Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Istanbul, a fascinating city built on two Continents, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. This is one of the greatest cities in the world where you can see a modern western city combined with a traditional eastern city, it’s a melting pot of many civilizations and different people. Istanbul was also announced by the European Union as the 2010 European Capital of Culture.

From the foundation of Byzantium in the 7th century BC until today, Istanbul held always an important role in the history of humanity in this part of the world. Everybody wanted to gain control of this area because of its strategic location; Empires were born here on the ashes of previous ones.

Since the Republic in 1923, Istanbul continued to grow and today it boosted its population over 14 million people living in this spread out city. This makes Istanbul the largest city of Turkey and one of the biggest cities in the world.

Blue Mosque

Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, located in Sultan Ahmed Square in the heart of Istanbul, adjacent to the Hagia Sophia.

Hagia Sophia Museum

Located in Sultan Ahmed Square, opposite the Blue Mosque. It was the main church of the Byzantine Empire until the Ottoman Empire conquered Istanbul in 1453.

Topkapi Palace

Located at the intersection of the Persian Blues and the Marmara Sea, also known as the Old Palace.

Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmed Square is also known as The Race Course. In the Byzantine period it was an important entertainment venue for the nobles.

Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a world-famous strait connecting Asia and Europe.

Dolmabahce Palace

Also known as the New Palace, it was founded by the Ottoman Sultan in the mid-19th century and used as resident for several sultans.

Taksim Square

Located in the heart of Istanbul and is a great relaxing place with tourists strolling down the street.

Galata Tower

Located in the heart of Istanbul, on the north side of the Golden Horn.

Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is the most romantic symbol of Istanbul.