Türkçe Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the third largest city in the world is a bustling metropolis filled with ancient wonders just waiting to be discovered. The only city in the world to sit on two continents, it is no wonder that Istanbul is the perfect mix of East and West.

First named Byzantium, Istanbul was a thriving Greek capital as far back at 660 BC. After long association with the Roman Empire, Byzantium officially became a part of the Empire in 73 AD. The city later became the Christian center of the world and was renamed Constantinople after Constantine the Great. The city was the Eastern Capital of the Roman Empire from 330 AD and continued this way until 1453 when the city was conquered my Sultan Mehmed II and was named the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The city continued to be called Constantinople until the formation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, when it was renamed Istanbul.

Places to visit in Istanbul

Basilica Cistern: Built by Justinian I in the 6th century, this cistern, the largest in Istanbul was built to supply water to old Constantinople. The sunken palace as it is also known is held up by 336 marble columns. The cistern was later put to use to provide water to Topkapi Palace and its surrounding gardens.


Blue Mosque: Known in Turkey as Sultanahmet Cami, the Blue Mosque is named so due to its stunning array of blue tiles that decorate its interior. The Blue Mosque is certainly the most famous mosque throughout the world and was built to rival the Hagia Sofia between 1609-1616.


Bosphorus: The famous straight that forms the boundary between Asia and Europe and links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, makes it one of the most important straights in the world. The Bosphorus is the narrowest straight that is navigated for trade routes and it approximately 31km long. As Istanbul is situated on both sides of the straight it makes the city on of the most sought after cities by Empires gone by.


Chora Church: Is one of the world’s most impressive Byzantine structures. The name Chora refers to the churches location outside of the old city walls. The church was in operation until after the invasion of the Ottoman Empire and was converted to a mosque in 1453. In the year 1958, the building was made into a museum (Kariye Müzesi) and the magnificent mosaics and frescoes were once again uncovered and are on display to the public.


Grand Bazaar: First opened in 1461, Grand Bazaar or Kapalıçarşı as it is known in Turkish is one of the world’s largests souks. The covered market has 61 streets acessed via 4 main gates, over 3000 stores, 5 mosques and 6 fountains. After being destroyed and repaired numerous times the Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbuls most popular tourist attractions. Here you can find the streets filled with souveneirs, turkish carpets, ceramics, leathers and gold to name a few.


Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya): Thought to have changed the history of architecture due to its dome roof, the Hagia Sofia was built in 537 and was the world’s largest cathedral for almost a thousand years. The cathedral was turned into a mosque under orders from the Ottoman Empire but was turned into a museum in 1935. The museum houses amazing mosaics, impressive marble pillars and the famous domed roof.


Hippodrome: Famous from the time of Constantinople under Roman rule the Hippodrome actually dates back AD 203 during the Byzantine Era. The area was a large circus in the old city and was the center for many sporting events such as chariot racing. What remain of the Hippodrome are three large columns, The Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and The Walled Obelisk.


Topkapi Palace: The royal palace of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for 400 of their 624 year reign, Topkapi Palace is one to be admired. The Palace was not only the residence of the Sultan and his family but was an important center for the empire. Made up of four courtyards the Palace was also the headquarters for the government housing the mint, treasury and archives. Topkapi Palace was also the best educational institution during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.