Istanbul is truly unique in every way. In addition to being located on two continents at the same time (most in Europe, less in Asia), its geographical location is of strategic importance. From the south, Istanbul is washed by the Sea of Marmara, through which the routes from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean lead.
The local climate also has its own characteristics. It is subtropical, but since the city is located on the border of the corresponding weather zone, the heavenly office often “sends” cold winds here from the north. This is the reason that hot weather - from 35 degrees and above - is extremely rare in the metropolis. However, summers are quite hot, with average temperatures varying between 19-28°C above zero.
During the summer months, Istanbul experiences periods of high humidity. In general, precipitation (mostly rain) occurs on 123 days a year. For 12 months, approximately 850-900 mm of precipitation falls. The city receives more than 2 thousand hours of sunshine per year, which is a very good indicator. As for winter, it is also characterized by humidity. There is no severe cold, but snow falls. The average temperature is from +3°C to +9°C. In spring and autumn, the weather is also quite comfortable, although it is prone to sudden temperature changes.
Story
659 BC is considered the official founding date of Istanbul. Its first inhabitants were ethnic Greeks. Actually, the city of Byzantium, named after the mythological hero of Ancient Hellas, arose in 667 BC. e. Later, the Romans settled here, completely subjugating it to their power.
The turning point in the history of Istanbul was the year 324. The ambitious Roman emperor Constantine came up with the idea to found a large city at the crossroads of two parts of the world and give it the name New Rome. Ambitious plans were destined to come true, and a few years later the majestic Constantinople (the first name did not take root, and the city received the name of the ruler himself) was proclaimed the capital of the Roman Empire. By the way, in the Russian chronicles it was called Tsargrad.
What was Istanbul then, one and a half thousand years ago? Just to say that it is beautiful is to say nothing. Behind the massive walls that encircled the city, wealth, luxury and splendor settled. Intensive construction was going on in the new capital, grandiose religious buildings were built one after another. Magnificent works of art were brought into the city from all over the empire to decorate it. The "city of Constantine" even had its own hippodrome, not to mention the Roman forum (meeting place) and baths.
379-395 was the reign of Theodosius, who was destined to become the last emperor in the history of the mighty Roman Empire. Before his death, he divided the huge state into two parts, punishing his sons Arcadius and Honorius to rule them. At the same time, the role of Constantinople did not diminish in any way, it became the capital of Byzantium and at the same time the main center of Eastern Rite Christianity (Orthodoxy).
Under Emperor Justinian I, who ruled from 527-565, the state reached its peak. The face of the empire was still its capital, for the arrangement of which no expense was spared. Luxurious palaces and temples were built. At the same time, the magnificent Hagia Sophia was erected - one of the main attractions of modern Istanbul.
Life is so arranged that the white stripe is often replaced by black. She did not bypass the Byzantine capital. In 1204, the crusaders coveted her riches, literally plundered Constantinople and took out a lot of treasures. They established their power here and founded a new state - the Latin Empire. True, it did not last long, until 1261, until Emperor Michael VIII expelled the conquerors.
Michael VIII was a representative of the Palaiologos dynasty, who restored the former Byzantine Empire. She ruled for two centuries and is the longest in the history of the state. In 1453, when the Turks conquered Constantinople, the decline and final collapse of Byzantium occurred. So the majestic city from the capital of one empire turned into the center of another - the Ottoman one. Sultan Mehmed II personally paid special attention to its revival. Buildings and structures erected in former times have undergone a radical reorganization. For example, temples were turned into mosques. At the same time, the Topkapi Palace, one of the most famous in Istanbul, was erected.
The 16th century was marked by the flourishing of the Ottoman Empire and, accordingly, its capital. Especially noteworthy is the period from 1520 to 1566, when Suleiman the Magnificent was the ruler. Researchers of the past are unanimous in their opinion that this period became a real “golden age” in the entire history of Constantinople. The most famous mosque - Suleymaniye - was rebuilt just at that time. It has become a symbol of the city, its hallmark for many centuries to come. To understand what place this temple occupied and occupies in the hearts of the Turks, it is enough to recall the significance of the Hagia Sophia for the Byzantines.
After Suleiman died, the sun of well-being over his state began to shine not so brightly. However, Sultan Ahmed I was able to raise funds for the construction of the famous Blue Mosque, which was built in 1609-1616. After the signing of the Karlowitz Treaty in 1699, the Ottoman Empire lost a significant part of its European possessions, and the country began to decline. The government set out to breathe new life into its financial system, which became especially relevant after the wars with Russia, Persia, the Republic of Venice and Austria. The acquisition of state lands by wealthy tribal clans was encouraged. The most delicious were the plots along the Bosphorus, on which the new owners began to build luxurious palaces.
The first half of the 18th century turned out to be ambiguous for Constantinople. On the one hand, the city began to revive, on the other hand, the war with Russia began, which affected its development. Positive changes in the appearance of the capital took place in the 19th century. In 1845, the Galata Bridge was put into operation. After another 5 years, the first steamships were launched onto the waters of the Bosphorus. Intracity transport also developed: in 1871 trams appeared, in 1875 the so-called mini-metro, known as "Tunel", was put into operation. The year 1889 was also significant: the first train went to Paris (“Orient Express”).
