Istanbul Holidays Help You Explore Great Historic Structures

A historic, cultural, and economic centre of Turkey, Istanbul is a city that spans the two continents of Europe and Asia. It has about a third of its population living on the Asian side, while the historic and commercial centre is located on the European side. The city was established as Byzantium by the Greek settlers who arrived in this region during the 7th century BCE. In the years that followed, it was taken over by the Roman Empire who named the city Constantinople. The city came to be known as Istanbul when the Ottomans established their rule over it during the 15th century.

One of the best times to enjoy your Istanbul holidays is during the period between September and November. You'll get to enjoy your favourite outdoor activities during this time of the year as the climate is characterised by pleasant daytime temperatures. Another great season to explore this city is during the period between March and May. This time of the year has a warmer climate and brings you some fantastic deals on airfares. Winter from December to February is the wettest and coldest season and not many tourists visit Istanbul in these months. However, if you plan to visit in winter, you can grab some excellent discounts on hotel accommodations. Room rates of hotels in this city are at their highest from the month of June until August.

Your Istanbul holidays would give you the chance to explore some historic attractions built during the reign of great empires of the past. Among them is Aya Sofya, also known as Hagia Sophia, which was built in the year 536 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian. It was built as a church but got converted into a mosque when the Ottomans established their rule over this region. Another awe-inspiring attraction worth exploring during your time spent in this Turkish city is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly called the 'Blue Mosque'. This magnificent mosque is considered one of the finest architectural wonders of the Ottoman Empire.

Located close to the Topkapi Palace is the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, which brings together a wide range of artefacts from Turkey and several countries of the Middle East region. A visit to this museum during your Istanbul holidays would give you the chance to browse through the vast collections. They’ve been arranged in three separate sections, such as the Archaeology Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient, and Tiled Pavilion of Mehmet the Conqueror.

If you wish to have a unique shopping experience while getting around in Istanbul, head to the Grand Bazaar. Considered as the first shopping mall in the world, this large covered market is lined by shops and stalls that sell a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts. Different businesses are separated into particular sections, making it easier for tourists to browse the entire market and pick the items of their choice. You can enter this large market through one of the 11 gates and walk through a maze of laneways with vaulted ceilings.