Trip To Istanbul: Sightseeing

I’m going for a five days trip to Istanbul. I heard it’s a beautiful city with all its historical sites and its delicious food.

I’ll be posting pictures from there, about food, scenes, streets of Istanbul.

Here i am back from a 5 days vacation to Istanbul exhausted from walking all day long yet fascinated by the beauty of the city. The fact that you can see the asian side while being on the european side is amazing. The weather was sunny, just great, clear blue sky. The hotel where we stayed was in Taksim square; it’s a huge square full of people, day and night, buses, cars, noises, restaurants, cafés; Istanbul is full of life, people are so energetic, so alive. 

You just can’t be bored in Istanbul. I just loved it.

The pictures below were taken from the Galata Tower that affords a panoramic view of Istanbul.

Bosphorus Bridge

Topkapi Palace

More photos inside… 

Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

Galata Bridge & the Golden Horn

 

As you can see in the first picture, the Bosphorus that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus Bridge, a strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia.

Second picture, the Topkapi Palace, which was the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1856. Royal entertainments and state occasions were held in the Palace. The Palace contains a big collection of the Ottoman treasure as well as porcelains, robes, weapons and jewelry and much more.

  

In the third picture, the Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmet (blue) Mosque. You are just amazed how huge and beautiful they are.

Hagia Sophia is a former orthodox basilica. In 1453, when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, Sultan Mehmed II ordered the basilica to be converted into a mosque. The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed and many of the mosaics were plastered over. Many Islamic features were added later under the Ottomans, such as the four minarets. In 1935 it was converted into a museum by the Republic of Turkey.

Hagia Sophia

The historical Sultan Ahmed (blue) Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. It is known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interiors.

Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

The most magnificient, and glamorous building i visited in Istanbul was the Dolmabahçe Palace. In 1856, the Sultans moved from Topkapi Palace to the new palace, the Dolmabahçe Palace, built between 1843 and 1856. The Palace is known for its european style;  its Baroque, Rococo & Neoclassical style gave the palace its uniqueness. Touring the Palace, you are mesmerized by the Baccarat cristal chandeliers, the gold, the “trompe l’oeil” paintings, the draperies, French style furniture, porcelains vases. A true master-piece. Most of these treasures were brought from different countries like France, England, Italy, China, Egypt; as many were gifts from kings and queens. Paintings and ceilings were made by French, Italian and Russian artists. Words cannot explain. We were stunned, amazed. It was a great experience. You must go and visit the palace. If  i ever go again to Istanbul, i’ll definitely visit the Dolmabahçe Palace. I didn’t post any picutres of the Palace from inside because it’s not permitted to take pictures.

 

One more thing about Istanbul i almost forgot to mention is the Istiklal (meaning: Independance) street in Beyoglu, Istanbul. It is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul. It is visited by millions of tourists every day. It has half-European, half-Asian culture. It is a pedestrian street with cafés, restaurants, pubs, patisseries, churches, clothes stores, music and book stores, live music band on both sides. A historic tram passes through the street. If you walk in the street, by day or by night, it is always crouded, full of people, tourists, and if you were a group or a couple you have to either hold hands or make sure to stay together, otherwise you can lost each other. I liked it alot, it is full of life, full of energy.

Istiklal Street, by day

Istiklal Street, by night

I have posted below few pictures of the sightseeing in Istanbul. Enjoy.

Gate of the Sultan - Dolmabahçe Palace

Blue Mosque seen from the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia

The Galata Tower

Garden of the Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace Clock Tower

Picture taken from a ferry

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