Istanbul Sights

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Istanbul is the most popular destination in Turkey. It is the place to go if you enjoy a good helping of history and beautifully constructed buildings dating back to hundreds of years ago. However, if you find looking at old buildings as interesting as watching paint dry, you might want to explore some other regions of the country.

Perhaps the most distinguishable attraction in Istanbul is the soaring dome of Hagia Sophia - not only for its colossal size and remarkable design - but also for its significant part in Turkey’s history.

It was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th Century and served as such for almost a millennium. However, it was converted into a mosque in the 15th century when the city was conquered by Mehmet II. It was declared as a museum only in 1934. It certainly looks impressive from the outside but an exploration of its lavish interiors will make for an unforgettable jaw-dropping moment of your life.

Another extraordinary structure in Istanbul is the Ahmet Camii or the Blue Mosque known for its splendid tiers of domes and six minarets. It was built in the early 1600s to match (or surpass) the Hagia Sophia. The interior is beautifully decked out with floral patterns on blue and white tiles. It also features towering columns, high ceilings and stunning stained glass windows (260 of them) that will leave any visitor awestruck and enthralled especially with the accompaniment of prayerful chanting of the hundreds of worshippers that visit the site.

An exploration of the Topkapi Palace Museum should be high on any visitor's list. Built originally as a Sultan’s Palace, it truly exemplifies the lavish luxury enjoyed by Sultans. The palace composed of numerous buildings and several courtyards lie sprawling across one of the hills of Istanbul and provide an overlooking panorama of the surrounding areas. You can really feel the extravagant opulence of the apartments and bedchambers of the Harem where the Sultan’s wives and concubines were housed.

Check out the Dolmache Palace and its countless crystal chandeliers for a more lavish display of Harem lifestyle. The most flamboyant of all is the one hanging from the grand hall that weighs in at an astounding 4 tons!

For a sweeping view of the old town of Istanbul, climb up the Galata Tower and treat yourself to a 360 degree viewpoint. While there, indulge in the mouthwatering cuisines of its restaurant and thereafter head to Galata’s night club for exciting belly dancing that seems to go all night long.

Of course, not to be missed is the sprawling Kapali Carsi or the Covered Bazaar and its more than 4,000 shops and stalls. There is plenty to see and do in the area - you can shop and bargain to your heart’s content or just observe plenty of haggling that goes on over each transacation.

Kapali Carsi also houses plenty of restaurants and tea houses where you can relax and sample exotic Turkish cuisine. If you feel like taking a dip, try out one of the several hamman or Turkish bath in the area.

Be forewarned though, some of these hamman do not allow clothes in the public bathing area and the sights may not always be pleasant!

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