In 1919, British, French and Greek troops occupied Constantinople. Foreign invaders were actively resisted by the Turkish national liberation movement. In 1923, this struggle was crowned with victory and a secular republic was formed, headed by the former army officer Mustafa Kemal, who took the title of Atatürk ("Father of the Nation"). The capital of the new state was moved to Ankara.
On March 28, 1930, the authorities renamed Constantinople to Istanbul, and this is the spelling of the new name adopted in Russian. At the household level in Turkey itself, the toponym "Istanbul" (Istanbul) is often used. In neighboring Greece, the former name of the city, Constantinople, continues to be officially used in our time.
Istanbul in the 21st century plays one of the leading roles in the political life of the country. One of the proofs of this can be considered an attempted coup in July 2016, when the military opposed the regime of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but unsuccessfully. Dramatic events during the putsch, including clashes between the opponents of the head of state and his supporters, took place not only in Ankara, but also in Istanbul.
Sights of Istanbul
The undoubted decoration of Istanbul is, of course, mosques, the splendor of which can conquer everyone. The most beautiful religious building is, of course, the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by the architect Sinan in 1550-1557. It can accommodate about 5 thousand believers. The complex of buildings of the mosque also includes a madrasah where devout Muslims study their religion, libraries, observatories, Turkish hammam baths, and, of course, four high minarets.
On the main square of Sultanahmet there is another world-famous religious building - the Blue Mosque, which differs from the others by the presence of not four, as is customary, but six minarets. This is one of the symbols of Istanbul, captivating with its grandeur, grace and interior decoration. It is decorated with exclusive ceramic tiles painted with blue and white paints. One of the walls is decorated with 260 stained-glass windows made by Venetian masters: believers turn to it during prayer. The floor in the mosque is covered with expensive unique handmade carpets.
Istanbul Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet MosqueHagia Sophia, or Hagia Sophia, is located just opposite the Blue Mosque. To come to Istanbul and not see it with your own eyes, the main religious symbol of Byzantine Constantinople? It's just impossible! A large army of tourists flock to admire the magnificent temple, which was originally Orthodox. Six centuries ago it was turned into a mosque. Today, Hagia Sophia is one of the most luxurious museums in the world, which can be put on a par with St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
The main palace of the Ottoman Empire until the middle of the 19th century was the Topkapi Palace. It stands on the shores of Cape Seral, on the eastern side of Old Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The huge Topkapi palace complex covers an area of 70 hectares, once up to 40,000 people lived here. In 1462, Mehmet II began the construction of the palace, the rulers of the Ottoman Empire lived and ruled here for almost 400 years. It is in it that the actions of the popular television series "The Magnificent Age" take place, where Sultan Suleiman lives with his harem. Today, the Topkapi Palace is an excellent museum, in the halls of which are picturesquely placed what was the wealth and splendor of the Ottoman Empire. No palace in the world can boast such a fabulous location - on the cape, which is called Palace, wedged between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, on one of the seven hills of Istanbul.
The official residence of the Turkish sultans since 1853 was the Dolmabahce Palace - luxurious, pompous, built to compete with the abode of European monarchs. The construction was initiated by Sultan Abdulmecid, and his idea was fully successful: the new baroque palace gave the banks of the Bosphorus a special charm, which every visitor can be sure of. It is also known for the fact that the first President of Turkey, Mustafa Ataturk, died here in 1938. Its area is 4.5 hectares, the palace has 285 rooms. Currently, Dolmabahce is used as the Istanbul residence of the prime minister of the republic.
On the Asian side of the Bosphorus there is another famous palace - Beylerbey. It was built in the 60s of the XIX century as the summer residence of the Ottoman rulers. The order for the construction, which lasted four years, was given by Sultan Abdul-Aziz, who, ironically, spent the last four years of his life here since his removal in 1912. The palace has several halls, the most famous is the entrance, inside which there are pools and even a fountain. Magnificent lamps are striking in the interior, most of the plafonds of which were painted by our compatriot Aivazovsky.
Once in the European part of Istanbul, very lively and noisy, be sure to visit the Rumelihisar fortress, which was built in 1452 at the behest of Sultan Mehmed Fatih on the picturesque shore of the strait. This place in the city is very calm and peaceful, and the fortress itself has the status of a museum. Its architectural ensemble is based on three main towers: Saruja Pasha, Khalil Pasha and Zaganos Pasha. Those who climb up will enjoy an impressive panorama of the Bosphorus and the Asian part of Istanbul.
Haydarpasa Station is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in the city. This monumental structure was built by the Anatolian Railways company in 1906-1909. The station was conceived as a western terminal for lines from Hijaz and Baghdad. The building is made in the neoclassical style, Helmut Kohn and Otto Ritter, architects from Germany, worked on it. Haydarpasa Station was used for its intended purpose until 2012.
