Istanbul attractions | Travel Thru History

10 Fun Things to do in Istanbul

Interior view of Hagia Sophia with domes — Interior view of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Istanbul is a lovely city in Turkey that offers a lot of amazing things for one to explore and have fun. The wonderfully unique architecture, the ambience and the beauty of the place make one fall in love with this place. The following are the 10 fun things to do in Istanbul,

Visiting Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is an amazing destination in Istanbul that one should not miss. This is one of the major attractions in Istanbul that has cultural and historical significance. Officially known as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, this was previously a Church and a Museum before becoming a Mosque. The architecture of this building will leave one in complete awe. One should not miss visiting this amazing place. And the Istanbul packages help one to achieve it. The place is open to the public all day a week, 24 hours a day. There is no entry fee to enjoy this place.

Visiting Grand Bazaar

No trip to Istanbul is complete without making a visit to the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest markets in the World and the oldest as well. This is the ultimate destination for shopaholics. This is a covered market that has about 4000 shops. One can find lamps, hand-crafted carpets, ceramics, shoes, clothes and much more. There are also restaurants, cafes and more. One can find something that excites them here. The place is open all day a week, from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening. This is one of the fun things to do in Istanbul.

Nightlife in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the top places in Turkey that has dazzling nightlife. The city lights up at night adding an additional glow and setting up the ambience for nocturnal lovers. The place offers several activities that pave the way to having the ultimate fun. One can have a romantic dinner on the Bosphorus Cruise, shop at the Grand Bazaar at night and have a beautiful night stroll are some of the amazing activities to do at night in Istanbul. To have a wild night, there are several options of bars, clubs and pubs available for one to choose from. There is also a pub crawl option available to have continuous fun.

Exploring street food in Istanbul

Street food in Istanbul has a great reputation and offers the culture’s cuisine at its finest. This is a great activity for all the food lovers out there. One can try out and relish all the delicious delicacies the city has to offer. It is also safe to eat street foods in Istanbul. Some of the most popular street food in Istanbul include Kebab, Kofte, Lahmacun, Balık-Ekmek, pide, Baklava, Simit and Meze to name a few. One can find delicious foods on these street foods in the city. Trying out all of these foods must be at the top of your list while visiting Istanbul.

Going on a Bosphorus Cruise

One of the amazing things about visiting Istanbul is cruising along the calming Bosphorus strait. This is a great activity for one to bond and this is perfectly suitable for family, friends, business trips, solo travellers and kids. One can get to witness the amazing city and its alluring beauty from a panoramic view. The ideal time to take on the cruise is during the evening and one can experience the view and enjoy the cruise along with the dinner and the picturesque sunset. Taking on this cruise is one of the most fun things to do in Istanbul and must not be missed.

Trying the Turkish Bath

The vacation trip to Istanbul is not complete without trying out the famous Turkish Bath. This is much more than a bath and more of a relaxing and therapeutic activity to try out in Istanbul. This is the perfect activity to have the ultimate relaxation on a vacation. One can enjoy the bath that includes scrubbing, foam wash and a massage. The entire bath experience can be finished in 45 minutes. The Turkish Bath is absolutely perfect for the laid-back and relaxing thing to do in Istanbul and is a fun experience overall to try out. One must not miss the Turkish Bath.

Visiting Topkapi Palace Museum

The Topkapi Palace is one of the great examples of the amazing architecture of Istanbul. This is one of the popular attractions in Istanbul that must not be missed. This is one of the largest museums and one can witness several amazing things representing the relics, manuscripts and much more of the Ottoman Empire. The grandeur of the palace can be seen both outsides and inside the palace. Visiting the Topkapi Palace Museum is one of the fun things to do in Istanbul. The palace is open from Wednesday to Monday, with the timings from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening.

