Things to Explore in Istanbul

Though Turkey has many cities that boast of its culture, Istanbul is by far the most captivating with its historically rich background. Throughout the years, the city went through three empires, the Roman, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman. Because of these diversified empires, visitors can still explore the influences that the cultural heritage has left behind. So if you love historic buildings, museums and the likes, this is the right place for you. Another characteristic that makes Istanbul truly unique is that it is situated in two continents, Europe and Asia. This old (Europe) and modern city (Asia) is separated by the strait of Bosphorus.

Tourists who come to Istanbul on long and short visits are captivated by the culture, which is a mixture of ancient and modern charms. Most visitors take in the sights of the lively bazaars, the hammams, mosques and palaces. Unfortunately, because there are so many things to see, travellers who are there for a short visit will need to narrow their options so they can see it all without wasting time. So which are the must see sights of Istanbul? Here’s a list which will help you decide.

Blue Mosque

The official name of the Blue Mosque is Sultan AhmetCammiand it is conveniently located in the historical district, which is also called the Sultanamet. The multi domed mosque is a perfect representative of the city’s Islamic past because it was built during the Ottoman Empire. In fact, the mosque doesn’t just attract visitors but also welcomes many worshippers every day. The elaborate interiors of the mosque consist of blue and white tiles which are arranged in floral patterns, which is why it is now called the Blue Mosque. When visiting the mosque, it is recommended that you cover your hair with either a scarf or cap.

Hagia Sophia

The AyaSofyaor HagiaSophia is one of the most famous attractions in Istanbul. During the Christian Byzantine Empire, the yellowish orange colored monument served as a church and thenas a mosque in the Ottoman Empire. Because this monument served both as a church and a mosque, it is one of the best symbols of the three empires. BecauseHagia Sophia is filled with Islamic calligraphy designs as well as Christian mosaics, it represents the religious diversity but maintains its value nevertheless. So, if you are planning a visit to Istanbul, this is a must see sight.

TopikapiPalace

The Topikapi palace was once home to one of the Sultans during the Ottoman Empire. The palace museum is located on a hill and consists of large courtyards, terraces, uniquely designed rooms, fountains and gateways which tell you a little about the extravagant living of the Sultans during the Islamic period. Remember that though there are other palaces which you can explore, the structures, design as well as the location makethis a prime sight, especially for those who are visiting the city for the first time.

Bazaars

When you visit Istanbul, one of the places which you cannot miss is the Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is one of the oldest and largest bazaars of the world and though it is noisy and confusing for first time tourists, you can find everything you need like carpets, bed spreads, clothing, hookahs, hand crafted items and a large variety of other items. One of the skills which you will need in the Grand Bazaar is bargaining because this is a norm and the vendors will always try to sell the items on their rates and convince you of their quality.

So if you have already packed and booked istanbul hotels and accommodations in istanbul, these are the places which you must explore.