All sights of Istanbul
Museums in Istanbul
The symbol of Turkey and the hallmark of the country are dervishes - Muslim monks leading an ascetic lifestyle. But they became famous not only for their abstinence, but also for their traditional dance, performed in long snow-white robes. You can see this hypnotic choreographic action with your own eyes in the Istanbul Museum of Whirling Dervishes, the building of which is surrounded by a luxurious flowering garden. The museum has a hall, which occupies the entire basement floor, which is designed for dancing.
Keeping in mind that the Ottoman Empire was a powerful state, you can visit the exposition of the Military Museum in the Harbiye district, which is north of Taksim Square, famous for its political actions. Previously, the Military Academy was based in this ancient building. The museum has as many as 22 exhibition halls, which contain about 10 thousand exhibits. Of particular interest is the collection of firearms covering the period of the 16th-20th centuries. A separate hall of the museum is dedicated to the founder of the modern Turkish state, Ataturk.
It will be interesting to visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, which is located on the lively Sultanahmet Square. The building, this is the ancient palace of Ibrahim Pasha, immediately attracts attention: it is made of dark brick and somewhat resembles a small fortress. Within its walls, priceless works of not only Turkish, but also other world civilizations united by the Islamic religion are stored. Of particular interest to visitors are genuine exhibits, which can be used to judge how representatives of high society lived during the heyday of the Ottoman Porte.
On the main square of Istanbul, there is also a wonderful Mosaic Museum, which was based on a unique archaeological find, namely, magnificent mosaics that adorned the palace of the Byzantine emperors, and a portico in the covered gallery. They were discovered together with the peristyle of the residence of the rulers of the Byzantine Empire and well-preserved fragments of Corinthian columns. The total area of the “mosaic finds” is impressive, it is 2 thousand square meters. m. Today it is known that the exhibits of this museum are much older than the collections exhibited in the Hagia Sophia and the Church of Chora.
Entertainment and recreation
There is no way to get bored in Istanbul, since, without exaggeration, it is able to give a festive atmosphere and offer a huge amount of entertainment for every taste. First of all, fans of night events will like it here, because Istanbul is active 24 hours a day. The choice of a variety of nightlife in the city is incredibly large: Turkish bars, nightclubs, dance floors and beach discos. In many establishments, you can listen not only to modern music, but also to Turkish folk music, as well as admire belly dancing and theatrical performances. In addition, Istanbul can rightfully be called the “city of festivals”, where large-scale events take place every year. Of these, the most famous are the International Jazz Festival, Istanbul Film Festival, International Istanbul Music Festival and International Istanbul Tulip Festival.
We advise family vacationers to visit the Istanbul Zoo with a variety of animals, birds and a small Japanese garden. Also of interest are the unique miniature park "Miniaturk", the Tatilya amusement park and the most beautiful city parks.
Also among tourists, Turkish baths-hammams are incredibly popular, where you can join the locals and feel like a real Istanbulite. Another interesting entertainment can be a ferry excursion to the Princes' Islands, which are the most popular holiday destination. In addition, in Istanbul you can relax, sunbathe and swim on one of the many city beaches on the Bosphorus coast.
Shopping in Istanbul
Istanbul is not only an eventful history and priceless cultural heritage, but also bazaars, markets and shopping centers. In this regard, the city on the Bosphorus resembles a real oriental fairy tale that has become a reality.
Numerous tourists never pass by the magnificent Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. Just imagine: it combines 61 shopping streets, in which about 4,500 shops, more than a dozen warehouses and over 2,100 ateliers are concentrated. Not to mention the fact that under its roof there are 12 mosques, 18 fountains, several cafes, exchange offices, a school and even a bathhouse. The Turks call the main Istanbul bazaar, which is visited daily by more than 500 thousand visitors, "Kapali Charshi". Someone wittily remarked that his visit, which begins as a feast for the eyes, ends ... in mourning for the wallet. The range of goods is so wide that the eyes really run up and it is simply impossible to resist shopping.
Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
The second largest popular market in Istanbul is Misir Carsisi, or Spice Market. It is also called the Egyptian Bazaar. It is located in the historical center of the city, namely in the Eminonu quarter, at the very entrance to the Golden Horn Bay. The market sheltered 80 shops under its roof. Experienced gourmets already know that the local assortment is not only wide, but also exclusive: you will certainly find something that is not available in other outlets. The choice of buyers, in addition to spices, cosmetics and perfumes, herbs and medicines, dried fruits and even groceries.
And now welcome to the Akmerkez shopping complex, opened in 1993 and especially popular with tourists. After staying here, your wallet will also be pretty thin. But how to deny yourself the purchase of great clothes, branded shoes, accessories and high-quality household appliances? In addition to shops and boutiques, Akmerkez unites several offices and bank branches, entertainment centers and beauty salons, cozy cafes and restaurants. It is very convenient to move around the shopping complex, because it has 43 elevators, two of which are panoramic.
You should definitely visit the Kanyon shopping complex, notable for the fact that the Times magazine included it in the top five of the most important attractions in Istanbul. It resembles a city within a city. It has its own "squares", "streets" and "houses", which means shops. Connoisseurs of such brands as Douglas, Fresh Line Homemade Cosmetic, Wagamama, Bally will especially like here. The "golden youth" gathers in the bars, cafes and restaurants of the Canyon in the evenings. Cinema lovers are also not overlooked, at their service is the Mars Sinema cinema with nine spacious halls.
