The only city in the world
to be built on two continents, Europe and Asia...

Istanbul stands on the shores of the Bosphorus where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with the Sea of Marmara. The famous Golden Horn, estuary of the Bosphorus, further marks the banks of the Old City.

Few cities are so delightful to discover as Istanbul: she is not only historic, she is also a magnificent big city, vivid and fascinating, with an infinite variety. Nowhere else are you more likely to experience the contrast between East and West, old and new.

History

The earliest human settlement is Istanbul reaches back to the Paleolithic Age. The oldest name by which the place is known is Lygos. The name of Byzantion, founded in 660 B.C. comes from Byzas, the first king who settled here.

The city quickly became an important commercial center and accepted Roman protection. In 330, the Byzantine Emperor Constantine declared it his capital and the new name was adopted: Constantinople. Throughout the Middle Age, it was the most important center of culture, art, politics and trade. Istanbul became the capital of the Ottoman Empire after its conquest by Sultan Mehmet in 1453. Although the seat of the government was moved to Ankara with the Republic, Istanbul retained the first place in the economy and culture of Turkey.

Climate

Istanbul is located between 41.33-40.28 north latitude and enjoys the four seasons. This is a transition between Mediterranean and Black Sea climates, with hot and dry summers and pleasantly warm spring and fall. Winters are cold but snow is rare. The vegetation is predominantly of the Mediterranean type.

Min/max temperatures: January and February 35/48, April 44/61, May 53/70, June 61/79, July and August 65/86, October 53/69, December 37/52.

Education and Health

Six of the twenty-nine universities in Turkey are located in Istanbul, with faculties offering education in all subjects, from engineering to fine arts, economics to literature. The general level of the education is of high standard. There are also several foreign schools with the advantage of a second language from early years. Istanbul is as much a center from the standpoint of health, with several hospitals equipped with modern instruments.

The place of Istanbul in the Turkish Economy

Industry developed first in and around Istanbul; there is also an extensive small-scale manufacturing; it is an important port and a large part of Turkey's foreign trade is conducted from Istanbul; the city receives also a large share of the country's tourism potential.

As a consequence, it is also the country's center for banking and insurance.

Congress, Fair, Exhibitions

With the increasing number of five-star hotels that opened in recent years, as well as the various halls that have been built to house congresses, conventions, fairs, Istanbul made important strides in the area of cultural tourism. Numerous official and private exhibitions and congresses of international level are held each year.

Many hotels offer large meeting rooms with all facilities. In addition the following halls are available for large congresses and functions:

Abdi Ipekci Sports Hall
Hilton Convention Center
Lutfu Kirdar

Airport

Istanbul's International Ataturk Airport is on the European side of the city, 20 km (12.5 miles) from the center, with separate terminal buildings for international and domestic flights.
Telephone: 212 - 663 64 00

The Hippodrome

Dating back to 203 B.C. under the Roman Rule, the Hippodrome was the largest race track in the ancient times. The monuments of the spina (central line) which survived until our days are the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column and Constantine's Column.

The Blue Mosque

Built in 1617 by order of Sultan Ahmet I. The only mosque in the world with six minarets. Named Blue mosque after the color of the beautiful tiles decorating the interior.

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

In the 16-century Palace of Ibrahim Pasha. All eras are represented with various art objects, from stone sculptures-tiles-glassware to manuscripts, kilims, precious metals.

Topkapi Palace

In 1465, Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror of Istanbul, ordered the construction of the first palace; his successors added new pavilions, thus spreading the Palace to a total area of 70,000 square meters. The ottoman sultans lived in and administered the Empire from this Palace until the 19th century. Today a museum, the kitchens house 12,000 pieces of porcelain including a rare Chinese porcelain collection.The treasury section displays one of the richest selection of jewels and precious stones and gold objects. The visit through the Palace also leads to the collection of clocks, the Relics of the Prophet and the Baghdad Kiosk which is a beautiful sample of ottoman interior.

St. Sophia

First built by the Emperor Constantine then re-built by Emperor Justinianus in the 6th century, this magnificent example of architecture rises with dignity in the Old City. Besides the dome which wins admiration by its height and size, the mosaics and frescoes decorating the walls are unique examples of Byzantine Art.

