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Exotic sights, scents &
sounds reign in this fascinating city where Europe & Asia meet. Istanbul
has served as a capital for 3 mighty empires which have all left their
marks behind converting this metropolis into a mind boggling open air
museum. It is Istanbul's endless variety & diversity that fascinates the
visitor. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars, scenery, the
people & vibe make Istanbul 'the city of past, present & future'.
Reclining on the European shore of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating
the red evening light reflected through the windows of the Asian shore
you may suddenly & profoundly understand why so many centuries ago the
settlers chose to build on this remarkable site... |
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There is, of course, far more than geography to the magical hold of Istanbul
exerted over mans imagination throughout its fabulous history. For more
than 3000 years, this city has been at the crossroads of cultures. It is a
city of which its traditions & way of life still inspire us today & lay the
foundations of a multi-cultural society. The three mighty empires ruled the
world from this powerful capital, the Roman, the
Byzantines & the Ottomans. Trace of their presence in ancient walls,
impressive hippodromes, royal basilicas, aqueducts, imperial churches, magnificent mosques,
splendid palaces shape Istanbul’s alluring landscape & colour its exotic
texture.
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Hagia Sophia,
built in 537 A.D. it was considered the greatest church in
Christendom until St. Peter's Basilica was built in Rome a thousand
years later. Converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1453, it is
a rare sight of two of the world's biggest belief systems coming
together under one roof. |
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Blue Mosque, is
one of the great & defining features of Istanbul's skyline.
Constructed in 1616 by Sultan Ahmet, who was not only driven by a
desire to leave behind an imperial mosque but also to build a monument
to rival the St. Sophia. The overall effect is one of such great
harmony, grace & power. |
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Topkapi Palace,
the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire & home to the Sultans for
nearly 400 years. The rooms & chambers of this 175 acre complex
exhibit large collections of porcelain, weapons, costumes &
priceless treasures, it is also home to the most holy relics of the
Muslim world. |
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The Bosphorus,
is the strait between the Black Sea & the Sea of Marmara, one of the
world’s most strategic waterways. Literally this is where east meets
west, the shores of Asia & Europe are parallel for 34 kms. There are
two suspension toll bridges on this strait & its shores are dotted
with mansions. |
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Taksim Beyoglu,
this is the culture, art & entertainment center of Istanbul. Taksim
is the intersecting point of roads flowing to various places in the
city, Taksim distributes Istanbul life to the rest of the city. It’s
all here; restaurants, theatres, opera, art galleries, hotels,
cafes, bars, night clubs... |
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Grand Bazaar
(Kapalicarsi), remains a true Turkish delight, a shopaholic’s
colourful fantasy that is also a photographer’s dream. Whether you
are after a Hereke carpet or a pair of silk slippers, you will find
just about anything in 1 of the 4000 stores in the bazaar at the
western end of the Silk Road. |
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Dolmabahce Palace, in 1843 Sultan AbdulMecit who wanted to
reinvent the Ottoman Empire in a European style, employed architects
to build a luxurious new palace on the Bosphorus. With more than 350
rooms, 8 Turkish Baths & lavish decoration in gold & crystal it
rivals the Versailles in France. |
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Galata Tower,
one of the city’s most distinctive sights, the tower was built in
1348 by the Genoese, as part of their fortification of Galata. Since
then, the tower has been restored many times. A lift climbs to a
viewing balcony, nightclub & restaurant on the top floor with
amazing views of the the city. |
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Princes' Islands,
with deserted beaches, pine forests & ancient monasteries, these
nine islands in the Sea of Marmara offer a restful break from the
city. On Buyukada & Heybeliada, walking or horse carriage are the
only means of transport as cars are allowed only for essential
services. |
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