One of the most modern shopping centers of the former Constantinople is MetroCity (“MetroCity”), located in the Levent business district. The four-story building is equipped with 5 conventional and 3 panoramic elevators. In the shops of the shopping complex you can find goods of both local brands and European manufacturers. The total area of retail outlets, which include expensive boutiques, is about 60 thousand square meters. m. Metro City has its own bars, cafes and several restaurants, not to mention pizzerias and eateries. On the ground floor there is a playground for children, next to which there is a large aquarium in which lives ... who do you think? Real shark!
Kitchen
Istanbul has an incredibly large number of gastronomic establishments offering all kinds of cuisines from the world. First of all, you should pay attention to Turkish cuisine, which is considered one of the most refined and rich in the world. As appetizers (“meze”), preference is given to olives, various salads with olive oil, stuffed tomatoes, rice in grape leaves and much more. The first course is traditionally served with chorba vegetable soup and jadzhik soup made from fresh cucumbers and yogurt. And as the main menu there are dishes of seafood, meat and vegetables.
The most famous Turkish dish is "kebab" - finely chopped meat on skewers. It is also worth trying “kofte” (meat balls with spices and onions), manti and pilaf made from rice or coarsely ground wheat. No less popular are various seafood: squid, sea bass, shrimp, swordfish, lobsters, etc. Of the vegetable dishes in Istanbul, they offer stewed (“guvech”) and stuffed (“dolma”) vegetables, as well as beans and beans.
Beer Ephesus
Public transport
Buses, trams and taxis run around Istanbul. The metro, funiculars and ferries operate. Every day, according to statistics, over 5 million passengers use public transport here.
Buses are usually overcrowded, most lack air conditioning, so tourists, especially business people, are not very fond of this mode of transport. In addition, it is not very convenient to travel around the city on it, since buses often get stuck in traffic jams, and all because of the lack of dedicated lanes (which, by the way, cannot be said about trams).
A few tips for those who want to use taxi services in Istanbul. Give preference to bright yellow cars with "taksi" inscriptions on the roofs. They are considered official and are equipped with digital counters. The driver must turn on the meter in front of you. If on the way you see that it does not work, you have every right to demand a stop and immediately get out.
A trip on the ferry, which has become the "transport symbol" of Istanbul, significantly saves time. Usually it is used if you need to get from the European part of the city to the Asian one, and vice versa. Ferries depart every half an hour and are valid for regular public transport tickets. Ferries also run to other cities in the country, for example, to Mudanya and Yalova.
Safety
Surprisingly, among the world's megacities, the crime rate in Istanbul is one of the lowest. Such a favorable situation has developed here thanks to the effective measures of law enforcement structures and the activities of the international MOBESE project. To date, most of the streets of Istanbul are equipped with surveillance cameras, and the local police are mobile and well equipped. However, despite this, reasonable security measures should not be neglected. This applies primarily to crowded places (bazaars, transport, etc.). It is also not recommended to take walks at night, especially in the areas of Zeytinburnu, Kumburgaz and Fatih.
Hotels and accommodation
There are a lot of hotels in Istanbul, they are available not only in tourist and business areas, but also in residential areas, lost among ordinary buildings. In addition to the word "hotel", stars proudly flaunt on their signs. Tourists are sometimes deceived, believing that they testify to a high level of service. But it is not always the case. Celebrities often speak of the owner's vanity rather than the level of service they receive.
The location of the hotel does not particularly affect its pricing policy. A luxury hotel can be found in the outskirts of the residential area, and a budget one can be found in the vicinity of the most popular tourist places. Housing in Istanbul is chosen, focusing primarily on the price, and not the area.
If you came to Istanbul for sightseeing, it is better not to settle on the Asian coast of the Golden Horn. This way you save both money and time. Otherwise, you will start your day with a ferry ride to the European part of the city. Further, when choosing between the northern (Beyoglu) and southern (Sultanahmet) shores of the Golden Horn, think again about the purpose of the trip: if you want to inspect architectural monuments and walk around the bazaar, then choose the south, and if you explore the shops of Chukurjuma and taste rakia in the evenings, prefer north.
Four Seasons, one of the most famous in the city, completely occupies the premises ... of the former prison.
Among other first-class hotels in Istanbul, Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel, located in the city center in the Sultanahmet district, stands out as the best in Turkey in 2015. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Swissotel The Bosphorus is a luxury hotel surrounded by large gardens and stunning views of the Bosphorus.
In Istanbul, it is worth bearing in mind that the declared value of hotel apartments is not always final. If a potential guest starts bargaining, then the owner of the hotel at some point will not resist and will noticeably bring down the price. True, it is not customary to bargain in all hotels - for example, in extra-class hotels this is considered inappropriate.
How to get there
Flights from the Russian Federation to Istanbul are carried out daily - both direct and connecting. The main air harbor is Ataturk International Airport. It is located in the European part of the city, 24 km from its historical center. The airport has two terminals, international flights are served only by one of them, marked with the letter "A".