The Underground Cistern

Built in the 6th century, and the largest of the Byzantine cisterns. A fascinating construction with 336 columns, most with Corinthian capitals, linked by vaults. The cistern supplied a large part of the city water during Byzantine and ottoman times.

Chora Church

The building in its present form was completed in the 11th century. Described as the richest mosaics museum in situ. The mosaics follow an iconographic order and have a rare quality. When the church was converted to a mosque after the conquest by the Turks, these were covered by plaster; ironically enough, the Islam faith which forbids representation of human figures, preserved them until our century when, with the removal of the plaster by specialists, the mosaics were revealed in their original brightness.

Archaeological museum

The museum was started in 1891 by Osman Hamdi Bey, the first Turkish archeologist of international reputation. The rich collection comprises Greek, Roman, prehistoric sculptures, sarcophagi, model temples, jewels, coins.... from Turkey and neighbor countries. The highlight of the visit is the so-called Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.

Bosphorus Cruise

Witness to great loves since the mythological times when Zeus pursued Io over seas, this 19-mile long strait between Asia and Europe is also a celebration to nature and architecture. The cruise aboard a deluxe private motorboat reveals the mystical privacy of old wooden houses and palaces rubbing shoulders with modern villas.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent ordered a mosque appropriate to his title, to be built by architect Sinan. Completed in 1557, this is the finest architectural work of the ottoman art. Following the tradition, a full complex was also built around the mosque, including schools, market place, library, hospital, public kitchen and fountain.

The Spice Bazaar

Or the Egyptian market, so-called as the first goods sold here were imported from Egypt. Built in 1660 as part of the Yeni Mosque, the entrance is marked by a monumental gate. All kinds of spice and herbs fill the atmosphere with their aroma; also delicatessen and coffee and nuts counters offer the best quality and a choice of different tastes.

The Grand Bazaar is an experience in itself

The construction started in the 15th century, right after the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmet, and galleries were added during the years to form today's labyrinth of shops, grouped in streets according to the trade. Silver, jewel, leather goods, carpets, antics, copper, even furniture make the Bazaar also today a major shopping center for natives and tourists alike.

Sadberk Hanim Museum

It is founded by the Vehbi Koc Family Foundation. It is located in the Sariyer district in a European style wooden house and exhibits rare items used in the 19th century everyday life which were collected by the Koc Family over the years. These objects are valuable from the ethnographical point of view and are displayed in a modern way in different halls of the house.

Aya Irini (St. Irene)

This church built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century A.D. was the main church of the city and the seat of the bishopry Saint Sophia was built. The church was burnt with the surrounding buildings during Nika riots and was rebuilt by Justinian. During the reign of Sultan Ahmet III the arms inside were arrange and it was turned into a museum. The big cross decorating the apse of the Saint Irene church is one of the rare mosaic samples of the Iconoclastic Period.

Golden Horn

The Golden Horn, a horn-shaped estuary, divides European Istanbul. One of the best natural harbors in the world, the Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial shipping interests were centered here. Today, lovely parks and promenades line the shores. In the setting sun, the water shines a golden color. At Fener, a neighborhood midway up the Golden Horn, whole streets of old wooden houses and churches date from Byzantine times. The Orthodox Patriarchy resides here. Eyup, a little further up, reflects the Ottoman style of vernacular architecture. Cemeteries sprinkled with dark cypress trees cover the hillsides. It is always busy here with pilgrims coming to the tomb of Eyup in the hope that their prayers will be granted. The Pierre Loti Cafe atop the hill overlooking the shrine is a wonderful place to enjoy the tranquillity of the view.

