Turkey has so much to offer for its visitors, that our trip of a mere 9 days and a very partial itinerary allowed us to see only a tiny part of it. This page summarizes some of the notions we have got from this trip, I hope they complement in some way the information from other sources.
The political centre of the Ottoman Empire after its settlement in the city. Strangely enough, or perhaps not so much, there is a 2 MTL (1 MTL= 2.23 US Dollar by Summer 1999) ticket to enter the main courtyard and an additional 2 MTL ticket that opens the way to the actual visit: under the catchy name of visit to the "Harem", this second part includes a guided tour to the Palace private rooms, an intricate path through corridors and chambers exceptionally rich in decoration, with tiles from Iznik, marbles, furniture, etc.; it also gives access to the magnificent Treasury and to the Pavillion of the Holy Mantle containing relics of the Prophet Muhammed, both of immeasurable interest.
The ancient Bizantine Basilica of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia), converted into a mosque from the 15th to the 20th century, has kept its monumental architecture superbly preserved. Its amazing conception from the time of Bizantine Emperor Justinian (6th century) remained as a historical challenge that motivated the construction of other grandiose masterpieces, such as the neighbouring Süleymaniye Mosque and, no doubt, the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican.
The largest and the most beautiful of all Ottoman mosques, and the best-known masterpiece of Süleymaniye's most
famous architect, Sinan.
The Süleymaniye Mosque |
The Ayasofya Museum |
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Standing in front of the Ayasofya Museum, famous for its Iznik tiles giving a blue colour to the interior.
A covered market near Eminönü that sells all kinds of natural products in all natural colours. Buying one of the varied essences that come in small flasks should be very rewarding as a gift or for own use. Two that I like are the jasmine and the cabotine essences.
Beats any other I have seen, both for the sheer beauty and for the atmosphere... one can lose the sense of time there.
As described in the transportation page.
A comparatively small temple that was built for the daughter of Sultan Süleymanyie. A very original building, with its walls covered with coloured glass, another work by Sinan.
Consists of the ancient Monastery of Chora, notorious for the well-preserved 14th century mosaics that demonstrate the refinement this art had attained in the last breath of the Bizantine Empire.
Like the Egyptian Bazaar, stands out as an unusually sophisticated bazaar, totally unlike the regular street markets one sees in any city. I suppose one can find anything in arts and crafts, as well as in fur clothing, etc., in the huge and beautiful riddle of the Covered Bazaar corridors . Even if one does not buy anything, it should be an unforgettable visit for anyone. If one goes there to spend money, it should be an excellent affair.
Within a relatively small area, practically any kind of touristic atractions are there and to a very good level. Brochures highlight scenic trips, wildlife, mountaineering, sandy beaches (and, as I could see from quite close, clean sea water of a miraculous emerald colour), historical cities such as Lefkos;a and Girne, yachting and water sports, food and wine...
A very beautiful bay that offers, from the castle, a privileged view of the coastline extending eastwards. It is a well-developed resort for water sports, namely diving.
Simply rent a car or a motorcycle, choose a map that indicates the most beautiful paths (for example the tourist map at tourist information offices), and most probably it will be unforgettably beautiful.
Clearly the business doorway to the West, a lively yet relaxed city with a wealth of pleasures to be discovered. It is linked by the sea to Italy, through Turkish Maritime Lines, has a major airport, and an international fair with permanent trade pavillions, most of them from Asiatic countries.
The wonderful arrival in Istanbul
that we experienced might also be possible with the shorter trips linking to/from Karabiga or Bandirma and Çanakkale.
Also, it is the general opinion that the ferry connecting Istanbul to Sinop and to Rize, along the North coast by the Black Sea,
makes a very beautiful trip as well.
Witnessing the shift form traditional Topkapý Palace to Western-looking Romantic style palaces, but still retaining the privilege to include precious materials from Asia, such as Persian carpets.