Direct flights Moscow-Istanbul depart from the capital's airports Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo and Domodedovo. Passengers spend an average of 3 hours and 10 minutes in the air. Flights between the two cities are operated by such airlines as Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.
In addition, Turkish Airlines provides air communication with Istanbul from a number of other Russian cities - St. Petersburg, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Sochi. Connecting flights are carried out by the same Aeroflot, as well as by Ural Airlines, Belavia, Air Moldova, Air Serbia and other carriers.
Istanbul is a unique city located in two parts of the world: Europe and Asia. It was here that the intertwining of culture and religion took place, the clash of political and trade interests of different peoples and civilizations, which directly influenced the population and society of modern Turkey.
Although both sides - European and Asian - belong to the same city, each has its own differences and characteristics, it is impossible to confuse them. This is connected with the history of the country and Istanbul in particular.
The European part of Istanbul includes 25 districts, and their total number is 39. The remaining 14 districts are located in the Asian, or as it is also called, Anatolian, part of Istanbul. Accordingly, 2/3 of the city's population lives on the European side, and 1/3 on the Asian side.
Most tourists visit only the European side, because. it is here that the most famous and popular historical sights are located. The Anatolian side is distinguished by the presence of an "Asian" color, it is not as "cramped" as the European one.
However, there are many interesting places and historical sights on the Asian side, so do not limit your trip to Istanbul to visiting only one part of it.
Popular tourist areas in Istanbul
1. Bayrampasha
Bayrampasa
Geographically, the Bayrampasa district is located in the very "heart" of the European part of the Turkish metropolis. This is one of the most densely populated areas of the city. At the moment, the population is about 273 thousand people.
The local attraction is well known to both residents of Istanbul and tourists: the giant shopping complex Forum Istanbul, which is actively visited by thousands of Turkish residents and foreigners daily. On the territory of this shopping and entertainment complex there is a huge aquarium Turkuazoo (İstanbul Sea Life Akvaryum). Therefore, the area will be interesting from the point of view of visiting the aquarium, and for those who love shopping centers.
2. Bakirkoy (BakIrkoy)
Bakirkoy
Magnificent in beauty, clean and bright Istanbul area. It is located on the sea coast. Nearby is an air transport hub - Ataturk Airport.
There are cafes, restaurants and a shopping center (Gallery) near the yacht marina in Bakirkoy. Here you can find cafes for every taste and take a walk along the promenade.
The territory of Bakirkoy is a permanent place of residence for 220,000 people.
3.Beyoglu
Since Beykoz opens an outlet to the Black Sea, there was a stubborn struggle for this area. It was passed from one ruler to another, but in the 15th century the Ottomans annexed it to their Empire. The area is cozy and beautiful. Tourists are attracted here by local attractions: ancient fortress walls and tombs, as well as the Polish village of Polonezköy. The last census showed that more than 240,000 people live in the territory of Beykoz.
3.Kadıköy
This extremely well-known and well-developed area occupies part of the Asian zone of Istanbul. The oldest region of the eastern coast of the Bosporus. If tourists want to go shopping and have fun from the heart, they will certainly go to Kadikoy.
The most popular destinations are the area near the Kadikoy pier, Bagdat Street and the Moda Quarter. In these areas of the district you can find a great variety of entertainment centers, boutiques, bars and restaurants. - a permanent base for the most popular Turkish football club Fenerbahce. For this team, the authorities even built a personal stadium, Sukru Saracoglu.
The area is famous for its old Haydarpasa Station, built over a century ago, in 1906. Not far from this local attraction is a large cargo port.
Kadikoy is a magnet for opera lovers. Every day, many tourists visit the local opera house Sureyya Opera House.
4. Kartal (Kartal)
Over 420,000 people live in this area of the city. The area is not popular with travelers visiting Istanbul.
5.Maltepe
Densely populated Asian district of Istanbul. It is located on the opposite side of the Princes' Islands. The population is about 430 thousand.
Until the early 70s of the 20th century, the area did not develop. Then a bridge was built across the Bosphorus, and the active development of the territories of Maltepe began.
Previously, it was a sleeping area in which the suburban real estate of Istanbul residents was located. The landscaped area suffered heavy losses during the 1999 earthquake.
6. Pendik (Pendik)
Historically, this area was part of another Istanbul district, Uskudar.
In the late 80s of the 19th century, Pendik became an independent object, and this is not surprising.
Its area is very extensive, and over 600,000 local people live on this territory. The cities close to the area are Yalova and Gebze. Here you can walk along the promenade and enjoy the picturesque landscape.
7.Sancaktepe
The quiet Asian district of Istanbul is located far from the central part of the city, therefore it is not very popular with travelers. The number of local residents is 230,000 people.
8. Sultanbeyli
This Istanbul area is characterized as a sleeping area. About 300,000 people live here permanently, most of them are ordinary workers. Tourists are a rarity here.
9. Tuzla
This area is the extreme eastern point of the city. In fact, it's a suburb. Geographically, Tuzla is located immediately behind the Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The population is 200 thousand people. The tourism industry is not developed.
