The aroma of antiquity and freshness of modernity perfectly merge across the largest city of Turkey, Istanbul. The whopping metropolis straddles East and West, by virtue of the nonpareil geographical aspect. Nevertheless, the versatility of the city increases its warmth for travelers around the globe. The blue water bays, green edges, holy mosques, ancient relics, cathedrals and deep-rooted bazaars welcome you to revel the beauty of Istanbul.
The city although coveted by many empires, retains its glorious place as the heart of the country. Therefore, sightseeing here will impress even the weariest visitor.
They say, “It is good to be lost in the right direction”. Similarly, before the travelers adrift in the hub of Turkish splendor, the following tourist attractions can sum up your tour to experience the cream of Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace:
Topkapi palace is one of the largest palaces in the world and it is over two-and-a-half millennia old. It is a requisite for all the travelers to have a day off for the palace as its incredible location makes it worthwhile for those who wish to see heart-catching sights.
The scenery of the royal house is a treat itself, as it is situated on a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Topkapi Palace is surrounded by five kilometers of stonewall with 27 towers.
The palace not just outshines in its looks but surely on what’s stockpiled inside. The Royal fort houses an ancient library, halls, holy relics, artwork, weapons, kitchen, harems and an unmatchable essence of Turkish Realm.
The palace was used as a royal house by the Ottoman Empire for more than 400 years but in 1924 it was altered into a museum. The huge building actually has three museums united into one, that is, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, World Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. With these records, it triumphs to combine 1 million unique items of the world such as the artifacts, the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, classical statuary, treasures from Topkapi collection and a sprawling exhibit documenting İstanbul’s history.
So, don’t miss to peek at these chronicles of ancient times.
Aya Sofya:
It is hard to believe that a dwelling after going through excessive cluttering, still stands as a magnificent melting pot of cultures. Aya Sofya is a church-turned-mosque-turned museum which is known worldwide as a masterpiece. It has served to be a holy place for devotees of different religions. Initially, in 537 it was built to act as a Greek Basilica. After six decades, it was turned into a Roman catholic church and in 1453 with the rising Muslim population in Turkey; it was transformed into a mosque.
With the spirit of these different faiths and crux of various treasures, the building was turned into a museum in 1935.
The lower stories of the building are usually kept empty but the upper galleries offer a lovely showcase of edifying mosaic pieces. One can loiter around to see the tombs of several early Ottoman sultans and their slaughtered sons. Every year, the city’s finest carpets are also put on display here that present a combination of art and hard work.
Grand Bazaar:
Can shopping be exciting? Of course, while travelling around Istanbul you can’t miss to reach the ‘Grand Bazaar’ that will define shopping for you. Dear shopaholic, the market has a series of almost 5000 different shops making it one of the largest indoor marketplaces in the world.
The daily traffic of the bazaar reaches around a quarter million people. There isn’t a specific feature of items that the market deals in; rather it has a variety of entries such as jewelry, carpets, spices, antiques and hand-painted ceramics. The old and colossus fair also stocks two mosques, four fountains and two hammams.
Nevertheless, the particular attraction for travelers is the range of souvenirs available in this bazaar. It bids fine old coins, jewelry with precious gems, inlaid weapons and antique furniture.
So, what are you going to choose?
Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern:
Among the few eminent attractions of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is a constant lead of the list. If you go back to your homeland without grasping the marvel beauty of this mosque, you’re definitely at a loss.
The mosque is right next to Basilica Cistern, which is also a popular tourist sight. So, a day trip to visit both of these would be a sensible move.
The Blue Mosque has six minarets with an interior of utterly creative blue Iznik tiles. The architecture of the mosque is an exemplary classic of the Ottoman Empire that casts a cascading effect on every eye.
After entrapping the beauty of blue mosque, head towards the Basilica Cistern, a few steps away from it.
Although a cistern is a mere underground water storing system, but it is divine how beautifully this one is constructed. Back in the Byzantine Empire, in the 6th century, it was built for the ruling palace. Later, it continued to serve the forthcoming Empires.
With almost 336 grand columns in the cistern, it aids the flow of water beneath the walking bridges with little golden light in the room; the scene looks quiet picturesque. Don’t miss the upside-down head of Medusa that forms the bottom of one of the columns.
The water reservoir has a capacity to store 2.8 million cubic feet of water but it is one of the most unexpected and gorgeous romantic sights of Istanbul. The place is a scaffold of water, music and dim lights that was once filmed in James Bond movie. Imagine!
A single visit may leave you raving about the brainpower of the Romans to make such unique yet attractive technological efforts that seem wonderful even in the modern day.
The Prince’s Islands (Adalar):
After getting exhausted in the hustle of Istanbul, one can find a peaceful way out to the Prince’s Islands. A day trip is enough to get the soothing feel from these landmasses. Although 20-kilometers away from Istanbul city, the distance seems nothing while basking in the blue water on a ferry ride.
The Prince’s Islands are a series of nine small islands in the ‘Sea of Marmara’. Back in the Byzantine era, these islands were a place of exile and no one from the natives ever favored to visit them. Nonetheless, today the beautiful islands call for both tourists and locals to get rid of their anxiety by having a relief trip here. However, only four of the nine islands are open to the public.
Far off from the city mayhem, the place is even more calm and silent as there are no motor vehicles allowed in the area. The beauty of pine forests and Victorian cottages are the exclusives of the zone, whereas the local delicatessens, shopping and beaches must be clenched along.
Mehak Afzal, currently studying Journalism, is an avid observer of art and culture. She loves to travel and works as a content writer for Kluchit.
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