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 Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
St. Saviour in Chora
Museum Of Islamic & Turkish Arts
Basilica Cistern
Grand Bazaar
Dolmabahce Palace
Bosphorus Cruise
Beylerbeyi Palace
Sadberk Hanim Museum
Spice Market
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 Basilica Cistern
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You may see mosques, churches, or palaces in other parts of the world but not a structure as this one which is an underground water cistern built in 6th century A.D. as a reservoir to keep water in case of siege. It is in the form of a cubic rectangle, having 336 columns of 25 feet height with a capacity of 90000 m3. Without any doubt, this is the most mystic site of the Old City, where they organise light and music shows. |
Grand Bazaar
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Covered Bazaar, as the locals call it, is one of the most famous places in Istanbul, and was built in 15th century by Sultan Mehmet The Conqueror as a shopping mall. As time passed by its various alleys were inhabited by a great range of merchants, and artisans. Shopping in the Grand Bazaar can be attractive for visitors but it is, generally, the neighbourhood just outside the Bazaar, Nuruosmaniye Street, where the locals go for shopping, especially if they are looking for good value for their pennies. |
Dolmabahce Palace
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Among the many splendours of Istanbul, Dolmabahçe Palace built in 19th century on Bosphorus has the most royal and flamboyant decoration, both internally and externally. As the consequence of tendency to westernise themselves, the Ottomans got it built and furnished it with European taste. In this imperial home of the Sultans the Bohemian and Checoslavakian crystals compete with the French Bakara ones while the handmade Hereke Rugs crown the artistically carved, silk covered furniture. Around 600 paintings adore the walls of 285 rooms, and 46 halls. It can well be nominated as the Ottoman version of Versailles Palace. |
Bosphorus Cruise
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Bosphorus, the strait that connects Black Sea to Marmara, adds elegance to this historical city with its beautiful wooden mansions. It has a length of about 18 miles while its width varies from 880 feet to 2 miles. Earliest human settlements took place in 13th century B.C. on the Asian shores of Bosphorus, and it wasn't until 18th century A.D. that its shores were reasonably occupied. It was a classy way of entertainment for the Sultans to sail with the company of musicians in the slim wooden kayiks on the waters of this legendary strait. |
Beylerbeyi Palace
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The Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz had it built in the second half of 19th century as a summer residence. This Baroque style palace functions as an outstanding museum with its original interior decoration that enlightens oneself on the elegant life of the Sultans. It also has a beautiful garden adorned by such vegetation which originates from different parts of the world. |
Sadberk Hanim Museum
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Housing an incredible range of both archaeological and ethnographical items, this former wooden mansion of Bosphorus is today's 'of the beaten track' museum of Istanbul where one feels gifted to visit it. Especially for our guests who are into ethnic arts like rug weaving, tile works, and embroidery, it is a 'must' to see during their stay in Istanbul. |
Spice Market
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Spice Market was built in 17th century as a mall on the shores of Golden Horn for spice traders to sell their goods straight to the people of Istanbul. Today nothing much changed that it still is the unique place where the locals would go to obtain a great variety of spices, and herbs that fill the interior of the ancient stores with profusion.Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque
It is the mosque where beauty has its self-expression in such a modest way that anyone from any religion can feel a part of this 16th century edifice. Under the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent the Ottomans lived their most glorious days, and he had this mosque built by the greatest architect of Turkish history, Sinan. It is a colossal complex that has a number of other buildings such as public kitchens that functioned for the upkeep of the society. |
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