10. Dying ( Umraniye)
This area is the "neighbor" of Uskudar. Citizens have long chosen it as a convenient place for recreation and picnics.
Of the attractions, two main ones can be distinguished: the Umranye Merkez Camii mosque and the Chamlydzha hill.
The latter is especially notable for the fact that, having climbed to its top, you can admire the beauties of Istanbul, which can be seen from here in full view.
11. Uskudar ( Usküdar)
This area is very popular with tourists. Uskudar borders on the Bosphorus, and is connected to the European zone of Istanbul through a large bridge.
For travelers, historical and architectural monuments are of great interest, including the Mihrimah and Valide mosques, the Maiden Tower and many others.
Tourists also visit the ancient local cemetery of Karkaahmet with interest. Uskudar is a treasure trove of more than 200 mosques. The area is densely populated with 550,000 inhabitants.
12. Shile ( Şile)
An extremely vast area of Istanbul, located in its Asian part. Šile is located at a considerable distance from the city center. This distance is 70 km.
Shile is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The largest lighthouse in the Turkish state and the Weeping Rocks can be attractive for tourists.
In Šile, tourists can stay at a hotel of their choice (there are both large and small hotels), in the evening you can walk along the small streets and admire the beautiful view.
13.Chekmekoy ( Çekmekoy)
The usual Istanbul district, absolutely not distinguished. Located in the Asian zone of Istanbul. About 150 thousand people live here. Travelers in the area are a rarity.
Total 62 photos
Now the Sultanahmet district is the undisputed landmark of Istanbul. However, in Byzantine Constantinople, as a territory, it was no less, but rather more remarkable and significant for history buffs. Sultanahmet is located in the historical center of the city. The large square of the center of Istanbul conditionally consists of two parts: the square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (in the title photo) and the Hippodrome Square (At Meydanı) itself, on which ancient columns and obelisks, installed back in the Byzantine period, have survived to this day and also the German Fountain, donated to the city and Sultan Abdul-Hamid II by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The square got its name from the mosque of Sultan Ahmet (Blue Mosque), located right there. Although Sultanahmet Square does not officially exist, everyone always knows what it is about.
Nowadays, the Hippodrome or Hippodrome Square is mainly called the second part of Sultanahmet Square. In general, by and large, Sultanahmet is part of the land of the cape between the Golden Horn Bay, the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara. We will learn about the most concentrated historical center of Istanbul in terms of sights and not only take a walk there, but also present for ourselves, as it were, a short guide to the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, which will be useful to anyone who will be there for the first time. I have already talked about some of these attractions, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, but soon I will talk about others for which the time will come to make active links in the list below. By the way, without this kind of table of contents, it would be difficult for me to concentrate and create for myself a target plan for future publications about the historical places and monuments of Istanbul. Well, now let's dive into this unforgettable historical context, this unique atmosphere of the ancient city - Constantinople, which appeals to us in everything that was born on the site of today's Turkish Istanbul. The call of Constantinople, Tsargrad will be the very stimulus that leads me and initiates the processing of all this immense material that I brought from here from my July trip of 2017.
So, attractions of the square (district) Sultanahmet:
12. Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I
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We will not look at the map, this can always be done by an inquisitive mind on its own. "Let's stretch our gaze" to the cape, where the first hill of the Second Rome was located. Before us is the Sultanahmet district. This is a view from the Galata Hill, or rather from its highest point - the Galata Tower.
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Here he is, Sultanahmet!
Or maybe - right there - Hagia Sophia!?!
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Embankment near the Gulhane Park on the arrow of the Golden Horn and the Bosporus...
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Topkapi Palace. We will soon see it all up close.
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Yes! Of course, Hagia Sophia!
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In front of us in the foreground (photo below) is the oldest shopping area of Eminemyu. Here we will take the city light rail and will be in the Sultanahmet area in a few minutes.
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We got off the tram and head towards Hippodrome Square. As they say, "a holiday is on the street" - the anniversary of the suppression of the rebellion of the military in Istanbul in July 2016. It is on this occasion that festive flags with the state flags of Turkey are hung everywhere. By the way, as a result, we traveled for two weekends free of charge on all types of public transport, including sea ferries to the Asian coast of Istanbul.
09.
During the Byzantine Empire, citizens gathered here to watch sports. There were also political meetings, which often ended in riots and fights.
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Equestrian competitions in ancient times were very popular, so every more or less large ancient city had a hippodrome. In ancient Byzantium, the hippodrome was built in 203. In 330, Emperor Constantine I officially declared Byzantium the capital of the Byzantine Empire, calling it New Rome, or Constantinople. Among other transformations, a large construction was launched to increase and decorate the hippodrome.
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Foundations of the Hippodrome
Spectator stands could accommodate up to 40 thousand spectators. Now it is difficult to imagine this amazing ancient spectacular complex on this place. Only the ruins of the foundations of this majestic structure remind of him...
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And this area is the Hippodrome. You can even imagine high spectator stands here)
13.
The undoubted attraction of Istanbul is Egyptian obelisk.
