Istanbul
One of the world's most magical and evocative cities, viewed by the West as the gateway to the East with all its tantalizing promise, Istanbul is the only city to stand astride two continents. Europe is separated from Asia by the hilly straits of the Bosporus, and parts of the European city are separated by the inlet of the Golden Horn, one of the world's most sheltered harbors. This abundance of water is Istanbul's other special charm.
It has been the capital of three world empires, the Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman, and has borne three names - Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul. For nearly 1,000 years it was the most important city in the Western and near-Eastern worlds.
Political power moved to Ankara in 1923, along with all the government ministries and embassies, leaving Istanbul for the first time in 16 centuries without the status of capital of an empire. But for all that, Istanbul remains Turkey's cultural and commercial capital, generating some 40 per cent of the gross national product.
The city has doubled its population every 15 years since 1950 because of immigration from the countryside. the 2005 census revealed a population in excess of 12 million people. Its infrastructure, not surprisingly, has been unable to keep pace, and there is terrific pressure on roads and services.There are many sprawling dormitory suburbs, unplanned and unsightly, though the average visitor will remain blissfully unaware of them.
It has been the capital of three world empires, the Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman, and has borne three names - Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul. For nearly 1,000 years it was the most important city in the Western and near-Eastern worlds.
Political power moved to Ankara in 1923, along with all the government ministries and embassies, leaving Istanbul for the first time in 16 centuries without the status of capital of an empire. But for all that, Istanbul remains Turkey's cultural and commercial capital, generating some 40 per cent of the gross national product.
The city has doubled its population every 15 years since 1950 because of immigration from the countryside. the 2005 census revealed a population in excess of 12 million people. Its infrastructure, not surprisingly, has been unable to keep pace, and there is terrific pressure on roads and services.There are many sprawling dormitory suburbs, unplanned and unsightly, though the average visitor will remain blissfully unaware of them.
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Nightlife in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world and a well known tourist destination. More famous for its historical sites dating back to 660 B.C. and curious oriental lifestyle, visitors don`t expect much from nightlife in the metropolis. Actually Istanbul`s animated nightlife offers thousands of options which guarantee a good time experience. After enjoying the classical tour of the city`s unparalleled beauty and cultural richness, tourists can choose from a variety of night clubs, pubs, restaurants and taverns with live music.
Haghia Sophia
Haghia Sophia or St. Sophia lies near the famous Hippodrome in Instanbul, formerly Constantinopole, right in the middle of the Golden Horn, the narrow inlet that houses the most beautiful monuments in the city, including the Topaki Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans. The church, dedicated to Divine Wisdom ( its name in Greek), was built by Emperor Justinian in A.D. 532-37 after a violent popular insurrection had caused a fire that destroyed the preceding basilica. It was the largest Christian church in the world until 1453, when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks and it was converted into mosque, complete with minarets and the furnishings typical of the Islamic religion.
Haghia Sophia or St. Sophia lies near the famous Hippodrome in Instanbul, formerly Constantinopole, right in the middle of the Golden Horn, the narrow inlet that houses the most beautiful monuments in the city, including the Topaki Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans. The church, dedicated to Divine Wisdom ( its name in Greek), was built by Emperor Justinian in A.D. 532-37 after a violent popular insurrection had caused a fire that destroyed the preceding basilica. It was the largest Christian church in the world until 1453, when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks and it was converted into mosque, complete with minarets and the furnishings typical of the Islamic religion.
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