If looking for an exciting holiday, in a place with beautiful landscape, extensive history, and great culture, then Turkey is a country you must visit. It’s capital, Istanbul, has always been a stunning beauty. The magnificent palaces and villas stand right next to the curvaceous shores, red roofs hide among the parks on the seven hills, the domes and minarets complete the scene.
But there is one thing that attracts most of the tourists : the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus with its clear, blue water. It’s one the most beautiful, and most appealing straits in the world. Everything in Istanbul revolves around it. Deviding Europe and Asia, and connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara, two outrageous bridges(Boğaziçi or Fatih Sultan Mehmet)stretch from one side to the other. Driving over one of the bridges, is an exciting experience. In the water, everyday you can notice noumerous ferries, cruise ships. tankers, oil rigs, fishing boats,, aircraft carriers, military ships, and rowboats.
The Golden Horn is very beautiful natural harbour, and watching the sun melt into it, is something you can’t forget. In fact, that is the reason why it’s called Golden Horn. The water turns gold with the touch of sunlight. What was once home to the Byzantine and Ottoman navies, now is world attraction.
The best known monuments, mosques and palaces are situated in the triangular Sultanahmet peninsula, which is home to the Old City. The five pillars of historic Istanbul - Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Haghia Sophia, the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern, are placed there. The labyrinthine arcades of the Covered Bazaar, also known as the Grand Bazaar, is place where you can find over 4,000 shops, selling souvenirs, clothes, and other treats. And the most famous museums can be found in Sultanahmet. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Archaeological Museum, Calligraphy Museum and Mosaic Museum, hold many treasures, and information about Turekey’s history and culture.
Istanbul’s the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents, Europe and Asia. Long time ago, the Old City and some small villages and districts created the European side of Istanbul. Now, they are connected, and create Istanbul. But each part exists as individual unit, and they different activities, budgets, councils and mayors. And they all have a representative in the Municipality Council.
On the other side of the Golden Horn, Istanbul is very modern and sofisticated. Numerous shops, bars, restaurants, clubs and movie theatres, art galleries, bookstores, churches, synagogues and mosques, are all part of Istanbul’s mosaic of Istanbul’s culture. The most elegant neighbourhood is Nişantaşı, and on its streets are situated elite restaurants, designer shops, trendy bars, and exquisite apartment buildings. So, despite of the old, historical parts, you can still have a taste of the modern life there.
The millions of lifes and different personalities, form a mosaic of opinions, and experiences, which makes living in Istanbul constant challenge. More residents live on the Asian side, and this part of Istanbul seems to be missed by the visitors. By visiting it, you can a more authentic vision of Istanbul life, as well as a stunning view of the wonders on the opposite shore. |