The Egyptian obelisk was erected by the emperor of the Roman Empire Theodosius the Great in 390 AD. By order of the emperor, the obelisk was delivered to Constantinople: first, they overturned it on an embankment and, dragging it to the banks of the Nile, loaded it onto a barge; then, floating to Alexandria, they were reloaded onto a special ship. In the process of transportation, the obelisk was damaged, or rather, it split. So only one of its upper parts was installed in the Hippodrome.
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The pedestal consists of two parts. The lower part is a two-tiered monolith. The lower tier is a straight parallelepiped with a square at the base. The upper one is a similar figure, but with a smaller square at the base and with cells carved at the corners for cubic "crabs" made of red granite. I recommend to make an inspection in the evening when the backlight makes these sculptures at the base of the obelisk mysterious and "talking".
16.
Behind the Egyptian oblisk is the so-called Serpent Column:
Immediately behind the Serpent Column is obelisk of Constantine
Church of the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus - Small Hagia Sophia
This amazing church is very close to Sultanahmet Square. You just need to go around Marmara University on the left and start descending towards the Sea of Marmara. At the same time, you can see the grandiose remains of the sfenda of the Hippodrome of Constantinople - the place of the spectator stands, once located in a semicircular amphitheater, repeating the southwestern turn of the racetrack of the hippodrome.
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus is one of the oldest surviving churches in Istanbul, which served as a prototype for the Hagia Sophia (hence the second name - "small Hagia Sophia"). The current temple was built in 527-529. near the house where Emperor Justinian spent his youth. "Small Sophia" was a single ensemble with the earlier church of Sts. Peter and Paul, the last evidence of the existence of which was destroyed by the Istanbul authorities in the 20th century. That the church of St. Sergius and Bacchus were especially loved by the imperial family, which is evidenced by the fact that the initials of Justinian and Theodora are applied to many capitals.
Mosaic Museum.
I didn't get to go there due to lack of time. It is located at the very "end of the Hippodrome" (when viewed from Hagia Sophia) from the Obelisk of Constantine - to the left.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha. He is also waiting for us to visit) The museum is located almost opposite the obelisk of Constantine, but already on the right side of Hippodrome Square.
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Fence blue mosque.
20.
Gate of the Blue Mosque
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We walk from the Egyptian obelisk towards Hagia Sophia.
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On the left (in the photo above) we have the Blue Mosque, it is not yet visible in the frame.
In order to build a mosque on the Hippodrome Square, buildings of both the Byzantine and early Ottoman periods were destroyed. Among them were BigcastleByzantine emperors, the remains of the spectator seats of the Hippodrome and many palace buildings that belonged to the highest nobility.
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Can you imagine the size of the Hippodrome!?! It remains only to slightly strain your imagination.
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On the opposite side of the Hippodrome square is the so-called.
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The fountain was donated to the Ottoman Empire by the German Empire in memory of Kaiser Wilhelm II's second visit to Istanbul in 1898. The fountain was designed by the architect Spitta, and the construction was supervised by the architect Shoel. The fountain was designed in Germany, then transported in parts to Istanbul and assembled in its present location. Initially, it was planned to open the fountain on September 1, 1900, on the day of the 25th anniversary of the accession of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II, but they did not manage to install the fountain by the required date, and therefore it was opened on January 27, 1901, on the birthday of Wilhelm II.
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And this is the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet, seated on one of the marble blocks of the German Fountain and detachedly looking directly at the Egyptian obelisk. Cats in Istanbul are special, remember only the cat Gli - the main keeper of Hagia Sophia)
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To the right of the German Fountain (if you go to Hagia Sophia) - Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I(1603-1617) . It is p On the order of Ahmed I in 1609-1616, the Ahmediye Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) was built in Istanbul - one of the masterpieces of Muslim architecture. The mausoleum is under reconstruction and therefore is fenced with building fences with colorful images of the mausoleum, its history, interior spaces and layouts. There is no access, of course.
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From the German Fountain you can also go to Hagia Sophia.
If you stand in the direction of Hagia Sophia, with your back to the Blue Mosque, then to the right of the fountain and square we will see the famous Baths of Roksolana. Well known to us as Roksolana, the beloved wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska wished to build a hamamm (baths) and ordered the construction of its famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, and in 1556 the most famous baths of Istanbul were erected. The building consists of two symmetrical sections - male and female. By the 19th century, these buildings were abandoned, but at the beginning of the 20th century and the end of the 50s, the hamam was restored, and it did not work for its intended purpose until 2007. You can get there only by appointment)
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Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia - the Wisdom of God - Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia (Greek Ἁγία Σοφία) - a former patriarchal Orthodox cathedral, later a mosque, now a museum; the world-famous monument of Byzantine architecture, a symbol of the "golden age" of Byzantium. The official name of the monument today is the Hagia Sophia Museum. I'm already talking about this amazing Byzantine church.
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If we keep in mind the photo above, then immediately to the left of Hagia Sophia across the road are the ruins of an Ottoman water meter. According to other versions, it was the ventilation tower of the Basilica Cistern. To the left of this ruin - .
38.