Visiting Miniaturk

One should not miss paying a visit to the Miniaturk when in Istanbul. The place is one of the largest miniature parks in the world. This is an attraction that is suitable for people of all ages. At Miniaturk, one can witness the amazing works displayed here. The intricate beautiful miniature models of all the significant monuments of Istanbul, Anatolia and overseas can be seen in one place. There is also a souvenir shop in Miniaturk where one can shop for things to remind of a memorable day. The place is open all day a week, from 9 in the morning to 7 at night.

Visiting the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the architectural and historic wonders in Istanbul that must not be missed. The Mosque is one of the popular choices of attractions among tourists and attracts a lot of people. The interior of the place must be mentioned as it is one of the stunningly intricate things with a great design of tiles and walls. Visiting the Blue Mosque is one of the amazing things to do in Istanbul. The place is open all day a week, from 9 in the morning to 7 in the evening.

Walking in Yıldız Park

Yıldız Park is one of the amazing places in Istanbul that must not be missed. The park has a serene ambience and picturesque location that one must not miss. One of the interesting things about this park was that this was a forest before. This is also one of the largest parks in Istanbul that is best to take a stroll, do a picnic and just lie back. This park is filled with beautiful greenery, birds and flowers. The park is open to the public all day a week, 24 hours a day. This is a great location for people of all ages.

Istanbul offers several fun activities to do while on a tour. So, pack up your bags and get ready to experience all the amazingly fun things!

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Hidden Gems of Istanbul

-“Istanbul was Constantinople; now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople; been a long time gone, Constantinople; now it’s Turkish delight on a moonlit night.” Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – many lives, one soul. The only city in the world straddling two continents (Europe and Asia), like an emperor straddling its pan-continental horse. It’s where Arabian nights fell in love with the West – and vice versa. Its 2500-year-old awe-packed history emits the collective unconscious, giving away glimpses of its well-kept secrets. Istanbul is an ancient mystery veiled in modern outlines and shapes while sublimely preserving its ancestral heritage. It’s where tradition salutes expansion, and expansion bows its head to tradition. It’s a perfect symphony. This Euroasian diamond greets around 5 million tourists (15 million before the COVID-19 era) each year. The funny thing is, they all seem to follow the same itinerary – and where’s the fun in that? These are the hidden gems of Istanbul. Merhaba.

Balat District

Dating back to 1492, this UNESCO World Heritage site has somehow managed to stay off the tourist-itinerary radar. Remaining relatively unknown (and under-visited!), this little hidden gem is where you want to be. Initially a Jewish quarter, this enchanting cobblestone labyrinth has taken a cosmopolitan persona over the centuries. This beautiful neighborhood exudes inclusivity and diversity, from the Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate basilica to Byzantine churches and synagogues. It’s my go-to place whenever I have the time to wander the city. Preserved, colorful ottoman houses are home to anything from hip cafes and restaurants to galleries and venues. It’s where the past meets modern for matinées.

colorful stairs in Balat depict one of the hidden gems of Istanbul — It’s where you want to be.

The Museum of Innocence

As much as I enjoyed visiting Dubai, Istanbul is still my jam, with the Museum of Innocence still being one of my forever favorite go-to places. It’s where your feet involuntarily lead you when your emotional apparatus craves new stimuli (and shedding a tear or two is mandatory). Created by novelist Orhan Pamuk, this 19-century house serves as the author’s tangible counterpart to his novel (also called “The Museum of Innocence”). Set in the 1970s (when Istanbul was becoming more westernized), this hidden gem displays artifacts of a heartbreaking love story. If the mere idea of materialized pages fascinates you, this place is a must-see.

Women’s Bazaar

Yes, I know, you were probably expecting Grand Bazaar – and, you’re correct, it’s absolutely magnificent, but our focus today is on finding some of the finest, well-hidden gems of Istanbul. So. Kadinlar Pazari (also known as Women’s Bazaar) originated in the 1940s as a venue for local housewives and their homemade produce. To be completely honest, it’s no Juliet’s Verona; I wouldn’t recommend it to the timid, as sheep bodies swing in the subtle breeze, and cheese can get a bit hard on the nostrils, making the experience a little less fragrant than expected. Still, this is any foodie’s paradise for the brave hearts out there – from peculiar produce to some of the best spices, dried fruit, and nuts.

drfied fruit — Women’s bazaar is one of the finest hidden gems of Istanbul.