Mosques

Eyup Sultan Mosque the first mosque built in Istanbul following its conquering by the Ottomans. In 1458, during Sultan Mehmet (the conqueror) era, it was built along with its tomb. Suleymaniye Mosque One of the prime examples of the Islamic architecture. The Suleymaniye collection is the second largest collection with its social and cultural ties following the Mehmet the Conqueror collection. Was built between the years 15501557, during the era of Suleyman the Magnificent by Mimar (Architect) Sinan. Rustem Pasa Mosque The mosque is known as a museum of encaustic tile displaying the 16th century Iznik tile works. Sultan Ahmet Mosque Was built between the years 1609-1616, during the era of Sultan Ahmet I, by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, due to the magnificence of the mosques encaustic tiles, the second name of the mosque is Blue Mosque. The remaining important mosques of Istanbul may be identified as: Fatih Mosque, Firuzaga Mosque, Takkeci Ibrahim Aga Mosque, Atik Ali Pasa Mosque, Beyazit Mosque, Sultan Selim Mosque, Haseki Mosque, Mihrimah Mosque (located in Uskudar), Mihrimah Mosque (located in Edirnekapi), Sehzade Mosque, Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque, Yeni Mosque, Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Yeni Valide Mosque (located in Uskudar), NuruOsmaniye Mosque, Laleli Mosque, Nusretiye Mosque, Dolmabahce Mosque (Maritime Museum), Ortakoy Mosque, Valide Mosque, and Hamidiye Mosque.

Historical Heritage

Istanbul Wall Gates The walls surrounding Istanbul were repaired after the conquering of the city, with the exception of the land side. There are 57 gates at the Halic and Marmara sides of the city enabling access and exit.Small St. Sophia Mosque (Sergios Bakhos Church) Was built during the era of Emperor Justiniaus in 527-536. And was dedicated to the memory of two saints named Sergios and Bakhos. Hagia Eirene Church (Aya Irina) Located in the court yard of Topkapi palace. It is one of the first Christian art works of Istanbul. During the Istanbul Festival is being used as concert hall. Zeyrek Church-Mosque (Pantakrator Monastery Church) It is the leading church of one of the most important monastery complexes of the Byzantine era. Was formed by three churches. The larger church was built during the era of loannes Kommnenos the II and his first wife Eirene (1118 - 1143), and was dedicated to Jesus Christ. Khora Monastery (Kariye Mosque) It was claimed to be a small church or a chapel outside the walls of Constantinople, and was built during the era of Constantine the Great. During the era of Emperor Justinien, the monastery was renovated by a monk named Theodore, but was demolished during the 6 October 557 earthquake, and was rebuilt by the Emperor Justinien's orders in a more magnificent manner.

During the Turkish Republic era, Kariye became a museum. The most attractive part of Kariye are the tile decorations realized during the first quarter of the XIV century in Paleologos era. St. Sophia (Ayasofya) The construction of this structure which was built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul and was planned by Constantine the Great. In fact the foundation was personally laid by the Emperor himself. The completion and opening of the St. Sophia with a magnificent ceremony in the year 360 for worship was realized by the Emperor's son Constantine. The remaining Palace and Churches from Byzantine era are as follows: The Big Palace (Buyuk Saray), Hormisdas Palace (Catladikapi Byzantium Palace), Tekfur Palace Hebdomon (Tekfur Sarayi), Studios Monastery Church (Imrahor Ilyas Bey Mosque), Hagia Euphemla Martyrion (next to Palace of Justice in Sultanahmet), Hagios Theodoros (Vefa Church Mosque), Nyrelaion Monastery Church (Bodrum Mosque in Laleli), Eglise d'Hagia Thekia (Atik Mustafa Pasa Mosque in Ayvansaray), Gul (Rose) Mosque (in Cibali), Ahmet Pasa Masjid (in Carsamba), Pantepoptes Monastery Church (Eski Imaret Mosque), Akataleotos Monastery (Kalenderhane Mosque in Sehzadebasi), Lios Monastery Church (Fenari Isa Mosque), Koca Mustafa Pasa Mosque, Pammakaristos Monastery Church (Fethiye Mosque), Moukhilotissa (or Panaghiotissa) Church, Petra Theodokos Church (Odalar Mosque).

Dolmabahçe Palace

One of the places in Istanbul that must be seen. This magnificent palace situated along the Bosphorus was constructed in the mid nineteenth century by Sultan Abdulmecid. It has 285 impressively decorated rooms and 43 halls. In wealth and magnificence the Dolmabahce Palace surpasses any palace in the world. The walls and ceilings are covered with paintings by famous artists and with decorations made by using tons of gold. Ataturk used to stay in this palace during his visits to Istanbul and this is also the palace where he died.

