Istanbul sights

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Beylerbey Palace
Beilerbey Palace in Turkey
The facade of the Beilerbey Palace on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul
In French Neo-Baroque style it was used to be the summer residence of Turkish sultans and was also used to receive many high-ranking guests. It was first erected in 1829, but a fire destroyed it to the ground, and in 1865 in its place grew a beautiful structure of white marble - this is exactly the appearance that has survived to this day. The interior is in contrast to the exterior - the interior reflects the traditional Ottoman style. Everything inside is symmetrical, the rooms are richly decorated and astonishingly rich - the floor is covered with large Egyptian carpets, the ceiling is decorated with Arabic ligature, massive intricate chandeliers hang from above, the interior is decorated with porcelain vases. A striking example of Eastern luxury is demonstrated in the Celebration Hall, also called the Blue Hall.

Basilica Cistern

The site is a 4th century reservoir located well below ground level. Previously it was the main water reservoir in Constantinople - the liquid flowed here from the nearby forest. The ceiling of the cistern is supported by more than 330 columns of marble imported from Byzantine cathedrals. At the end of the 20th century, the Basilica was given the status of a museum - it was restored and equipped with a system of illumination.

Grand Bazaar
What to visit in Istanbul for shopping lovers? This huge covered market is about 3.7 thousand square meters in size. Bazaar with 66 streets began its work in the 15th century. At present, there are about 4 thousand stores and benches. On the territory also operates a school and a bath, temple and currency exchange, warehouses and restaurants. What can you buy? Absolutely everything: spices and herbs, souvenirs and fabrics, Turkish carpets and precious jewelry, clothing and shoes. Your trip here will be unforgettable: the Grand Bazaar has its own unique atmosphere.

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Blue Mosque
Your trip to the capital should definitely include a visit to this early 17th century building. The architectural delights in the styles of the mosque are Ottoman and Byzantine. Precious and unique breeds of marble were used for the construction work. Iznik ceramic tiles, with which the facade of the temple is tiled, have a beautiful blue color. It is thanks to them the Sultanahmet Mosque got its second name.

Topkapi Palace
One of Istanbul's most famous palaces, which is worth including in the list of "major attractions in Turkey." For the first half of the 18th century the beautiful castle was home to the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. The palace territory is divided into separate zones, each of which has its own entrance: there are inner chambers and harem, chancellery and treasury, service and office halls. Currently, this palace is considered the largest in terms of area museum complex of the world: it is necessary to examine such sights of Istanbul, allocating a whole day. By the way, in Topkapı you can have a cup of tea and a snack - there is a cozy cafe with views of the Bosphorus.

Hagia Sophia Cathedral

Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul
The site of this Byzantine-era architectural monument was originally the site of an ancient acropolis. Construction work began on the orders of Emperor Justinian in 532. After Constantinople fell, from an Orthodox church the cathedral became a mosque, joining several more minarets, for a long time. Over its centuries-long history the building with its 55-meter dome has been raided and destroyed more than once. But it has survived, preserving the tombs of sultans, calligraphic phrases in Muslim and Byzantine mosaic icons inside.

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