Çukurcuma neighborhood

I just love this one (home to Orhan Pamuk’s museum!). Why do I love it so much? Antique wonderland. You don’t have to be an avid collector; you don’t even have to be curious – it will change your mind without breaking a sweat. From Ottoman antiques and vintage clothing to biscuit boxes and some of the world’s finest embroidery, the streets of Cukurcuma and its 100+ antique shops will steal your heart (and your wallet, too). When my feet start feeling heavy, Çukurcuma Köftecisi is my go-to eatery. Great food, fantastic atmosphere. It’s not all antique this, antique that – Cukurcuma neighborhood is very much connected to its contemporary side. Don’t miss out on some of the finest art galleries Istanbul offers.

Before you embark on your journey

I travel a lot and never really know when I’m coming back home. So, to all you voracious travelers out there, here’s my advice – if you’re busy introducing yourself to the world – rent a storage unit and have your items protected. Not today, breaking and entering!

Belgrad Forest

We’re hitting the trails. I rarely see any tourists when I go out for a hike. Fifty-five thousand hectares of protected woodland. Sounds good? You bet. The Belgrad Forest is one of the most favorite retreat spots for locals, especially during weekends. My special place would have to be the Ataturk Arboretum (I’m a sucker for plants, what can I say), with over 2000 plant species (indigenous and imported) to feast your eyes on. Have you ever witnessed a wild boar preying on a snake? Yes, it’s a thing. The wildlife of Belgrad Forest is, well, WILD. If you’re looking to escape the heat of the city, come on down for a picnic.

forest trail — Let’s get lost in the wilderness.

Old house restaurant

I’ve enjoyed visiting Greece and its historical sites, but I just seem to have an unbreakable bond with Hagia Sophia. It’s just pure magic. And that’s precisely why the Old house restaurant is on my hidden gems list. This family-run place in Sultanahmet is the locals’ best-kept secret (mine, too). Its rooftop overlooks Hagia Sofia and all its glory – without the tourist swarm distracting you from enjoying it. It’s eye-to-eye contact with one of the most breathtaking architectural pieces a human being can witness. Oh, and let’s not forget the food. With the Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine being their forte, you’ll be drowning your taste buds in sea bass and grilled lamb like there’s no tomorrow.

Cağaloğlu Hamam

Pronouncing it might present a challenge, so I would just Google it. My worshiped go-to spot for cleansing. Dating back to 1741, this is one of the last-standing Turkish baths in Istanbul today. Conveniently located near Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar (yet hiding in plain sight!), stopping by after your sightseeing tour and treating yourself to a royal spa experience is mandatory. It’s worth the money, trust me.

Scratching the surface

Discovering hidden gems of Istanbul is very much like scavenger hunting but on a colossal scale. Two-continent scale, to be exact. I hope you find your sweet spot. Güle güle.

About the author:
Myron Paine is a freelance writer, currently working under the Four Winds KSA wing. He travels the world but finds himself hurrying back to Istanbul. And too often. History and bodies of water fascinate him.

Memories of the Orient Express

Istanbul, Turkey

by Inke Piegsa-quischotte

Ever since I read Agatha Christie’s intriguing crime novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, I wanted to travel on that train. To indulge in the gilded luxury of the train itself, let the mysterious landscapes of the Balkans glide past my window and alight at the final destination: Istanbul, the city which straddles two continents. At the beginning of the 20th century, an infatuation with Istanbul and Turkey had taken hold of European society; actors, artists, writers, journalists and plain rich people, flocked to the Bosporus and their favorite means of transport was the Orient Express.

Composed of sleepers, a dining car and a baggage car, the train featured Lalique chandeliers, a piano and the finest crockery and cutlery. The maiden journey started on October 10th 1882 in Paris and reached Istanbul the next day. The menu consisted of no less than seven courses, oysters and turbot in green sauce included, not to mention fine wines and champagne. In 1977 the train ceased to have Istanbul as its final destination and in 2009 the Orient Express disappeared entirely from the time tables. Several other routes continue though and twice a year the historical trip is repeated, at a very stiff price!

