while there was a long period of the so called Dark Ages roaming in the West, the East had kept growing in its beauty, culture and glory for another thousand years, practically never knowing the Middle Ages as we know from Europe. Nothing represents the awing glory of the Eastern Roman Empire more than this pearl, its capital. Constantinople, built by the Roman emperor Constantine on the shore of the Bosphorus strait, right on the crossroads where Europe and Asia, and also the West and the East meet. Welcome to Istanbul.
The moment you leave your plane, bus or train and set foot in this large metropolis, you may feel like being stuck in a history museum. Having been populated for more than two thousand years, there are multiple landmarks here representing all periods of history, old Byzantine churches as well as Ottoman palaces and mosques. Let us take a look what I personally consider the TOP 5 Tourist attractions of Istanbul.
1/ Hagia Sophia
Let's start big. And I mean really big. For centuries, this large domed structure remained by far the largest christian church in the world (and had remained so for the next thousand years) and quite honestly a real technological marvel of its time. It was built on orders of the Byzantine emperor Justinian and ever since it remained the seat of the Patriarch and the whole eastern christian church until the fall of Constantinople. When the capital of the Ottoman Empire was moved in here, it was changed into a mosque and got its four iconic minarets. While it no longer is a house of worship for any religion today, it was changed into a museum and provides one of the best outlooks of the Byzantine and Ottoman history of the city.
When the Hagia Sophia didn't suffice the rising population of the Ottoman capital, the sultan Ahmet I. decided to build a new one. Located in the central Istanbul, just across the older structure, this amazing domed building with its six minarets has been a landmark of the city for more than four centuries. As it is still a functioning prayerhouse, you need to follow certain rules in order to enter. Take your shoes off, cover your knees and shoulders and enjoy one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Entrance is free.
The original headquarters of the Ottoman administration and the seat of the sultan and his court, the Topkapi palace high on the hill above the Bosphorus is one of the best learning materials for Ottoman history and society. Enjoy a walk through the gardens once reserved for the Paddishah of the whole muslim world, multiple living quarters, facilities and especially almost perfectly preserved Harem building. Totally worth the 40 TRY (+25 for Harem).
When the old Topkapi palace no longer was a suitable residence for the Ottoman sultan and his family, the sultan Abdülmecid decided to build a whole new palace. Inspired by many european castles and palaces, the Dolmabahce is probably the best display of luxury that the old sultans had at their disposal. Although it is located a little further from the city center, I cannot recommend it enough. There are two possible guided tours, the State halls and the Harem. While the Harem is just another quasieuropean palace, the state halls are a must. And don't forget to walk through the garden and take a look from the gate looking directly to Asia.
Probably no Middle Eastern city tour would be complete without visiting some of its bazaars. There are many of them in Istanbul (actually one whole quarter is a large living marketplace), but if you want to enjoy some impressive looks at architecture and cultural history, as well as do some shopping, visit the Grand Bazaar. Several streets completely covered by domes and roofs can probably entertain you for the whole afternoon. And don't forget to haggle. :))
And that's all for today.
Keep on traveling :)
Love, Lex
No comments:
Post a Comment