been recently excavated on the palace grounds and are displayed in the Topkapi’s Second Courtyard. Under the Second Courtyard is an ancient cistern dating back to Byzantine times. Days can be spent wandering around Topkapi Palace but, since most do not have days, there are several things that should be seen including the Imperial Carriages, porcelain collections from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties and one of the largest collections of Longquan celadon.

Dining in Istanbul is a gastronomical experience. Istanbul is known for delicious Turkish, Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisine. Turkish food includes a lot of lamb and mutton as well as a medley of seafood. Roasting or grilling are the most common way of preparing meals such as Turkish kebabs, doner kebabs and Shish kofte. Feriye is a restaurant near the Bosphorus that is know for wonderful Turkish food. The Ciragan Palace is home to Tugra where guests can find Ottoman cuisine using ingredients such as rabbits, olives and specialty cheeses. Save room for sweets like Baklava, Dilber Dudagi and Sutlac.

Shopping at the Grand Bazaar, soaking in a Turkish Bath and seeing the Hippodrome are just a few more of the exciting attractions that Istanbul has to offer.

Answer 2

Istanbul Turkey is a Mediterranean, European, Arabian and Asian city. Istanbul is the focal point for the only viable waterway from the Aegean to the Black Sea and represents the end Europe and the beginning of Asia.

The people of Istanbul have long since adapted to conquerors and travelers alike. Multiple languages are spoken throughout the city which makes getting around easier than expected. There is only one ancient mall in the world and it is the Turkish Bazaar of Istanbul. The underground warren of shops and stalls should not be missed. Check out the Sultan’s Palace and take in the history of its surroundings. A glass of tea and a piece of baklava from a street vendor is always close by or any sidewalk cafe can offer an accommodating break from the day’s activities.Istanbul Turkey should be the destination of choice for anyone wanting to say they have seen it all and mean it.