Since I couldn’t afford that luxury, I was nevertheless able to relive Orient Express romantic and nostalgia in Istanbul’s Sirkeci gare.

Sirkeci Gare

The pink and white structure of the railway station is located in Eminönü on the shores of the Bosporus. Designed by German architect August Jachmund, it’s the best example of European Orientalism, combining elements of Ottoman architecture with modern amenities such as gas and later electric lighting and heating in winter.

As I entered through the elaborate doors, I could well imagine fur clad ladies in pearls and cloches, tripping along the platform, followed by an army of porters bogged down by travel trunks.

They might rest in the Orient Express restaurant, where I sat down for a coffee and a few baklavas and admired the beautiful stained glass windows and Tiffany lamps which still evoke the atmosphere of times gone by.

As I got up to head for the restrooms, I discovered to my delight a tiny museum right next door which is easily overlooked if you don’t know it’s there.

Orient Express Museum

It’s only one room, but the museum documents the history of the Orient Express and the train station in detail. Old log books are displayed as are conductors’ uniforms, the piano, a table laid with the original cutlery and crockery, tickets and many more memorabilia. Photographs adorn the walls and examples of the technology of the time are on display too. I loved the newspaper clipping of when the train got stuck in a snow storm in Bulgaria, very reminiscent of the plot of Agatha’s novel. Admission is free and you are allowed to take as many photographs as you want.

There is just one single guard watching over the treasures and he is happy to answer your questions.

Another Istanbul landmark closely connected to the Orient Express and Srikeci gare is the Pera Palace Hotel.

Pera Palace Hotel

As affluent Europeans started to descend upon romantic Istanbul, using the Orient Express, they needed an equally elegant place to rest their heads. The city was decidedly short of such type of establishment and that’s how the Pera Palace was conceived. The first super luxury hotel of Istanbul, located in fashionable Beyoglu (then called Pera) opened its door with an inaugural ball in 1892.

Passengers from Sirkeci Gare were carried in sedans all the way up to the Golden Horn and one of these sedans is still displayed in the Pera Palace, next to the elaborate elevator which was the first of its kind in Istanbul. As were other amenities such as hot and cold running water. There are many ‘firsts’ for the Pera Palace, including the first ever fashion show in Istanbul.

Not carried by a sedan but using the tramway running up and down Istaklal Street, I made my way on foot to the Pear Palace. The hotel was closed for nearly four years, undergoing extensive renovations but is now open again. No better place to get a feel for how people traveled in the past than sitting in the Orient Bar, enjoying a cocktail.

Room 411, all decorated in black and red, was Agatha Christie’s favorite room and it was here that she actually wrote her Orient Express mystery. But she isn’t the only famous person having frequented the Pera Palace. Signed photographs of Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, Isadora Duncan and Jackie Kennedy to name but a few look down from the walls. Atatürk was also a frequent visitor, presiding over many a ball.

Even if I wasn’t able to afford a trip on the Orient Express or a stay at the Pera Palace, I could enjoy the atmosphere and easily imagine the past in these three marvelous Istanbul locations, all closely connected to the history of a legendary train.

If You Go:

Istanbul is a city worth a visit any time of the year. However, to avoid tourist crowds and really hot weather, the best seasons are spring and fall. Winters can be quite cold and rainy.

Trains to Greece, the Balkans and beyond still run from Sirkeci Gare. They may not be the Orient Express but you can travel very comfortably in the first class sleepers.

The Pera Palace has an excellent pool, spa and Turkish bath, using products especially made for the hotel in France. A day pass is available for approx. $100, which is a lot less than the average room rate.

