ISTANBUL, A CITY WITH MANY FACES

Istanbul is straddling the Bosporus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia. It is the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 15 million people.Istanbul has a rich history and cultural heritage, as it was the capital of three different empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. The city is home to many historic and cultural landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul is also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city offers a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences, with its bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also a hub for business and commerce, with a thriving economy and a significant role in international trade.

In recent years, Istanbul has undergone significant development and modernization, with new transportation systems, residential projects, and commercial centers being built. Despite the changes, the city remains deeply rooted in its history and culture, with its rich legacy of art, architecture, and traditions still very much a part of its present and future.

THE BOSPHORUS

The Bosphorus is a strategic waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. It is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with a high volume of commercial and passenger ferry traffic. The ferry traffic on the Bosphorus includes both public and private ferries, providing transportation services for both locals and tourists. The ferry route is approximately 35 km long and passes through Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, providing access to its historic and cultural attractions.

The ferry services on the Bosphorus vary in terms of frequency, duration, and cost, depending on the route and the type of ferry. Some ferries are modern and equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, while others are traditional and offer a more scenic and authentic experience. The ferry ride on the Bosphorus is popular among tourists due to its scenic views of the Istanbul Strait, the Bosporus Bridge, and the Ottoman palaces and mansions along the shoreline.

THE BOSPHORUS MANSIONS AND PALACES

The houses near the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey are highly sought after due to their stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and their proximity to the city center. The Bosphorus is a narrow strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and separates Europe and Asia, making it an important strategic and commercial waterway.

The Bosphorus is lined with historic Ottoman mansions, modern high-rise apartments, and traditional wooden houses known as yalı. These houses typically have large balconies that provide sweeping views of the Bosphorus and its surrounding hills. Many of the historic Ottoman mansions have been restored and converted into luxury hotels, museums, or cultural centers, while the more modern high-rise apartments offer modern amenities and conveniences.

Living near the Bosphorus is considered a luxury, as these homes are often spacious, well-appointed, and come with stunning views of the water and the surrounding hills. They are also located in some of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Istanbul, such as Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Etiler, which are known for their upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes.

THE GALATA TOWER

It is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic center, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus Strait. The tower was built by the Genoese in 1348 as part of their trading colony in Istanbul and was originally used as a watchtower. Today, the Galata Tower is a popular tourist destination and features a restaurant, cafe, and observation deck. It is considered one of the best places to see the city and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Istanbul.

THE GRAND BAZAAR

Also known as Kapalıçarşı, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in the 15th century and has been a major center of commerce and trade ever since.

The Grand Bazaar covers an area of over 60 streets and is home to over 4,000 shops, selling a variety of goods ranging from spices, textiles, jewelry, and ceramics, to antiques and souvenirs. The bazaar is also famous for its beautiful architecture and intricate design, with its covered streets, domed roofs, and intricate tile work.

Visitors to the Grand Bazaar can experience the hustle and bustle of the market, and bargaining is an integral part of the shopping experience. The bazaar is also a hub for social interaction and a place for locals to gather and relax over a cup of tea or coffee.

The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. It offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, and a chance to experience the vibrant energy of one of the world’s largest and oldest markets

Visitors to the Grand Bazaar can experience the hustle and bustle of the market, and bargaining is an integral part of the shopping experience. The bazaar is also a hub for social interaction and a place for locals to gather and relax over a cup of tea or coffee.

The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. It offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, and a chance to experience the vibrant energy of one of the world’s largest and oldest markets.

THE ORTAKÖY MOSQUE

Also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Camii, is a historic mosque located in the Ortaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait and is one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in Istanbul. The mosque is also known for its location in the heart of Ortaköy Square, which is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and street vendors.

The Ortaköy Mosque was built in the mid-19th century by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid I and is considered an example of Ottoman baroque architecture. Its design features an elaborate façade with intricate tile work, elegant calligraphy, and a large dome and two minarets. The interior of the mosque is also beautifully decorated, with gilded moldings, intricate stonework, and delicate stained glass windows.

The Ortaköy Mosque is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque location and its stunning architectural beauty. Visitors to the mosque can enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere, as well as the panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the surrounding hills. The mosque and its surroundings are also a popular spot for photography, as the unique architecture and stunning views make for a perfect backdrop.

The Ortaköy Mosque was built in the mid-19th century by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid I and is considered an example of Ottoman baroque architecture. Its design features an elaborate façade with intricate tile work, elegant calligraphy, and a large dome and two minarets. The interior of the mosque is also beautifully decorated, with gilded moldings, intricate stonework, and delicate stained glass windows.

The Ortaköy Mosque is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque location and its stunning architectural beauty. Visitors to the mosque can enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere, as well as the panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the surrounding hills. The mosque and its surroundings are also a popular spot for photography, as the unique architecture and stunning views make for a perfect backdrop.

THE RUMELI FORTRESS

Also known as the Rumelihisarı, is a historic fortress located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-15th century by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II as part of his preparations for the conquest of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The fortress was designed to control the movement of ships through the Bosphorus Strait, which was a crucial waterway for the Ottoman Empire.

The Rumeli Fortress is a massive structure that covers an area of more than 27,000 square meters and features walls that are up to 40 meters tall. Its design is characterized by its massive size and strong defensive features, including towers, gates, and a large central courtyard.

Today, the Rumeli Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and a popular spot for photography. Visitors can climb to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the surrounding hills, as well as explore the interior of the fortress and learn about its history and significance. The fortress is also a popular spot for concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, and its location near the Bosphorus Strait and its stunning views make it a must-visit destination for those visiting Istanbul.

HAGIA SOPHIA

Hagia Sophia, which is a historic mosque and museum located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, and served as the main church of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church for nearly a thousand years. After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, a function it served for nearly 500 years. In 1935, the Turkish government converted it into a museum, which it remained until 2020, when the Turkish government converted it back into a mosque.

The Hagia Sophia is widely considered one of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture, and its dome, which was once the largest in the world, remains one of the most iconic structures in the history of architecture. It is also considered a symbol of religious and cultural exchange, reflecting the diversity of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, and it continues to be an important cultural and historical site for both Christians and Muslims.

YOROS CASTLE IN BEYKOZ (ISTANBUL)

Perched on a hill with sharp cliffs all around, Yoros Castle gives a view of the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Situated on Macar Bay, the region is known as Anadolu Kavağı and lies somewhat north of Anadolu Kavağı, a tiny fishing community. Perched over one of the narrowest points of the Bosphorus, the castle faces Rumeli Kavağı, a former site of a stronghold resembling Yoros Castle, on the other side of the water. (The Anatolian and European regions of the empire were referred to as Rumeli and Anadolu in Ottoman)

ANADOLU HISARI

Situated on a triangle of land that stretches between the Bosphorus and the point where the Göksu River joins it, Anadolu Hisarı is the narrowest point on the Bosphorus. Yıldırım Bayezid constructed Anadolu Hisarı, also referred to as Akça Hisar, Gözlüce Hisar, Güzelce Hisar, Yenice Hisar, and Nova Castrum. Historians of the Ottoman era have differing accounts on the building date.

Anadolu Hisarı is now a museum, much like the other ancient buildings in the city, along with the Rumeli Fortress on the Anatolian Side of the Bosphorus.

The price to enter Anadolu Hisari is:
Discount ticket: 15 TL
Full ticket: 50 TL
Tourist ticket for foreigners: 100 TL