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Dołączył: 23 Mar 2011
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Wysłany: Pon 10:21, 28 Mar 2011 Temat postu: Crossing the Divide - Istanbul, Turkey_1655 |
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Istanbul is a unique part of the world where East meets West and where European culture is fused with Asian culture. You can see examples of this all over the city,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], from the spicy aromas which come from the Grand Bazaar and the splendid mosques encircling Sultanahmet but then contrastingly when you reach Beyoglu you can shop in some of the West's most fashionable stores. Crossing the divide is an edifying experience as the clash of Western culture with Eastern culture is suddenly revealed.
The city has evolved greatly during its eventful history and with this its name has changed three times from Byzantium,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], to Constantinople to its present day name of Istanbul. Istanbul is located along the Bosporus strait off the Sea of Marmara. Because of its location on the frontier of Asia and Europe the city has been a conquest of great civilisations from both the East and West. Throughout its existence the city has been occupied by the Persians,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], Byzantines,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], Romans and Ottomans. The has led to the city having many renowned rulers such as the Roman Christian emperor Constantine and the most influential one of all on the city's present day condition the Ottoman emperor Suleiman the magnificent who ruled from 1520 to 1566.
Suleiman presided over the construction of some of the city finest structures today. The Topkapi palace makes a big impression on every visitor especially when you enter it via the towering Imperial gate beside Hagia Sophia. A walk through the palace offers beautiful views of the Bosporous and the Sea of Marmara as it stretches along an overlooking hill. Seraglio point is situated at the end of the fourth court has the best view of this scenery and believe me you will not regret queuing after you have captured a glimpse of the Mecidiye Pavillion. Don't forget to see the luxurious underground rooms of the Harem where the sultan's wives and concubines once resided. The majestic Imperial Treasury is also well worth a glance. If you are an admirer of stonework or simply a fan of Indiana Jones the inscriptions on a series of stone tablets scattered around the first court's inner wall is worth a look.
The elaborate gardens just outside of Topkapi take you to the remarkable Sultanahmet mosque. Its towering minarets and spectacular domes are a sight to behold. A humbling and calming experience awaits those of you who take your shoes off and enter the mosque's shaded inner chamber. The mosque is a place of prayer so treat it with respect and obey the signposted rules of prayer times. You will notice as you walk around the mosque's interior that much of the surface's tiles are blue and this is why it is known as the blue mosque.
Hagia Sophia is a heavily tiled masterpiece across the square which is a must see for every visitor. This building has evolved from being a church to a mosque to a museum. The building was constructed almost 1500 years ago between 532 and 537 by Byzantine emperor Justinian. It features one of the world's largest domes and as a result I think it would be a wise move to visit it early in the day to avoid the huge midday crowds.
The Grand Bazaar is a paradise for all of you shopaholics out there. This is a striking forerunner to our modern day shopping malls today. In Istanbul you will notice locals trying to sell you everything from pots to novelty cigarette lighters to intricately woven kilims. However the Grand Bazaar offers a more luxurious shopping experience and is evidence of the city's rich trading history.
The Suleymaniye mosque lies past the university. This was build by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in 1557. Amazingly the mosque has more than two hundred windows and the interior space is one of the most impressive from all of Istanbul's enormous compilation of mosques.
The Galata Bridge has a booming street market along with teams of fishermen. Barely a space is to be found along the upper tier as the fishermen try to capture some of the Golden horn's abundant fish stocks. Cafes,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], bars and seafood restaurants are to be found along the lower tier. While these businesses ply their trade here it remains a peaceful spot and ideal for quietly observing the ferries sailing along the shores.
The penultimate phase of your trip to Istanbul should include a visit to the imposing Galata tower which was built in the 14th century. A stone stairs and an elevator give you access to its summit where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the sun going down over the minarets,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], and soak in the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. A memorable journey is waiting for all who visit. You can visit Istanbul during the 12 months of the year but it is extremely warm during the summer. True to most places the main attractions are quieter and easier to visit earlier in the day. You reach nearly all of the attractions by foot but prepare to get in shape as the city is quite hilly.
I have been lucky enough to travel to many places and cities around the world and Istanbul is definitely in my top 5 cities to travel to worldwide. Book Cheap Flights and get information on Europe Holidays before you leave.
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