About the author:
Inke Piegsa-quischotte is an ex-attorney turned travel writer and novelist. She writes for online travel magazines and has two novels and a travel guide to Galicia/Spain published. She lives between Turkey and Miami. She has just published a book, ‘Istanbul, City of the Green-Eyed Beauty’. Learn more about it here: www.glamourgrannytravels.com

All photographs are by Inke Piegsa-quischotte.

Visiting Istanbul With President Obama

Istanbul, Turkey

by Sandra Harper

Last April, I was in Istanbul when United States President Obama paid a visit to the city. We followed the same itinerary, except I didn’t have the political meetings that Obama had. It was Obama’s first visit to a country where ninety percent of the people are Muslim. He is there to highlight Turkey’s importance in a growing world market. I am there on my second visit to the city to write about how it has changed in the last ten years.

Flying into Istanbul as the sun flickers over the eastern shores of the Bosphorus Straits, the vastness of the city strikes an emotional chord in me. It takes forty-five minutes to drive swiftly from the airport to downtown. Hundreds of thousands of multi-floored, flat-roofed buildings house, at last count, most of the seventeen million people. The population has doubled since my last visit, but I find that, outside the rush hour traffic, Istanbul feels not crowded, but calm. There are buses, trams, trolleys, taxis and an ancient underground – as well as walkways to easily maneuver the city. However, President Obama isn’t using any public transport – only a military plane and a car cavalcade.

My taxi drives up to a modern hotel, called the Titanic – as sleek as its namesake – just off Taskim Square. Across the massive open Square is the old district of Beyoglu, with it web of streets lined with beautiful old buildings housing modern businesses and restaurants. An ancient tram car runs from the waterfront up the hill and through Beyoglu. As the day begins, locals and visitors are hopping on and off the tram to shop, drink coffee, eat and enjoy the moment. Morning hours drift away over Turkish coffee in discussions and debates. Unfortunately, time does not allow the President to experience this aspect of Istanbul for he is only here for the day.

From Beyoglu I can see the 14th century Galata Tower, originally built in the 5th century to spot fires in the city. Today’s world is more concerned with other things. The tower is a perfect first place to experience a panoramic view of Istanbul. After taking a cab there, circular steps and a lift carry me to the top of the ancient tower to savor the scene of the sun beaming over the minarets and domes, mixing with the background of chaotic sounds: calls-to-worship from the Muslim mosques, church bells, blaring sirens and ships’ horns. Perching on the top floor of the tower is much better, I think, than seeing a city from a plane.

Going down to the street again, I dash over to the upper level of the Galata Bridge which throbs with a spirited street market and hordes of fisherman. Going to the lower level, I throw myself into the chaos, all my senses bombarded, and select what to eat. Deep-fried squid makes for a great mid-morning break.

Walking the different neighborhoods of this vast city is the best way to get to know its diversity, its peoples from many parts of the globe, and its exotic sounds, sights, smells and flavors. A sampling of the most important buildings provides an insight into whom and what has developed this complex city. I focus on just a few, finding that my itinerary is exactly the same as President Obama, but at a different time. Too fully explore them all would take a lifetime, but we don’t have that time. I start with the grand Topkapi Palace, an expansive structure overlooking the Bosporus and Sea of Marmara. It could take days to explore so I just focus on the impressive collections in the Imperial Treasury and the rooms of the Harem where the Sultan, his wives and concubines lived. I try to imagine what life must have been like, but I am distracted by the many Turkish women dressed like me, with only some wearing scarves on their heads.

From those places of luxury, I walk through the Sultanahmet Square’s spring gardens of daffodils and tulips to the Sultanahmet Mosque with its perfect domes and sky-reaching minarets. Many Turks are in the mosque as I walk shoeless into its inner sanctum of perfect stillness – so profoundly different than the outside hustle. A brief time later, I enter Hagia Sophia, a mosque turned into a Christian cathedral, and that opens my mind to blending of religions and the world of Byzantine frescoes. Rounding off the experience I move on to the Blue Mosque with its elegant rounded domes.

After all that sightseeing, I manage to find my way to the Spice Market, much like a Farmer’s Market, and then onto the huge Grand Bazaar – an exotic ancient shopping mall that offers buyers the ordinary with the extraordinary. The air drips with the smells of coffee, spices, and dust.

