Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Istanbul is an amazing city that rests on two continents and is divided by the Bosporus Strait. Whether you are a history buff or just a shop-a-holic, this city is filled with wonders for you!
Youll likely work up an appetite while exploring Istanbul. That being said, dont go looking for the nearest western style burger joint. Turkish cuisine is one of the richest in the world. Foods served here are both healthful and delicious and will appeal to both the eye and the palate. Restaurants, nightclubs, cafes and bars offer a variety of fine menus as well as some exciting entertainment choices.
The history of Istanbul is an amazing study of the history of man. Evidence has been found to place human settlement in Istanbul some 100,000 years ago. For that very reason, there are some amazing historical spots that you just dont want to miss.
The mythology of Istanbul states that in the waters of Keras Bay, as the sun set and left golden reflections on the surrounding hills, the sea God, Poseidon, and the beautiful Keroessa created a son whom they named Byzas. Byzas grew up and built Byzantium on the banks of that golden bay. Then, because of those golden reflections, the bay became known as the "Golden Horn". This golden horn exists to this day and seeing the sights there should be one of your planned stops in Istanbul.
Byzantiums early population was made up of colonists from Megara in central Greece and the Aegean city of Miletos. Byzantiums attractions to colonists were many. The area was blessed with bountiful foods from land and sea, a safe harbor and a large, easily defensible hill. Located on the well-traveled sea trade routes and the Silk Road caused the area to flourish within a very short period.
The central location of Byzantium and its economically strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes made it an obvious choice for an administrative center of the eastern Roman Empire. Byzantium then became known as Nea Roma. When Nea Roma took on this very important role in world culture and politics, new construction began. Harbors, waterways and roads were constructed and improved. The hippodrome was created at the center of the city where the emperor and the population of Nea Roma could gather for feasts and celebrations and to watch wild animal races and athletic events. A trip to the Hippodrome is another must see for your trip to Istanbul.
When Constantine became Emperor, Nea Roma became Constantinopolis. Constantinopolis then became the capitol of the Ottoman Empire. The city had fallen into disrepair, but the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II initiated the restoration of the citys buildings and walls. The Roman constructed water system was repaired and returned to use and the city developed its Ottoman identity. The city then became known as Istanbul.
Istanbul attracted people from all over the Ottoman Empire. The ethnic and religious mixture enriched the culture of the city. Trade with the outside world expanded and markets grew up within the city. Visiting the Grand Bazaar can take you back to that time. See the fabulous displays of jewelry, metalwork, marble sculpture and vases, leather goods, carpets, tapestries and other textiles. Then visit the Egyptian Bazaar for antiques and other collectables. Of course shopping in Istanbul isnt all street markets and handcrafts. Boutiques and famous name brands are also available. Istanbul has some of the finest shopping in the world and you would be remiss if you didnt take a few special items home with you.
After World War I, a new Republican government led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, was established. Although Ankara became the new capitol of Turkey, new construction, both planned and unplanned, started in Istanbul. A suspension bridge was finally built to span the Bosporus and connect Europe and Asia.
Another attraction is on the European side of the Bosporus. Visit the lighthouse in the neighborhood of Rumeli Kavagi. The Column of Pompeii, part of an ancient shrine, stands on the rock of the lighthouse.
Sultanahmet is a neighborhood found in the area of old Istanbul. This is the area where the Romans established their imperial buildings and sanctuaries. Here you will see the "Blue Mosque", Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, the Hippodrome, the Egyptian Obelisk and much more.
These are just a few places to see on your visit to Istanbul. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore and the wonders will never cease!
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