"Mile Zero" in Constantinople was a monumental urban structure located in the very center of the capital of the empire. The Zero Mile building was built in the shape of a Tetrapylon, and therefore had a strict cubic shape and entrances on each of the four sides, arranged in the form of triumphal arches. Nothing has survived from her.
Right behind the ruin of the water meter (Basilica) (photo above) in the next lane is the so-called Basilica Cistern. This is just the entrance to it.
39.
We will go around Hagia Sophia on the right and head to the Topkapi Palace.
41.
The ruins are on the southeast side. Grand Palace Byzantine emperors(in the photo above they are to the left outside the frame). The ruins of the imperial palace complex are surrounded by a dense fence and there is no legal access there, at least for now. This fence does not represent any artistic value, therefore I do not post its photo)
And this imperial gate Topkapi Palace - the main gate through which the Sultan entered the territory of the Palace. Behind them is a park, which in the time of the sultans was considered the first courtyard - the courtyard of the Janissaries.
42.
On the right and in front of the Imperial Gate, we can see the magnificent Ottoman Rococo style built in 1728 in the Lale Devri (Tulip) period on a large square in front of the Imperial Gate of Topkapı Palace. During the Ottoman Empire, the fountain was one of the public centers of the city. The pavilion of the fountain of Ahmed III is located on the site of the Byzantine fountain of Peraiton. The architectural decoration of the building reflects the synthesis of traditional Ottoman and modern European styles.
43.
Just outside the Imperial Gate in the first courtyard on the right we will see. This is one of the earliest surviving churches in Constantinople, dedicated to the "Holy Peace". The vestibule of the church is lined with mosaics from the time of Justinian. Inside the open space of the church stands a sarcophagus, in which, according to legend, the remains of Constantine are buried. The first Christian basilica on this site was erected at the beginning of the 4th century on the site of the ruins of the ancient temple of Aphrodite under the Roman emperor Constantine and was the main temple of the city until the construction of Hagia Sophia
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If you head towards the Topkapi Palace and turn left down the street - you can visit - a very impressive place I must say. It is a must visit for those interested in the history of the ancient world.
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However, we are going to the Sultan's Topkapi Palace. We buy tickets here. It should also be noted that the advertised Museum Card is not for sale anywhere in Istanbul (in July 2017 at least)
it Gate of Welcome Topkapi Palace.
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To the left of the entrance to the Gulhane park in the fortress wall is Parade Pavilion with a pointed roof spire. It was used by the sultans to watch processions down the street until 1769.
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Gulhane Park very cozy. By late evening, however, a noticeable amount of garbage accumulates on its sidewalks and paths)
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During the Ottoman era, the site of the current Gülhane Park was the outer gardens of the Topkapı Palace, mostly planted with trees. In the 20th century, part of the gardens was redesigned into a park by decision of the municipality and opened to the public in 1912. Previously, there were recreation areas, coffee houses, playgrounds in the park, fairs were also held here. Later, a small zoo was opened here. In 1926, the first statue of Atatürk in Turkey was erected in Gülhane Park.
In general, in the historical district of Sultanahmet - the center of Istanbul, there is very much to see.
A day would be enough, but it will not be enough, I vouch. Allocate at least 2-3 days only for this list of attractions)))
Good night Istanbul!
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Istanbul is a unique city located in two parts of the world: Europe and Asia. Only here, at the crossroads of cultures and religions, political and trade interests of various civilizations, such an unusual community in all respects, inhabited by representatives of various peoples, could develop. Despite the proximity, the European and Asian parts of Istanbul are different. The reason for this is the history of the development of the metropolis. From this article you will learn in detail about the European part of Istanbul.
Galata Tower - the pearl of the European part of Istanbul
Beyoglu is Istanbul's ilche, which includes such historical districts of the city as Galata, Karakoy, Cihangir and others. It is here that the famous Istiklal Street, Taksim Square, Galata Tower and many more interesting sights are located. Many bars, restaurants, shops and hotels make this area a "Mecca of tourism", both domestic (let's not forget that out of about 90 million people in Turkey, many residents of other cities also want to see Istanbul) and the world.
Tram on Istiklal Street on a rare snowy day in Istanbul
On the territory of Ilche Fatih, there are historical districts of Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Aksaray, Balat, Fener and others. Among the main attractions of ilche (the concentration of which here is perhaps the highest in Turkey, if not in the world), we can note the Topkapi Palace, known to us from the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (from such a popular TV series Magnificent Age), the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the square Hippodrome and others. It is here that you can just walk the streets for hours and take pictures, look, and take pictures, look and take pictures, as a result, you understand that you could see only a small part of everything that can be seen in Fatih.
In the Besiktas area in the European part of Istanbul, there is the famous - the pearl of architecture on the Bosphorus.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world located in the European part of Istanbul
I would also like to note that it is in, located in the European part of Istanbul, that most flights with tourists on board arrive.
The telephone code of the European part of Istanbul is 212 (and the Asian one is 216)
You can talk about the European part of Istanbul for a very, very long time. Districts, sights, transport, cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops - all these are the topics of separate articles that have already been published or are being prepared for publication on our website.
Panorama of the historical part of Istanbul, located in Europe