The city is abuzz with speculations of where Obama is now. I decide to head out and miss the party. The traffic is too congested. I take a ferry up the Bosphorous. Along its shores, the houses are like solid matrons – all with freshly painted make-up. I get off and walk awhile to savor the stillness and to have dinner at Bile Mer, Fish of the Sea. A variety of vegetables accompanied by dips is followed by a whole grilled white fish, plus a small custard and coffee. During that time, President Obama has an elaborate dinner with Turkish President Gul, after meeting with students at the university, and leaving them with the message that “States are like big tankers, they’re not like speedboats. You can’t just whip them around and go in another direction.” When I turn round and return into Istanbul, Turks happily report that Obama is effectively promoting the idea that America can work with a Muslim country.

Upon docking, there is a massive traffic jam on the roads as the President is taken back to the airport. I decide to head off in the opposite direction to find the Museum of Modern Art, a large shed-like building on the waterfront for an evening visit. To understand a culture, I like to examine its art. The results of Ataturk sending Turkish artists to study in Paris, France, during 1930-40s grace the walls of this gallery. The variety of art has a sophistication of the abstract form that is world class. It is an excellent example of how exposure to new ideas and ways can make a difference. Too bad Obama had to miss this exhibition.

Istanbul is a city where the present moment sits together with the best of the past. A visitor who comes to Istanbul to experience some of the infinite variety in the city will depart with a greater understanding of the constancy of change and a heightened belief that people can work together. I know I did.

Guided Full Day Highlights of Istanbul private tour

If You Go:

You will get personalized and good travel support with flights, hotels, tours, and guides Fahrettin Gokay at Vanguard Travel Service, Istanbul. Contact: info@vanguard-ts.com; or call +90(216)5671385

Personal Travel Guide, contact Rashat in Istanbul at 05326701369.

For a central hotel try Titanic City Hotel, Taksim Square, Istanbul at www.titaniccityhotel.com. For other hotels, go to www.Istanbul-hotel.net

A great restaurant is Haci Baba Restaurant, Istiklal Cadessi No. 49 in Beyoglu. Tel. 02122441886

One of the great places to visit beyond the usual is the Istanbul Modern Museum in Karakoy. It also has a marvelous cafe and restaurant.

About the author:
Sandra Harper is a world traveller. She flew to Istanbul last April while she was volunteering in Kenya. Next on her agenda is wine tour in the Okanagan and an exploration of Jordan. She writes travel articles and has four books published. See them at www.hawthornepublishing.com.

Photo credits:
Rüstem Paşa Cami, Istanbul, Turkey by Svetlana Gumerova on Unsplash
All other photos are by Sandra Harper.

Turkey: Tracing the Route of Faith

Istanbul, Turkey

by Norman A. Rubin

As visitors to Turkey course their way through the Grand Seraglio, the immense fortress of the Ottomani Sultans (now a museum) at Istanbul along the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn, they listen to the faint echoes of past centuries of greatness. The echoing sounds then lead them along the passage through an important crossroad into the signs of the faith – Judaism, Islam and Christianity. These signs of faith have left an indelible mark in the course of human history.

Turkey has a magnificent past, which is displayed throughout the land – graceful aqueducts build by the Romans, caravansaries dating back to Seljuk Empire of the 11th century, archaeological sites such as Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, Miletas, Perga, etc.. The hinterland shows glimpses of other ancient civilizations – the Hittites, the Khatti, the Phyrygians, the Lydians… and the signs of faith.

The route of faith starts at Haran (Harran). The Bible records that there the Patriarch Abraham came into Canaan from Harran. Abraham sent his servant back to the region of Haran to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:10) and where Jacob spent a score of years. There in that town, Terah, father of Abraham, found his final resting place. “But when they reached Harran, they settled there…” (Gen 11:30-31) Biblical mentions of the Hebrew population in Turkey are numerous: Icononium (present day Konya) is mentioned as having a synagogue in Acts 14:1, and Ephesus is mentioned as having a Synagogue in Acts 19:1:1, etc. Note: Harran is located 10 miles north of the Syrian border along the Balikh River, a tributary of the Euphrates River.

