Istanbul
Turkey
A few words
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a powerful economic, cultural and social centre. Istanbul is half in the european side of Turkey, while a third of the population lives on the asian side of the country. For the Greeks, the City has a special significance, as it is the symbol of the Byzantine Empire and landmark of the orthodox doctrine. Beyond the historical events, Istanbul is a modern city that perfectly combines the tradition of the East with the modern western mindset. If you wish to make a romantic ride on the Bosphorus, visit to Hagia Sophia and to obtain spices from the various markets, then Istanbul will steal the impressions!
History
The history of Istanbul begins the 667 B.C. where was the location of the Greek city Byzantium. During the establishment of the Byzantine Empire, the Emperor Constantine moved the centre of Empire there, and called it Constantinople in his honor. The choice of this city was made for geostrategic reasons, as it is a crossroads between Europe and Asia. The years of the Byzantine empire, Istanbul has experienced incredible growth and glory, as it was the centre of the world. In addition was the center of the Greek element and the base of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 1453, the city passed into the hands of the Ottoman Empire, while today the official name is Istanbul, as it is officially named the Turkish Republic in the 1930s. Today, the city is one of the most populated cities in the world to 15,52 million residents, while more than 40 million tourists visiting Turkey annually.
Sights
Istanbul is full of historic sights, which date from the time of the Byzantine Empire. The church of Agia Sofia is one of the biggest symbols of Orthodoxy and dominates the centre of the city. The first temple was built by the emperor Constantine, while perfected by the emperor Justinian in 537 A.D.. During the Ottoman Empire, the temple was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and today operates as a museum, which everyone can visit. Across the street from the Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque, another of the attractions that are worth to visit. This magnificent mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 in honor of the Sultan Ahmet the first. The mosque took its name from the blue tiles of Iznik, which decorate the space, while in windows there are over 200 stained glass that decorate in a special way the space. Don't miss to visit the Basilica Cistern of Justinian, which is located near the Hagia Sophia. It is the largest underground cistern in Istanbul. Another important attraction of the city is the ottoman topkapi palace, where lived the Muhammad until the end of his life. The Bosphorus divides Istanbul into european and asian, and is the ideal place to enjoy a romantic cruise, but also to visit the impressive princes' islands. In addition, in the area of Fanari, stands the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is the first class among the Orthodox Churches until today. Finally, the Taksim square is the central square of the city with many shops, while the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest closed markets in the world.
What to eat
The Turkish cuisine has flavors of the East, and has a lot in common with the Greek kitchen. All the dishes of the local cuisine have strong spices. Don't miss the opportunity to try the well-known specialties Hunkar Begendi, Tavuk Gogsu, Kebap and lahmacun. When it comes to deserts, don't forget to try Turkish baklava and ice-cream. To accompany your meal choose Turkish tea or coffee, which looks like the Greek but with a stronger taste. Finally, in every corner of Istanbul you will find stores that offer hookahs.
Nightlife
Istanbul has many options for nightlife, from traditional shops with live music until modern club with western music. The area of Kadikoy features several bars and clubs, while a lot of options you can find in Taksim square. If you want to experience an authentic Turkish night with oriental rhythms select places with live music and often belly dancers. In addition, one of the most special things to do during your stay in Istanbul is to watch the dance of the whirling Dervish.
Useful information
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira and 1 euro corresponds to 6.64 pounds.
Istanbul is one hour ahead from the time of Greece, while the phone prefix is 0090.
The city has two airports: Sabiha International Airport (ISG), which is 44,8 kilometers from the center of the city, and the airport is Istanbul (IST), which is 40,7 kilometers away.
A few words
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a powerful economic, cultural and social centre. Istanbul is half in the european side of Turkey, while a third of the population lives on the asian side of the country. For the Greeks, the City has a special significance, as it is the symbol of the Byzantine Empire and landmark of the orthodox doctrine. Beyond the historical events, Istanbul is a modern city that perfectly combines the tradition of the East with the modern western mindset. If you wish to make a romantic ride on the Bosphorus, visit to Hagia Sophia and to obtain spices from the various markets, then Istanbul will steal the impressions!
History
The history of Istanbul begins the 667 B.C. where was the location of the Greek city Byzantium. During the establishment of the Byzantine Empire, the Emperor Constantine moved the centre of Empire there, and called it Constantinople in his honor. The choice of this city was made for geostrategic reasons, as it is a crossroads between Europe and Asia. The years of the Byzantine empire, Istanbul has experienced incredible growth and glory, as it was the centre of the world. In addition was the center of the Greek element and the base of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 1453, the city passed into the hands of the Ottoman Empire, while today the official name is Istanbul, as it is officially named the Turkish Republic in the 1930s. Today, the city is one of the most populated cities in the world to 15,52 million residents, while more than 40 million tourists visiting Turkey annually.
Sights
Istanbul is full of historic sights, which date from the time of the Byzantine Empire. The church of Agia Sofia is one of the biggest symbols of Orthodoxy and dominates the centre of the city. The first temple was built by the emperor Constantine, while perfected by the emperor Justinian in 537 A.D.. During the Ottoman Empire, the temple was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and today operates as a museum, which everyone can visit. Across the street from the Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque, another of the attractions that are worth to visit. This magnificent mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 in honor of the Sultan Ahmet the first. The mosque took its name from the blue tiles of Iznik, which decorate the space, while in windows there are over 200 stained glass that decorate in a special way the space. Don't miss to visit the Basilica Cistern of Justinian, which is located near the Hagia Sophia. It is the largest underground cistern in Istanbul. Another important attraction of the city is the ottoman topkapi palace, where lived the Muhammad until the end of his life. The Bosphorus divides Istanbul into european and asian, and is the ideal place to enjoy a romantic cruise, but also to visit the impressive princes' islands. In addition, in the area of Fanari, stands the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is the first class among the Orthodox Churches until today. Finally, the Taksim square is the central square of the city with many shops, while the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest closed markets in the world.
What to eat
The Turkish cuisine has flavors of the East, and has a lot in common with the Greek kitchen. All the dishes of the local cuisine have strong spices. Don't miss the opportunity to try the well-known specialties Hunkar Begendi, Tavuk Gogsu, Kebap and lahmacun. When it comes to deserts, don't forget to try Turkish baklava and ice-cream. To accompany your meal choose Turkish tea or coffee, which looks like the Greek but with a stronger taste. Finally, in every corner of Istanbul you will find stores that offer hookahs.
Nightlife
Istanbul has many options for nightlife, from traditional shops with live music until modern club with western music. The area of Kadikoy features several bars and clubs, while a lot of options you can find in Taksim square. If you want to experience an authentic Turkish night with oriental rhythms select places with live music and often belly dancers. In addition, one of the most special things to do during your stay in Istanbul is to watch the dance of the whirling Dervish.
Useful information
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira and 1 euro corresponds to 6.64 pounds.
Istanbul is one hour ahead from the time of Greece, while the phone prefix is 0090.
The city has two airports: Sabiha International Airport (ISG), which is 44,8 kilometers from the center of the city, and the airport is Istanbul (IST), which is 40,7 kilometers away.
- GENERAL INFORMATION