Industrial museum & private collection of Rahmi M.Koc

On the banks of the Golden Horn, there is a new complex which is unexpected and delightful as a glimpse into Istanbul’s past. The Rahmi M.Koc Industrial Museum and Cultural Foundation has been established inside an old Byzantine building once used as a foundry by the Ottoman Navy. The complex is the brainchild of Mr. Rahmi Koc , one of Turkey’s foremost businessmen. His personal interest is evident in details all around the site. The conception and execution are both very personal achievements. In the main building, there are displays on three levels arranged in glass cabinets. Many of the display items are wonderful scale models of steam engines, ships and cars. There is even a full Marklin train set which visitors can operate. The shell of the Byzantine buildings is made to contain the different floors, which are constructed as steel elevations. The contrast between display of steel creatures from the Industrial Revolution and a building of an older gentler era is interesting. Much of the machinery is British and was made in unromantic mill towns in the 18th and 19th centuries, only later finding its way across the world. The museum shows how clearly our modern world has been shaped by the ability to generate power and then use those engines to travel the world. In fact, both Byzantine and British Empires flourished, thanks to their seafaring and trading prowess.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower, the most prominent landmark of the Golden Horn and one of the most historic monuments in the city. It was the apex of the Genoese fortifications of medieval Galata. Originally know as the tower of the Christ, it was built in 1348 in connection with the first expansion of the Genoese colony.Until the late 1960’s the tower was used as a fire observation post, but then it was restored and converted into a tourist attraction, with a modern restaurant and night club on its upper level. From there one commands a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings waters. As entertainment, there is Turkish show. The show consists of the performance of belly dancers, folkloric groups and a famous singer.

Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum

In the 16-century Palace of Ibrahim Pasha. All eras are represented with various art objects, from stone sculptures-tiles-glassware to manuscripts-kilims- precious metals.

Hidiv Kasri

Mansion surrounded by woods and lovely gardens used to belong to the last viceroy of Egypt. The pavilion was built in Art Nouveau style in 1900 and was extensively restored. A few years ago it was taken over by the Turkish Turing Club as a hotel, restaurant and cafe.Turkish tea will be served while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Princess Islands

Nine islands near Istanbul in the Sea Of Marmara are summer resorts . In the order of nearest to the farthest from Istanbul they are Kinali (Proti in Greek), Burgaz (Antigone), Kasik, Sivri (Oxya), Yassi (Plate), Heybeli (Chalki), Buyuk Ada (Prinkipo) Sedef (Antherovitos) and Marti (Neandros). The history of the islands is that of places either of exile or refuge. More than one unlucky Byzantine ruler suffered here; more than one Greek Orthodox monastery has crumbled away. In more recent times Leon Trotsky was a refugee on Buyuk Ada early in this century.

Burgaz Ada (Antigone)

Burgaz figures in the last of the church squabbles over iconoclasm (image-smashing): A churchman, Methodius was tortured and imprisoned on Burgaz in the early 9th century for championing the veneration of religious art. When the Empress Theodora became the regent in 843, she restored the images and Methodius became Patriarch of Conctantinople. (It was during this period that the monks, particularly Abbot Theodore, of the Monastery of St. John of both fields of which were threatened by the iconoclasts.)

Buyuk Ada

Buyuk ada is the largest of the princes Islands and has long been a favorite summer resort. In Byzantine times it and the others of the archipelago were the places of exile (often also misery) for members of the royal family who were out of favor. Well into the 20th century the population was mainly Christian; several unoccupied monasteries and churches reflect the history of past years. The gardens on Buyuk Ada, the grand old wooden houses, and the absence of cars give the island a relaxed atmosphere during the summer months. On the top of Yuce Tepe the highest point on Buyuk Ada, is the monastery of St. George, an inactive convent with chapels, tombs, a spring and a belfry. The convent may date back to the 6th century.

The only city in the world to be built on two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul stands on the shores of the Bosphorus where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with Sea of Marmara. The famous Golden Horn, estuary of the Bosphorus, further marks the banks of the Old City. Few cities are so delightful to discover as Istanbul she is the only historic, she is also a magnificent big city, vivid and fascinating, with an infinite variety. Nowhere else are you more likely to experience the contrast between East and West, old and new.