Visit the Popular Attractions with Cheap Holidays to Istanbul

Known as Constantinople in the ancient times, Istanbul is a city that has attracted the attention of many conquerors in the past centuries. It is a transcontinental city with the Bosphorus strait dividing it between Europe and Asia. As numerous merchants belonging to different places passed through Istanbul in ancient times, many of them decided to settle down in the city, giving it an amazing cultural diversity. It was named European Capital of Culture in the year 2010 and this increased its popularity across the world. Today, millions of tourists visit the city annually to explore its fascinating attractions:

1. The Blue Mosque: Built in the early 17th century, the entire Muslim world felt offended owing to its six minarets, a number that equalled Mecca's holy mosque. A seventh minaret had to be gifted to Mecca to stop the protest. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Ottoman architecture. The tourists enjoying their Istanbul holidays can visit this mosque and witness its interior walls that are adorned with hand-painted blue tiles.
2. Aya Sofya: This is among the most cherished landmarks of Istanbul. It was formerly a church built by one of the Byzantine emperors, Justinian I. After the Ottoman armies conquered the city, it was converted into a mosque. Aya Sofya was transformed into a museum by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first Turkish President, in the year 1935.
3. Suleymaniye Mosque: Located on a hill above the district of Sultanahmet, this is one of the city's most recognised landmarks visited by almost all the tourists on their holidays to Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century by Sinan, a well-known Ottoman architect, for Suleyman the Magnificent. An Ottoman cemetery is housed in its beautiful garden area, which has the tombs of Sultan Suleyman and his wife, Haseki Hurrem Sultan.
4. Grand Bazaar: Whenever tourists wish to shop for Turkish handicrafts and souvenirs, they visit the massive Grand Bazaar. It is believed to be the world's first shopping mall, as it covers an entire city quarter and is lined by shops and stalls. The architecture of this covered market has been inspired by the Aya Sofya and has various sections organised according to different types of trades.
5. Topkapi Palace: In order to see this palace fully, visitors would need at least half of their day. This glorious palace was built by Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror. A dazzling display of artworks, hand-painted tiles, and intricate decorations in rooms adorn this vast complex. Among the highlights of this palace are the harem, palace kitchens, courts, and a sacred safekeeping room containing the relics of Prophet Muhammad.

There are many more attractions in Istanbul that can be explored by tourists during their holiday in this Turkish city. The cheap holidays to Istanbul offered by leading travel companies not only make their holidays to the city affordable but also give them a significant amount of savings that can be utilised during their time spent in the city.

I'm Daisy, content strategist for Lowest2, which offers budget-friendly holiday packages to worldwide destinations. Much of my work involves writing on holidays of other popular destinations.