Istanbul Turkey the oldest capital of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires
Istanbul turkey has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires for more than 1500 years.
It is the only city in the world built on two continents, Asia and Europe.
Istanbul turkey has become a capital gathering various cultures, nations, and religions. These cultures, nations, and religions are the small pieces that make up the mosaic of Istanbul.
The most important construction work in Istanbul began in the Byzantine period and then developed during the days of the Ottoman Empire.
Istanbul Turkey Architecture
Istanbul Turkey Architecture
Istanbul turkey is dazzling its visitors, with museums, churches, palaces, grand mosques, bazaars, and natural beauty sites.
You can relax on the western shores of the Bosporus at sunset and see the red evening light reflected on the other continent, this is why Istanbul is considered one of the greatest cities in the world.
Istanbul turkey is considered Turkeyâs most developed and greatest city. The latest discoveries indicate that the history of human life dates back to about 400,000 years. Istanbul turkey was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453 and then became the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
During the Byzantines, Istanbul turkey was decorated with a number of great monuments, making it the most magnificent city in the world, even during the declining years of the empire.
Istanbul turkey was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453 and then became the capital of the Byzantine Empire. During the Byzantines, Istanbul was decorated with a number of great monuments, making it the most magnificent city in the world, even during the declining years of the empire.
Striking Multi-religious Identity
Striking Multi-religious Identity in Istanbul
The identity of Istanbul emerged during the period of the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror declared Istanbul the capital of the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of the city in 1453.
The Ottomans were tolerant of all religions and dedicated many places of worship to Christian and Jewish communities so that they could practice their religion unhindered.
Thus, in Istanbul, the mosques, the churches, and synagogues stood side by side to show that Istanbul was a symbol of tolerance and brotherhood of all religions.
Glorious Treasures in Istanbul
Istanbul turkey is rich in architectural monuments that reflect the splendor of the past. You can see the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls, and monuments.
There are places of worship, government, commerce, and entertainment.
The historical monuments of Istanbul are clustered on the historic peninsula, surrounded by the Marmara Sea from the east and south, from the Golden Horn to the north and the city walls to the west.
Sultan Ahmet Square is the heart of the historical peninsula, where you can find the most important historical monuments. Historic areas of Istanbul were listed in the UNESCO World Heritage in 1985.
The most important example of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture is Sultan Ahmet Square which is the heart of the historical peninsula.
Living Heritages of Byzantines
The center of the city, during the Byzantine period, was the racecourse and its environs. The Palace, Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), was a spectacular religious building which was considered an entertainment center.
Finally, this center became a site for the circumcision ceremonies of the Sultansâ sons during the Ottoman period.
Architecture including hagia sophia ayasofya
The Hagia Sophia referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is the most famous architectural heritage of the Byzantine Empire and one of Istanbulâs largest icons.
It is also one of the most important examples of Byzantine art from the ninth to twelfth centuries.
The Kariye Museum (Chora Church) is another Byzantine monument which is famous for mosaics and magnificent frescoes. There are holy places for Jews in Istanbul, such as the temples of Neve Shalom, Ahrida and AĆkenazi synagogues.
There is also the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, and includes the tomb of its founder, Sultan Ahmad I, a madrasah and a hospice.
Historic Areas of Ä°stanbul
Historic Areas inÄ°stanbul
The historic areas of Istanbul, listed in the World Heritage List in 1985, include four main areas: The Archaeological Park, the SĂŒleymaniye Mosque and its associated conservation area, the Zeyrek Mosque and its conservation area, and the walls of Istanbul.
According to the International Council of Antiquities and Sites in the Evaluation Report, the World Heritage List without Istanbul, which has been associated with the worldâs major political, religious and artistic events for more than 2,000 years, cannot be imagined.
Cultural properties, in this area, include many unique monuments and wonders of world architecture, including Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) and SĂŒleymaniye Mosque.
One of the leading architects of the military architecture is the walls of the city of Theodosius II, an area of ââ6650 meters, which was created in 447.
The Archaeological Park, the SĂŒleymaniye Mosque and its associated conservation area, the Zeyrek Mosque and its conservation area, and the walls of Istanbul.
According to the International Council of Antiquities and Sites in the Evaluation Report, the World Heritage List without Istanbul, which has been associated with the worldâs major political, religious and artistic events for more than 2,000 years, cannot be imagined.
Cultural properties, in this area, include many unique monuments and wonders of world architecture, including Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) and SĂŒleymaniye Mosque.
One of the leading architects of the military architecture is the walls of the city of Theodosius II, an area of ââ6650 meters, which was created in 447.
The former Pera region, which means âthe other beachâ is another historic area in Istanbul, on the beach opposite the Golden Horn. It was settled by Genoese and Venetians in the twelfth century, and represents the western face of the city.
The ancient city of Istanbul is characterized by buildings such as the Galata Tower built by Genoese, the luxurious consulates that were the embassies before the capital was moved to Ankara, and the modern art buildings on Ä°stiklal Avenue.
