Istanbul - Asia or Europe?
by Sharrie
ISTANBUL! The only city in the world that's both in Asia & Europe. Well, technically, 12% in Europe & the rest in Asia. Interesting enough?
Istanbul is a very modern city. While Ankara is Turkey's capital, Istanbul is the city which has influenced the world for almost 2000 years! Be it Byzantium, Constantinople or Istanbul, it's one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world.
Trivia:
Population: 11 million.
3rd Capital of the Ottoman Empire after Bursa & Edirne.
One of the 1st city in the world with an underground railway system.
The only city in the world with an architecture which was once a church & mosque, ie. one can witness both the fresco of Jesus Christ & Koran in the same building!
The only city in the world where one can cruise between 2 continents within minutes. Istanbul is delightful. It's modern, chic & sophisticated. Some of the most amazing architecture are in this city. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & the Bosphorus cruise are few of the highlights of this charming metropolis.
Having a bite in Nisantasi
by Lalique
DKNY, Hugo Boss, Cerruti, Rolex, Max Mara, Etro....
If you feel hungry and tired of shopping using gold VISA of your boyfriend or daddy and need some relaxation, stop by Emporio Armani.... they have a very nice Cafe over there with a really nice view.... have a break in Nisantasi style....
Capital of the Ottoman
Empire...
by fico
Capital of the Ottoman
Empire (1453 - 1923)
Istanbul will without
fail be conquered
What an excellent commander is he who will take it,
And what excellent soldiers will his soldiers be.
Hadith(I'raditions of the Prophet)
In the attack launched on the morning of 29 May the land walls were breached
at Topkapý (not the palace of that name but a city gate several kilometres to the west).
The same day Mehmed II entered the city on horseback and performed his prayers in the
church of Haghia Sophia. In accordance with Ottoman tradition the city's cathedral was
converted into a mosque. The church of the Holy Apostles and numerous others remained as
churches for the time being. Thereafter Mehmed II was known as Fatih, or the Conqueror.
The Byzantine Great Palace which had stood between Haghia Sophia and the
Hippodrome had been looted and razed during the Latin occupation. With the restoration of
the Byzantine rulers in 1261, they used the Palace of Blakhernai situated inside the land
walls where they descended to join the sea walls along the Golden Horn. Immediately after
the conquest Mehmed II had a fortress and palace built in the area which was to become
known as Beyazýt west of Haghia Sophia. A large bazaar was constructed beneath the walls
of the fortress.
The once splendid city was
falling into nýin when it was taken by the Turks, who set about repairing the old
buildings and city walls. Others beyond repair provided foundations on which new Ottoman
buildings were constructed. The huge underground water cisterns were also repaired.
Those who had fled the city
began to return, while new settlers of diverse ethnic origin and faith arrived from all
over the Ottoman Empire, creating a colourful cultural mosaic.
Tahtakale - Near Spice Bazaar
by Hopkid
Perhaps not on the list of major sites in Istanbul, a great experience is to walk the streets of this neighborhood which is roughly the area south of the Spice Bazaar and to the north of the Grand Bazaar. This is where the locals shop for everything from cell phones and silks to sundries and toys. We happened into a throng of shoppers on a Saturday afternoon upon our exit from the Spice Bazaar. We walked up Sabuncuhani and Fincancilar Sokaks. Street food carts, families out shopping, women checking out beautiful textiles, elbow-to-elbow action really let you feel the pulse of the city in this old shopping district. Definitely worth a stroll through!
FATIH MOSQUE
by balhannah
This current mosque and surrounding complex were constructed in 1771 over the rubble of the original that collapsed in the earthquake of 1766. The original Fatih Mosque and complex were built on the orders of Sultan Fatih Mehmet, who conquered Constantinople in 1453.
The Imperial Fatih Mosque was constructed between 1462 and 1470.
Wanting a monument more spectacular than that of Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia), THE SULTAN CUT OFF THE HANDS OF THE ARCHITECT when the Fatih Mosque failed to surpass the height of the church, despite its position atop the fourth of the seven hills of Istanbul.
The mosque complex included a caravansary, a hospital, several hamams, the kitchens, and a market, which combined to form a university that instructed up to 1,000 students at any given time.
It was under restoration when I visited so couldn't take photos. The interior is nice like many other Mosques I had visited.
OPEN - DAWN to DUSK
ADMISSION is FREE
Enter on Fevzi Pasa Cadessi, Fatih
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Ýnönü Stadium
Alter (?)
Column of Constantine - Jan 2010
Tomb with mourning women
