Istanbul the land of civilizations
Ah, Istanbul! Of all the names that can captivate me, this remains the most magical
If someone is destined to look at the world only once, he should look at Istanbul.
These words are still valid! Why?
The city of dreams, the city of the soul, the city that dreams – this is how Istanbul is called by those who have seen it at least once. Solemn and sad, noisy and cozy, dynamic and majestic – it managed to retain all the uniqueness of its character.
Indeed, Istanbul is not like other cities. It has a charm that belongs only to it. Everyone who has ever set foot on its land has left a piece of his soul here.
Istanbul is a city with a thousand-year history, the capital of three empires, heir to the masterpieces of architecture, a city that has survived hundreds of generations, survived after numerous sieges and robberies, wars and natural disasters. A secret witness to love affairs, friendship and betrayal, glory and shame.
Istanbul is the seagulls circling over the minaret of the Blue Mosque.
The majestic Aya Sophia, linking different religions and nations with invisible threads.
This is Topkapi Palace, towering on a hill, which raised more than 20 sultans within its walls and gave its contemporaries a valuable cultural heritage.
This is Kapala Charshi – a live location of the former era and the largest covered market in the world. Endless shopping arcades, colorful goods, aromas of herbs and spices …
Istanbul is the ringing of a red historic tram crawling along Istiklal, the hum of ferries crossing the Bosphorus, it is a chaos of polyphony, among which everyone will find an island of peace and tranquility.
This is the Galata Tower with an observation deck, to which thousands of tourists flock to look at the splendor of the city from above and drink a glass of fragrant Turkish tea with a rich ruby color.
Istanbul is the taste of crispy simits generously sprinkled with sesame seeds, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, enveloping cozy picturesque streets.
This is a gastronomic paradise right in the middle of the streets. Ruddy juicy doner or grilled mackerel in a crispy bun, honey baklava or viscous delicious ice cream …
Istanbul is a city where you can find everything that modern life has to offer. An abundance of restaurants and cafes with stunning views of the city, boutiques and malls, nightclubs and beauty centers.
It dictates fashion and style, captivates with wealth and luxury, strikes with contrasts and surprises with diversity.
This is a city that you discover every time for yourself, which is never boring.
It lets in those who come and wins their hearts forever, and makes them dream of returning there again.
I listen to Istanbul with my eyes closed
Smooth circling of birds over the Bosphorus And tired voices of fishermen ...
... And behind the pistachios is the Istanbul crescent moon, eternal as an adhan ...
I listen to Istanbul with my eyes closed
Live in the moment Live in the moment Live in the moment
Topkapi Palace
This is the palace in Sarayburnu, Istanbul, where the Ottoman sultans lived and was used as the administrative center of the state for 400 years from the 600-year history of the Ottoman Empire. It used to be home to about 4,000 people.
Hagia Sophia
The Byzantine Hagia Sophia Mosquel, which is one of the symbols of Istanbul and one of the most ancient mosques in the world.
Dolmabahce Palace
It is an extraordinary mixture of European architectural styles. From the palace, in which every corner is worthy of attention, a mesmerizing view opens up! The plan of the three-story Dolmabahce Palace is symmetrical. It has 285 rooms and 43 halls. The large ceremonial hall with 56 columns and 750 lamps is famous for its 4.5 ton Bohemian glass chandelier, donated by Queen Victoria of England.
Galata tower
One of the oldest towers in the world. The thickness of the walls of the tower, whose height is 69.90 meters, is 3.75 meters! The tower weighs approximately 10,000 tons and is built of thick raw stone. Many skulls and bones were found near the moat, and the basement of the tower was used as a prison.
Basilica underground Cistern
Basilica underground Cistern
Ciragan Palace
Chiragan translated from Persian means “torch”. This brilliant and majestic palace lives up to its striking name. The choice fell on this name because in this place entertainment events with the use of torches were once held.
Egyptian bazaar
Built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque complex, the Egyptian Bazaar is one of the most crowded places in Istanbul.
Maiden's Tower
The legend of the Maiden Tower, built on a small island of the Bosphorus Strait near the coast of Saladjak and being one of the symbols of the city, is very interesting. The legend is based on the tragic love story of the priestess Gero and the young man Leandre, after whom the tower was once named. In honor of the lovers, a lighthouse was built on the site of the tower. Throughout its long history, the tower has been a place of exile, a defensive structure, a prison, a quarantine facility, a radio station, a tax station and a lighthouse. Currently, the tower houses a cafe and a restaurant.
Princes' islands
The Princes’ Islands is an archipelago of nine large and small islands and two small cliffs along the coast. The islands of Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kynalyada are permanently inhabited. The absence of car traffic, the measured rhythm of life, magnificent architecture, picturesque parks, beautiful nature and excursions on phaetons are enchanting!
Grand Bazaar
The foundation of Kapala Charshi was laid in 1461, and in the labyrinths of the bazaar, stretching over an area of 30,700 square meters, there are 66 streets and about 4,000 shops.