Once upon a time in a city called Constantinople or was that Byzantine or Istanbul...?
That's right, Istanbul's sights are as diverse as its many names. From the Galata Tower - the first sight to hit you in the city to remnants of the Ottomon empire to churches that metamorphosed into mosques, palaces and bazaars, there is much to see in Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque, which is not really blue on the outside gets its name from the blue tiles inside. With 260 windows and 6 minarets it is an awesome experience, dazzling sights that pull your gaze skyward and once within shining light that streams in from the very same sky. With stained glass windows and the blue tiles unfolding, it's a rather mystical experience.
The history of the Ayasofya is as chequered as that of any human. The Ayasofya has been a church, a mosque and is now playing museum. With its changing history came the changes in architecture, and the structure boasts gold mosaics, minarets, beautiful portraits of kings bowing to Jesus and if the interiors weren't enough, there are manicured gardens, a fountain and tombs gracing the grounds.
The Dolmabahce Palace situated on the banks of the Bosphorous is a lavish symbol of the Ottomon empire. With over 200 rooms and 43 salons, it is a testament to some of the finest craftsmanship with porcelain sculptures, marble walls, crystal handrails and antique carpets.
The Galata Tower too has been many things - a communication tower, a prison, a sight for a spot of rope climbing! But its most interesting story is when Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi managed to fly from the tower to the Asian shore with wings attached to his arms!
The Topkapi Palace as opposed to the Dolmabahce palace is rather simple. With gardens, the oldest church of the roman empire and a beautiful baroque fountain as soon as you enter, it will offer you a wide variety of sights.
Other than this you might want to visit the Hippodrome, the Maiden's Tower and the Golden Horn. Turkey itself is dotted all over with sights worth travelling for from the Ephesus archeological remains to the Temple of Apollo and Lycian tombs.
Wander free here and you'll always find something worth looking at or end up somewhere worth being.
Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com
Leave a comment