Introduction to Istanbul
Located strategically along the Silk Road, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. With its roots deep in the pages of rich history, Istanbul is now truly a transcontinental city with one part of the population living in Asia and the economic and historical centers in Europe.
Its strategic location at the junction of international land and sea trade routes makes Istanbul the hub of the economy of Turkey.
Also known as the “Gateway to Asia”, Istanbul is also a famous tourist location. Each year millions of tourists flock to this great city to bathe in its rich heritage and culture. The palaces and monuments are a living testimony to the works of its different rulers. In 2010, it was named the European Capital of Culture. This resulted in increased tourist inflow, making it the tenth-most popular tourist destination.
Shopping in this city will give you a feeling of moving through time as the antique markets coexist in harmony with the modern shops.
Facts about Istanbul |
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|---|---|
| City | Istanbul |
| Country | Turkey |
| Area | 2063 sq miles |
| Population | 15.5 million |
| Districts | 39 districts |
| Average Summer Temperature | 82°F |
| Average Winter Temperature | 39°F |
| Currency | Turkish Lira (YTL) |
| Dialing Code | Country Code 90 City Code 212 |
| Major Airports in Istanbul | Ataturk International Airport (IST), Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) |
| Geographic Coordinates | 41°01′N 28°58′E |
| Time Zone | Eastern European Time |
| Official Website | http://www.ibb.gov.tr/en-US/Pages/Home.aspx |
Checkout the best Turkish street food in the World with Istanbul Street Food
History of Istanbul
The recorded history of Istanbul dates back to about 660 B.C., although recent excavations show remnants dating back to the seventh millennium B.C. Istanbul’s history can be broadly divided into two eras—Byzantine and Ottoman and Turkish.
Constantine became the Roman emperor after defeating Licinius in 324. He created a new city called Constantinople (as Istanbul was then known) and made it the eastern capital of the empire. On May 11, 330 Constantinople came to be known as the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
A number of churches were built inside the city, the most famous being the Hagia Sofia, which remained the largest cathedral for a thousand years. Constantinople was the largest and richest city in Europe during the Middle Ages but its position started declining after the fourth crusade. On 29 May 1453, Sultan Mehmed II occupied Constantinople and the city became the new capital and administrative hub of the Ottoman Empire.
Mehmed II changed the name of the city to Istanbul. The Ottomans transformed the city from a Christian citadel to an Islamic center of culture. During this period a number of the city’s attractions were built, especially during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566).
On October 29, 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed marking the birth of the Republic of Turkey and bringing down the curtains on the Ottoman Empire.
Best time to visit Istanbul
The best time to visit Istanbul is spring, i.e., from April to mid-June. Although it might rain a bit during April, the days are long and the tourist season has not quite begun. The time from mid-September to October is also good for visiting Istanbul. The weather is mostly mild but the days become shorter.
If you are an art enthusiast, then you will have to brave the Turkish summer. A number of art festivals and music events take place during the summer months.
Carry an extra amount of cash if you plan to visit Istanbul during the five-day Kurban Bayramı. The banks remain closed during that period and the ATMs tend to run out of money.
How to reach (transport)
You can reach the city of Istanbul in the following ways:
- The Istanbul Ataturk airport is located about 20 km to the west of the city and is connected by regular flights to several destinations around the world. The Sabiha Gökçen International airport is located on the Anatolian side and also serves the city.
- At present, the long-distance train service is suspended due to the construction of rail lines, but in general, trains from all over Europe arrive at the station in Sirkeci, while those from the Asian side arrive at the Haydarpaşa station. You can travel from one to the other by ferry across the Bosphorus.
- The city is connected by bus to all major domestic destinations as well as to Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Romania. All buses reach Esenler Otogar, located about 10 km from the city center.
- Apart from these, people also arrive in Turkey by cruise ships and international ferries.
When to visit
The best time to visit Istanbul is from late May to early June and from late September to early October as the weather is quite pleasant for sightseeing.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions
Istanbul enjoys a very colorful culture and that is reflected in the festivals celebrated in the city. Some of the most important festivals are as follows:
- The Istanbul International Film Festival is held from late March to mid-April when the latest releases and retrospectives are shown.
- The international Istanbul Tulip festival is held in April. The glorious display of tulips in Emirgan Park is a beautiful sight.
- The International Puppet Festival is held in May and is a great treat for both adults and children.
