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Istanbul, once known as the capital of
capital cities is the only city in the world to straddle two continents,
and the only one to have been a capital during two consecutive
empires -
the Christian Byzantine Empire and the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Once as
the
capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul still remains the commercial,
historical and cultural capital of Turkey (although not the capital
anymore). Istanbul's beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient
and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly
all exist in Istanbul.
Having served two
completely different empires as the capital for over 2000 years, you can
visit many touristic sites in Istanbul. The ancient churches, mosques, palaces, museums
and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of
Taksim and Nisantasi, the huge shopping centers (the second biggest mall
of the world) buzzes with life and entertainment. And the shining
beauty of the Bosphorus, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of
peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.
 Istanbul is an
international art and cultural center. Istanbul International Arts and
Cultural Festival is held each year in June with famous artists coming
from all over the world. These performances are held at the Istanbul Ataturk
Cultural Center. The Istanbul Science Center, founded by
the Science Center Foundation and located on the campus of Istanbul
Technical University, has hands-on experimental and theoretical
opportunities for adults and children from different educational levels. Those
who enjoy classical music can visit the Cemal Resit Rey Hall.
Operas, operettas, ballets, concerts, films, exhibitions and conferences
all contribute to the cultural palette of Istanbul.
 Istanbul also has a
rich program of night entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid
entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish
songs to oriental
belly-dancing. Alongside these are modern discos (try
the ones on the Bosphorus shore), cabarets, and
jazz clubs in the Taksim-Harbiye district. In Sultanahmet district, there are a
number of restaurants restored in Byzantine and Ottoman buildings
offering a unique setting for an evening out.
 Kumkapi, with its many
taverns, bars and fish restaurants, is another attractive district.
People have been meeting for years at Cicek Pasaji in the district of
Beyoglu for raki and seafood specialties. Also in the area near Cicek
Pasaji is the narrow Nevizade Street, which is the best place in
Istanbul for eating Turkish specialties and drinking raki, the special
Turkish alcoholic drink.
On the Bosphorus shore,
Ortakoy is the best place for nightlife in Istanbul, with its
nightclubs, jazz clubs, line seafood restaurants and bars. There
are very high quality restaurants along the Bosphorus shore with a
magnificent view of the Bosphorus.
There are numerous accommodation facilities, from 5 star well-known hotels to small pensions or youth hostels and aparts, are available in Istanbul. |
