Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010,which is 18% of Turkey’s population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and Moscow. The city in its administrative limits had 8.8 million residents counted in the latest Turkish census from 2000.
Where to go an what to do in Istanbul
Istanbul is a megacity, as well as the cultural, economic, and financial centre of Turkey. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Istanbul is a designated alpha world city.
During its long history, Istanbul has served as the capital of the Roman Empire (330–395), the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). When the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed on 29 October 1923, Ankara, which had previously served as the headquarters of the Turkish national movement during the Turkish War of Independence, was chosen as the new Turkish State’s capital. The historic areas of the city were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
Sultanahmet (where most travelers prefer to stay)
Sultanahmet Square is one of the main sights of Istanbul in terms of beauty and historical importance. Tourists would appreciate its convenient location in Sultanahmet residential area of Fatih district, where many monuments of Istanbul are. Thus, starting a tour of the historical Istanbul you will anyway reach this ancient sight with rich history.
Around Sultanahmet Square
Hagia Sophia
It was originally a basilica constructed for the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. A masterwork of Roman engineering, the huge 30 m diameter dome covers what was for over 1000 years the largest enclosed space in the world. The church was looted by the fourth Crusaders in 1204, and became a mosque in the 15th century when The Ottomans conquered the city. It was converted into a museum in 1935. Don’t miss the excellent mosaics, including those in the gallery, reached by a stone ramp to the left of the entrance. You can also hire a guide at the entrance of the museum.
Topkapı Palace
The imperial enclave of the Ottoman emperors for four centuries. Lavishly decorated, with four courts of increasing grandeur. In the second court of the entrance to the Harem (admission extra, only by joining a guided tour) and the State Treasury, housing a weaponry display. The third court has the Imperial Treasury. Both Islamic and Christian relics, rugs, china. The views from the Fourth Court over the Bosphorus are spectacular. You can also see Prophet Mohammed’s belongings
Sultanahmet Mosque
With its six minarets and sweeping architecture the Sultanahmet or ‘Blue’ Mosque impresses from the outside. Unlike Haghia Sophia, this is still a working mosque, entry is through the courtyard on the SW side which is back side of mosque. No shorts or bare shoulders (shawls are provided) and you will need to remove your footwear (bags are provided that you can place your shoes in). Entrance is free, but donations are welcome upon exit.
Hippodrome
Adjacent to the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. This was the center of Roman and Byzantine Constantinople, and is a great place to begin one’s tour and to watch people. The building no longer stands, but the obelisks and sculptures that have been collected here since Theodosius’ time in the fourth century remain. The four bronze horses in the facade of St. Marco in Venice used to be on top of the Emperor’s box in the Hippodrome and they were looted by the crusaders in 1204. While you are on your way to the hippodrome, don’t forget to check out German Fountain, a neo-Byzantine style fountain building at the square leading to Hippodrome. It was a gift sent by German Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Sultan.
Archaeological Museum: Greek, Roman and other Anatolian civilizations dating back to the 6th century BC. The Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, Sarcophagus of Mourning Ladies, and other ancient sarcophagi and various objects found in the Sidon excavation are among its most interesting pieces.
The Ataturk Museum: Here you can find most things about the Turkish leader Ataturk
Modern Arts Museum:this is the first Modern Arts museum in Istanbul.You can find everything on modern Turkish Arts.
Kapalicarsi (Grand Bazaar): The Bazaar’s fine shops and exotic atmosphere.It’s divided into many sections such as leather, rugs, souvenirs, copper, antiques, textile etc. There are 18 gates and 60 streets inside
Get in
By tram
A modern tram line lies all along the old city, connecting it with Galata and other places north, and the suburbs in the west. Tram stations are located at Eminönü, Sirkeci, Gülhane, Sultanahmet, Beyazıt, and Aksaray among others.
By metro
A metro/light rail line connects Atatürk International Airport and the main bus station (otogar) outside the city with Aksaray. From Aksaray, you can take the tram (follow the ‘tramvay’ signs) for places deeper into the Old City (such as Sultanahmet). If you are approaching from the airport, you can also change from metro to tram in Zeytinburnu. Changing at Zeytinburnu is better than changing at Aksaray, as the metro and tram stations in Zeytinburnu are much nearer to each other (making it highly unlikely to get lost!) and it’s the first station along the line, which means you can easily secure a seat after your long flight.
By bus
Public buses connect various spots in the old city with various other places. For the traveller, the most useful lines are as follows:
61B Taksim – Beyazıt (very near the Grand Bazaar; also about 10-15 min walk or 3-4 min tram ride away from Sultanahmet)
96T the bus from Atatürk Airport to Taksim also passes through some parts of old city. The stop nearest to Sultanahmet is Aksaray/Valide Sultan. From there, you can take the tram.
You can get on any bus which goes to Eminönü or Beyazıt since both places are very close to Sultanahmet, if you would like to go there. You can either walk (about 10-15 minutes) or take a tram from both places. However, there might be traffic at certain times