- On 29th May, an enthusiastic re-enactment of the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmet/Mehmed is staged. Traditional arts and crafts are displayed.
- The International music festival is celebrated with more than 30 events of classical music, opera, and theater from mid-June to mid-July.
- The Tuyap Book Fair is held in late November and is the premier publishing event in the city.
- The Efes Pilsen Blues festival is celebrated in selected venues throughout November. Foreign or local bands perform during this time and are a great source of entertainment, both for the locals and visiting tourists.
Travel and Transport
Istanbul can be reached by all three types of transport—air, land, and sea.
- Air: The Ataturk International Airport is the main airport in Istanbul. Approximately 700 planes use this airport every day. Almost all the major airlines operate out of this airport. The airport has a 24-hour Tourist Information Office where you will find brochures, and executives to help you with your queries. You will also find car-hire desks, exchange offices, a pharmacy, and ATMs. The Sabiha Gokcen Airport serves as the second airport in Istanbul.
- Boat: If you are traveling from Europe you have the option of reaching Istanbul on a cruise ship. The Karakoy International Maritime Passenger Terminal, located near the Galata Bridge, is where the cruise ships arrive. The Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Changi Ferry Terminal have boat services to Indonesia and Malaysia respectively. In addition to that, you can charter boats or avail ferries to visit the neighboring islands.
- Land: You can reach Istanbul by train both from Europe and Asia. Trains coming from Europe terminate at the Sirkeci Railway Station while those traveling from Asia and the east and north arrive at the Haydarpasa Railway Station. The International Istanbul Bus Station is the city’s main bus station for both intercity and international routes.
- Moving to the city: There is no dearth of choices for traveling inside Istanbul. You can avail bus, tram, tourist buses, metros, suburban trains, cable cars, cars, motorcycles, taxis, and bicycles. You can also get around Istanbul by taking a ferry or sea bus.
On The Bosporus
The list of attractions in Istanbul is endless. In almost every nook and corner of the city, you will find some architectural marvel or at least a historic monument to admire. These are just a few of these exciting attractions:
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii): Sultan Ahmet Camii, also known as the Blue Mosque, was built in 1609 as a rival to the famous Hagia Sofia. The mosque is famous for its magnificent tiered domes and six minarets which are visible from afar. The interior of the mosque is beautifully decorated with flower patterns in the Ottoman style. Thousands of blue and white Iznik tiles were used to create these patterns, which gave the mosque its name. There are 260 stained windows throughout the mosque. Every day thousands of worshippers throng the Sultan Ahmet Camii or Blue Mosque to offer their prayers. There is a Carpet and Kilim Museum exhibiting antiques from all over Turkey at the back of the mosque. Entry to the church is free but you have to pay a fee to visit the museum.
Hagia Sophia: The Hagia Sophia was commissioned as a cathedral in the 6th century AD. Its enormous size, breathtaking architecture, splendid mosaics and frescoes, and huge ochre-colored dome makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. After Mehmet II became the ruler of Istanbul, he converted it into a mosque and added minarets and fountains to it. The interior of the Hagia Sophia showcases the best of Christian and Muslim artistry, which includes Byzantine mosaics, icons, marble columns, a mihrab, and Islamic calligraphy inscriptions on the dome. The entry fee is 15 YTL.
Dolmabahce Palace: The Dolmabahce Palace was the second palace of the Ottoman Sultans. It was built by Abdulmecid at the site where Mahmud II’s palace stood. The clock tower, mosque, and palace were completed by the Balyan family of architects in 1853. The interior of the palace boasts of a chandelier, a gift to the Sultan from Queen Victoria. It weighs around 4.5 tons and is the largest in the world. The Dolmabahce Palace once served as the Sultan’s harem.
Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi): The Grand Bazaar is the biggest and oldest covered bazaar in the world. There are around 4000 shops spread in around 65 twisting streets leading to the central avenue. The Sandal Bedesten (cloth auction) and Cevahir Bedesten (jewelry market) are the two oldest sections of the Grand Bazaar. The streets are named after the items sold in each of these. You will find everything of touristy value here – hand-painted ceramics, carpets and jewelry, meerschaum pipes, spices, textiles, and clothing.
Galata Tower: The Galata Tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the old part of Istanbul. It is a medieval stone tower and was built in the 14th century in the Galata district of Istanbul. Its high, cone-shaped dominates skyline, making it one of the most striking landmarks of Istanbul. Today you can enjoy a lavish spread at its resident restaurant and shake a leg with the belly dancers performing in the Galata Tower nightclub.
