ISTANBUL - MAGNIFICENT
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| Istanbul |
Istanbul is a city
like no other, with it’s unique architect and elements
from Byzantine, Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Turkish civilizations, Connecting
the two continents of Europe and Asia. It is the largest city of Turkey (lots of people mistakenly think that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey, but the capital of the country is Ankara). Population of Istanbul overstepped 14 million people.
Istanbul is rich with historical sites. The historic areas of
the city were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 80s of the last century. Istanbul is
one of the most important tourism spots in the world - more than 4,5 million travelers visit Istanbul each year.
Things to do in Istanbul
Things to do in
Istanbul are lot, its difficult to decide, but there are things you must not
miss.
1) Visit city's sights. These include:
- the Sultan Ahmed Mosque - known as the Blue Mosque for blue titles adorning the walls of its interior. One of the most notable feature of the Blue Mosque is its six minaretes. It was built in the beginning of the 17th century.
- the Hagia Sophia - is a great architectural beauty and an important both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once it was a christian church, later a mosque and now it is a museum. It was added to world heritage list by UNESCO.
- the Topkapi Palace - was the residence of the ottoman sultans. It contains important holy relics of the muslim world. It was added to world heritage list by UNESCO.
- the Dolmabahce Palace - built in 19th century is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the seat of government during the late Ottoman period.
- the Galata Tower (Christ Tower) - is a medieval stone tower built in 1348. The nine-story tower is 66.90 meters tall. There is great panoramic view of istanbul.
2) Enjoy Turkish Hamam:
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| Me in Hamam |
Hamam is the Turkish version of a stream bath.
A bather first relaxes in a separate room where he should get his body to perspire, either by lying or sitting on the hot marble or pouring hot water on bathers body by sitting next to one of the basins.
After staying in the room around 10-20 minutes, bathers are invited in the next room (so called "hot room") that is hotter than the first one.
After performing a full body wash and receiving deep massage, bathers finally retire to the last room (so called "cooling room") for a period of relaxation.
Prices vary from 30 to 100 Turkish lira for one person.
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| Grand Bazaar |
The Grand Bazaar (Bazaar means the market) is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5000 shops. It attracts between 250000 and 400000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops.
Spice Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in the city. It is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. These ancient shopping malls provide a taste, smell and sight of life as it was centuries ego.
It is recommended to bargain in Bazaars. Remember - bazaar is typical Asian place and as it was in ancient times traders are trying to get as much money from travelers as it is possible. Therefore, you should do your best in bazaar. For example, if the offered price is 100 Turklish lira you can offer 25 lira. Hopefully you get the thing for a half price.
4) Taste delicious Turkish Cuisine.
Spice Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in the city. It is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. These ancient shopping malls provide a taste, smell and sight of life as it was centuries ego.
It is recommended to bargain in Bazaars. Remember - bazaar is typical Asian place and as it was in ancient times traders are trying to get as much money from travelers as it is possible. Therefore, you should do your best in bazaar. For example, if the offered price is 100 Turklish lira you can offer 25 lira. Hopefully you get the thing for a half price.
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| Roasting chicken Doner |
Turkey is famous with its cuisine. Therefore being in Istanbul you can enjoy delicious food, including:
You can eat well-known Doner Kebab (Doner Kebab is sliced lamb, beef or chicken, slowly roasted on a vertical rotating split).
You can taste Gozleme or Lahmacun (Gozleme is a food made of lavash bread or phyllo dough folded around a variety of fillings such as spinach, cheese and parsley, minced meat or potatoes and cooked on a large griddle). Gozleme is something like Turkish pizza. (Lahmachun is a thin flatbread covered with a layer of spiced minced meat, tomato, pepper, onion or garlic).
There is huge choice of Turkish sweeties such as Bakhlava, Lokum, Helva, Cezerye and many others.
And do not forget about Fish! Turkey is surrounded by seas. Therefore in Istanbul you can find fresh and well-prepared fish. Fish are fried, grilled or cooked slowly by the poaching method called "bugulama".
You can eat well-known Doner Kebab (Doner Kebab is sliced lamb, beef or chicken, slowly roasted on a vertical rotating split).
You can taste Gozleme or Lahmacun (Gozleme is a food made of lavash bread or phyllo dough folded around a variety of fillings such as spinach, cheese and parsley, minced meat or potatoes and cooked on a large griddle). Gozleme is something like Turkish pizza. (Lahmachun is a thin flatbread covered with a layer of spiced minced meat, tomato, pepper, onion or garlic).
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| Preparing Gozleme |
There is huge choice of Turkish sweeties such as Bakhlava, Lokum, Helva, Cezerye and many others.
And do not forget about Fish! Turkey is surrounded by seas. Therefore in Istanbul you can find fresh and well-prepared fish. Fish are fried, grilled or cooked slowly by the poaching method called "bugulama".
Istanbul is one of my favorite places. Many times I have been visiting this city. It is the largest city of Turkey. Last time I visited it with my uncle and aunt during my New York Holidays. I really felt happy to visit this city again. It offers a plenty of attractions. My uncle also loves to visit this city again and again. It is a source of pleasure for him.
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