Istanbul is located in Turkey, which is its largest city and since Istanbul dates back to about three thousand years, it is also one of the worlds oldest cities. You might remember that Istanbul used to be known as Constantinople, named after the Roman emperor, Constantine. But, you might not know that when the city was first founded, it was known as Byzantium.
Istanbul is sliced in half by the Bosphorus strait, so one half rests in Asia, while the other half is in Europe. It's the only city in the world that actually can state that they are located in two continents.
Istanbul abounds with culture, tourism, shopping, the arts and entertainment, and education. It is a city known for its bazaars, Ottoman mansions and Byzantine churches. The summers are hot and sticky while the winters are cold and wet. Commerce has a huge role in Istanbul because it is also a major port and is the center of Turkey's economic life.
The population of Istanbul is approximately 15 million. It's a melting pot consisting of neighborhoods shaped by many different ethnic communities such as the Sephardic Jews, Armenian Christians, and the Greek Orthodox Christians.
As for tourism, for a truly unique experience, shopping in Istanbul can be the ultimate experience. The Covered Bazaar has well over 4,000 stalls and shops that are located right in the old city. It's a Turkish tradition to shop at the bazaar and an experience not to miss. The local crafts are astounding, and you won't leave empty handed when there's so much quality items to choose from, like jewelry, spices, carpets, leather goods and pottery.
If shopping at the covered bazaars don't interest you, then you must shop at the Taksim – Sisli – Nisantasi areas of the city. These are modern shops and buildings where you will find up-to-date fashions made with Turkey's high quality textiles.
The International Arts and Cultural Festival is considered one of Istanbul's major cultural event. It's held every year during the summer months and attracts performing artists from around the world by sheer reputation alone. As for traditional Turkish delights, the nightclubs all throughout the city provide belly-dancing and disco, hip-hop and electro for the non-traditionalist.
After a day of shopping and a night of dancing, the Turkish baths are a relaxing way to rejuvenate ones mind and body with a wonderful massage and steam bath while drinking traditional Turkish tea.
Besides the traditional Turkish cuisine, many dishes are influenced by the cultures of the Mediterranean and the Far East. Most sidewalk cafes, eateries and fine dining restaurants are reasonably priced and will not disappoint any foodie looking for the traditional kebap, lokum, baklava or a nice raki. But, save room for Turkey's renown coffees, which tastes are far removed from any other coffees found around the world, and the true Turkish delight: a small cube flavored with rose water and dusted with sugar.
All the delights of Istanbul are there to be experienced by everyone, from it's rich history to its diverse culture, from the historical homes and buildings to crossing bridges over the Bosphorus, from the shops at the bazaars to the restaurants, there nothing one can't experience, but most important are the people of Istanbul, they will make your experience unforgettable. |
