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 Istanbul Where Europe Meets Asia
Author: Leslie
Website: http://www.Travel-Budget.info
Added: Sun, 08 Jan 2006 18:49:14 -0500
Category: Home & Family Matters
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Istanbul Where Europe Meets Asia
Set astride the Bosporus, the gateway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, Istanbul has always been a city of huge strategic importance. Many wars have been fought here and Empires won and lost. But today it is a peaceful, though vibrant mix of cultures and religions that makes for one of the most fascinating and enriching experiences a traveler could hope for.
A huge city of 13,000,000 people it is a heady mix of spices, colors, tastes and music that will keep you spellbound. It is also a good way to go “transcontinental” without really trying. A quick walk across one of the bridges takes you from Europe to Asia in a few minutes, truly a global experience!
With everything from ancient Mosques and fashionable beaches, to awe inspiring skyscrapers within a few streets, a holiday here, has the best of all worlds.
The locals are friendly and helpful and, businessmen excepted, willing to chat and pass the time of day. The street traders are avoided by most tourists, as their rather loud attempts to attract custom, appear rather too aggressive a selling technique. But if you take the time to talk to them, rather than hurrying by, they are usually interesting and fun.
Fall and spring are the best times to travel. The climate then, is a little cooler though still pleasantly warm. By not traveling during the hot, humid summer, you will also avoid many of the tour groups, that frequent the main tourist sites in the height of the season.
Istanbul is a treasure trove of historical buildings and artifacts stemming from the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. It has been the subject for many centuries of disputes with its neighbor, Greece. The Turks ruled Greece for 400 years until the liberation of Greece in the 19th century. Every corner is steeped in history and it is a dream for enthusiasts of ancient monuments and buildings.
Must see Istanbul:
Archeological Museums: A huge collection of over 5,000 historical artifacts spread over 20 galleries, this is truly a world class museum. With exhibits spanning from Ancient Egypt to the modern day, including a 4th century sarcophagus from Lebanon and a frieze from a gate in Babylon.
Istanbul Modern: The first large-scale gallery dedicated to modern art in the city. It was opened in 2004 and is sited in a converted 86,000 sq ft warehouse. It contains both public and private collections and features work by Monica Bonvicini and Fahrelnissa Zeid among others. An interesting mix of Eastern and Western Modern art at it’s best.
Yerebaten Sarayi: A huge underground, strangely fascinating, cistern. Its light shows, music and shadows create a very special atmosphere. There are 2 large heads on columns thought to be of Medusa.
The Blue Mosque: A beautiful building, that was given its name as a result of its interior, with flower and tree decorations. Built in the 17th century, this beautiful mosque contains the tomb of Ahmet 1st and can provide a cool and interesting respite from the heat of the city.
Hidiv Kasri: One of the best known buildings in Istanbul, this stunning building was formally the official home of the Egyptian hierarchy during the Ottoman Empire. It provides a good insight into Ottoman architecture.
Topkapi Palace: The palace building was started in the 15th century, but different rulers changed and added to the structure until the 19th century. The seat of the Sultans and the canter of the Ottoman Empire it was, at the same time, also an academy of arts, music and dance, and also a harem.
Hagia Sophia: A church for over 900 years and a mosque for over 400 the building is now a museum, and a work of art in its own right. It contains many mosaics and wall paintings, best visited early or late in the day as it is one of the busiest sites in the city.
Transport is generally good and can be a cheap way of getting around. It is also a good way to meet some of the locals and to get a few pointers as to the best value restaurants (i.e. not the tourist ones). Many speak at least some English and you should have not trouble getting by. The food is in many ways similar to Greek food and is a very Mediterranean mix of meat; very often lamb, fish and salads, all usually freshly cooked to order and reasonably priced.
A holiday in Istanbul is a delight to the senses. It will give you wonderful memories and is an experience, you will never forget. It will leave you wanting to return again and again.
About the Author:
Leslie
Travel can be expensive. Airline tickets, steep hotel rates, the hidden cost of meals and more. Will you ever have the money to pick up and leave for your dream destination?
Visit: http://www.Travel-Budget.info
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