St Antoineâs Cathedral, a silent and quiet spot on this street, is frequently visited by loyal visitors of every religion. Istanbul is also famous for its elegant wooden houses.
Istanbul is a global city with a financial center and services in banking, telecommunications, marketing, engineering, and tourism because it is a city of glorious past.
The city features international conferences, festivals, exhibitions, fashion shows, sports, and art shows. Istanbul offers all the support and services for various conferences. It offers excellent transportation, communications, and accommodation with the latest technology.
The Bosphorus Strait is a strait that separates Europe from Asia, and you can see a wonderful mix between past and present in its beautiful beaches. Yali is wooden villas facing the sea, where there are modern hotels, and there are rural stone castles and beautiful complexes near fishing villages.
If you want to see the Bosphorus, you have to take a boat along the beach. The trip can take about six hours back and forth at very reasonable prices. There are also night cruises. On the front of the Bosphorus beach, you can watch the water moving fast.
All artists meet in Ortakwe on Sunday to show their works, in an exhibition on the side of the street. the BoÄaziçi, in Ortaköy, is the largest suspension bridges which link Europe and Asia. It shows the beauty of Ä°stanbulâs traditional architecture.
One of the beautiful bridges in Istanbul is Beylerbeyi Palace which lies near the bridge on the Asian side and behind the palace rises Ăamlıca Hill where you can see the beautifully landscaped gardens.
The wooden Ottoman villas of Arnavutköy are on the opposite shore. You can enjoy the amazing beauty of the bridge and the Bosphorus from Duatepe Hill on the European side and you can see beautiful Emirgan Park bursts with wonderful colors in the spring.
The fishing village, Kanlica, is on the Asian shore and it is a favored suburb for wealthy Ä°stanbul residents. People come to this village to visit the restaurants and cafes along its shores to try its famous yogurt.
At the Tarabya Bay on the European side, you can see the yachts dancing in the marinas. There are also bars and fish restaurants on the coastal road. Sarıyer, Istanbulâs largest fish market, is also famous for its delicious milk and pastries.
Istanbul is divided into two parts by the horn-shaped estuary, the Golden Horn where the best natural harbors in the world were centered here.
In this place, you can watch beautiful parks and promenades on the shores where the setting sun drops a golden color on the water.
There are many old wooden houses, churches and synagogues which date from Byzantine and Ottoman times while at Fener, the Orthodox Patriarchy resides.
Many believers come to EyĂŒp, a place a little further up, to visit the Tomb of EyĂŒp hoping their prayers will be granted. There, they can find The Pierre Loti CafĂ©, a wonderful place on the hill overlooking the shrine where they can enjoy an alternative view of Ä°stanbul.
Arts, culture, and entertainment
culture, and entertainment in Istanbul
Istanbul is considered the international center of arts and culture. There, you can find a rich tradition in opera and ballet, theatres performing both Turkish and international works. There are also concerts, exhibitions, festivals, auctions, conferences, and museums.
In Istanbul, you can find both permanent and temporary exhibits that feature many of the most famous Turkish painters.
The only international exhibition for the contemporary art in Turkey is Contemporary Ä°stanbul where many art-lovers, collectors, art galleries and artists from all over the world meet.
The most important cultural events are the international festivals which are organized by the Ä°stanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. They include classical music, ballet, modern dance, opera, folklore, jazz/pop, cinema, drama and visual arts, seminars, conferences, and lectures.
Exploring ISTANBUL & Taksim Square Nightlife!
Istanbul offers many bars, pubs, nightclubs, and discos in addition to different restaurants in which you can enjoy Turkish cuisine with all its local varieties.
There is also the Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese and Lebanese cuisine. Nightclubs can offer various kinds of drink throughout dinner. Besides, there are Turkish songs, belly-dancing, and modern discos.
Kumkapı is the best district in Istanbul for eating great kinds of Turkish seafood and drink. There is also Ortaköy, on the beaches of the Bosphorus, where you can get the best nightlife in Istanbul. You can find there its nightclubs, jazz clubs, fine seafood restaurants, and bars. In those places, you can see the fishermen dressed in traditional Ottoman clothes.
Istanbul is considered a paradise of shopping for all customers. Here, you can find covered markets and workshops with ancient traditions in addition to malls and department stores. The two most visited markets in Istanbul are the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı ĂarĆı) and the Spice Bazaar (Mısır ĂarĆısı).
After Kapalı ĂarĆı has developed, today it can sell various things like antiques, jewelry, and gold in over 3000 shops. The same thing with Mısır ĂarĆısı which has the same aim of supporting Yeni Cami (New Mosque).
Both markets were primary trading places during the Ottoman Period and this is why you can see some traditional wares there.
You can also find authentic goods and handicrafts in Arasta ĂarĆısı (Arasta Bazaar) which situated behind the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. People who love old books should go to the Sahaflar ĂarĆısı (Booksellersâ Market) situated between Beyazıt Mosque and Kapalı ĂarĆı.
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