We are all familiar with Mt. Ararat in Eastern Turkey where, according to written tradition of the Old Testament Noah’s ark landed there after the great flood. But, how many people are aware that Turkey was the birthplace of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus? Saint Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra (now Demre-Kale) who lived in AD 300. He was extremely kind and went out at night, taking presents to the needy. Afterwards his fame spread, and over the years it turned into that merry old gentleman associated with Christmas.

Tarsus in south-central Turkey was the birthplace of the Apostle Paul; Antioch (Antakyah) is the site where the followers of the Lord were first called Christians; here Paul and Barnabas were sent on their first mission. Cappadocia (Goreme), in the center of the country, is where the early Christians took refuge from the forces of Roman Empire. And in the small town of Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is the site of the martyrdom of St. Phillip.

St. Sophia Museum in Istanbul is one of the most important monuments of all time. The basilica, built by Emperor Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Emperor Justinian is one of the architectural marvels of the world. The Chora (Kariya), situated nearby, is another important Byzantine monument; the 11th century church’s and mosaics are superb and a sight to behold. The St. Sophia cathedral (now a museum) at Iznik (Nicaea) was the seat of the first (325 AD) and seventh (787AD) ecumenical councils.

Selçuk (present day Izmir) is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Turkey, known for its nearness to the Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Seljukian works of art. On the other hand you can see Basilica of St. John, Ephesus Museum, Isa Bey Mosque, Temple of Artemis and Byzantine Aqueduct in the town. The seven Churches of the Apocalypse are all situated in Anatolia – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea – (Revelation: 1:11-12)

Tokapi Palace in Istanbul houses a most famous exhibit featuring the Prophet Mohammed’s personal belongings. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul is one of the most famous architectural legacies of the Ottoman Empire. The Haci Bayram Veli complex at Ankara contains a 15th century mosque and a shrine to Haci Bayram Veli, a prominent Sufi leader known for his tolerance. In the Mevlana complex at Konya (Iconium) is the tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the most important humanistic Islamic philosophers. There are Seljuk stone carvings on tombs and mausoleums from the 12th and 13th centuries at Ahlat, The Yesil Turbe (Green Shrine) at Bursa is a 15th century monumental Ottoman complex consisting of tombs, mosques from 13th and 14th centuries, and a Medresse (theological) school, a marvel to behold.

The ‘Sites of Faith’ are found in varied religious and historical texts – museums in all the major cities have on exhibition the archaeological and historical wealth of the country.

Guided Full Day Highlights of Istanbul private tour

Additional Information:

Ministry of Tourism, Government of Turkey
821 United Nations Plaza, New York, 10017 – Tel: (212) 687-2194
Fax: (212) 599-7568 E-mail: ny@tourismturkey.org
1717 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20036 Tel: (202) 612-6800
Fax: (202) 319-7446 E-mail: dc@tourismturkey.org

NOTE:

1) Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, the country has an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches, touring the rich heritage of the land, or for enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes. Shopping is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey, which offers a rich variety of traditional handicraft: Your only difficulty will be in deciding what to choose from the many tempting bargains. Turkish cuisine is known for the richness of flavors that never fail to delight and the coffee served in cafes is famous throughout the world.

2) A passport and visa are required. Passport holders can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for $20 cash if they are traveling to Turkey as tourists. For further information contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey at 2525 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 612-6700, or the Turkish consulates general in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York.
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

About the author:
Norman A. Rubin is a former correspondent for the Continental News Service (USA), now retired – busy writing articles and stories for Net sites and magazines worldwide – see ‘Google.com’ under the author’s name for a review of his written work. Contact: normrub2000@gmail.com

Photo credits:
Topkapi Palace interior by Arif Yasa from Pixabay
All other photos are by Norman A. Rubin.