Turkish and Islamic Art Museum: The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is located in the 16th-century palace of the Sultan Grand Vizier, Ibrahim Pasa. The museum displays around 40,000 items of Selcuk, Mamluk, and Ottoman Turkish art. This includes Koran cases, calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and textiles. Its antique carpet exhibit is one of the richest and oldest in the world, containing carpets, kilims, and prayer rugs among other items. The entry fee is 10 YTL.
Hippodrome: Only a few columns and arches still stand of the magnificent Hippodrome built between 200 and 300 AD. A beautiful public park now stands at this site. Some of the popular landmarks within the park are the Basilica Cistern, Obelisk of Tutmosis III, the Fountain of Wilhelm II, and the Serpentine and Constantine Columns. You can also check your emails or talk to your loved ones while enjoying the lush greenery as the park offers free wireless Internet.
Topkapi Palace Museum: The Topkapi Palace was built by Mehmet as a Sultan’s palace. The palace complex consists of a collection of buildings arranged around several courtyards. It is located on the seven hills of Istanbul and provides an uninterrupted view of the Bosphorus River. It also had a harem, which is said to have housed 300 women, including the wives, concubines, and children of Mehmet. You can see their living quarters, the royal bed-chamber, and the Imperial Hall. The Treasury is home to one of the greatest collections of treasures in the world.
Beyond Sightseeing in Istanbul
Nightlife: Istanbul offers an astonishing variety of options when it comes to its nightlife. You may want to choose from wine bars, jazz joints, hip rooftops, and nightclubs, to name a few. The tourist areas in Sultanmet and Ortakoy have some of the most happening nightclubs. You can start your evening at the many meyhanes—a type of Turkish tavern famous for raki and mezze platters.
The clubs and bars operate into the wee hours of the morning and prices are reasonable compared to European cities. If you plan to visit a strip joint or belly dancing club, it is wise to the price beforehand.
Shopping: Istanbul offers you a unique mix of the traditional and the modern when it comes to shopping. You will find jewelry, leatherwear, and carpets among other merchandise in the Nuruosmaniye Gate side of the Grand Bazaar. If you are interested in buying antiques then Cukurcuma, Horhor, and Sisli are the places to visit. Nisantasi and Tesvikiye house world-famous boutiques and brands. In addition to that, there are shopping malls and elegant stores throughout the city. So if shopping is on your agenda, then Istanbul will ensure you remain spoilt for choice.
Day Trips: While in Istanbul, you can also visit the neighboring sites and attractions. There are numerous tour operators who arrange these trips. Some of the places which you can visit and return the same day include Ephesus, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Gallipoli, Iznik, Nicea, Bursa, and the mouth of the Black Sea. You can also cruise the Bosphorus River drinking in the sights on both sides of its banks.
Restaurants In Istanbul
| 360 Istanbul Misir Apartmani K8, 311 Istikal Caddesi, Beyoglu Istanbul Tel: +90 212 251 1042 |
Cezayir Hayriye Cad. 16, Beyoglu Tel: +90 212 245 9980 |
| Asitane Kariye Camii Sokak 6, Edirnekapi Istanbul Tel: +90 212 534 8414 |
Korfez Korfez Cad. No: 78 Kanlyca Istanbul Tel: +90 216 413 4314 |
| Mikla Mesrutyiyet Cad. 167, Tepebasi Istanbul Tel: +90 212 293 5656 |
SAF Club Sporium (Mayadrom Arkasý), Cumhuriyet Cad. 4/8 Akatlar Istanbul Tel: +90 212 282 7946 |
Istanbul Hotels
| Ceylan Istanbul Tel: +90 124 455 1261 http://www.intercontinental.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/ISTHA?sicreative=7041794092&dp=true&sicontent=0&sitrackingid=70569346&siclientid=2051 |
Grand Hyatt Istanbul Tel: +90 212 368 1234 www.istanbul.grand.hyatt.com/ |
| Beyaz Kugu Hotel Tel: +90 212 513 7989 www.hotelbeyazkugu.com/ |
Cem Sultan Hotel Tel: +90 212 516 5041 www.cemsultanhotel.com/ |
| Ascot House Tel: +90 216 382 2888 www.ascothouse.com.tr/ |
Pera Tulip Hotel Tel: +90 212 243 8500 www.peratulip.com/ |