ISTANBUL
A crossroads for History and Art, religions and cultures. Istanbul still
has all the traces of its incredibly illustrious past when the city was
still called Constantinople and when its influence spread all over the
antique world. Istanbul is still the largest city in the country and is
the veritable center of modern Turkey.
By the 4th century AD, the little Greek city in the colony of Megara
had become one of the largest cities in the world; the rocky fortress
with its well-sheltered port located at the crossroads between Europe
and Asia, the Black Sea and the Aegean.
Located at the confluence between different civilizations, the city
of Constantinople fell into Ottoman hands in 1453 and became Istanbul.
One of the major traditions which is still alive and well is the Turkish
bath. There are a number of hammams in every district of the city. Some
hammans are still as lavish as the antique baths; covered with marble
and beautiful ceramic tiles.
The Grand bazaar
Both the old city and the grand bazaar can only be visited on foot.
From the southern end of Galate bridge which separates the Golden Horn
from the Bosporus, keep walking 
towards the mosques Mahmut Pasa cami and Nuruosmanye cami, and you will
come upon one of the many doors to the Grand Bazaar. Inside the Grand
Bazaar, you will find the Small Bazaar. The Kapali Carsi has more than
4000 shops and stands which sell all sorts of objects made of leather,
copper, pewter, but also ceramics, rugs and fabrics.
The covered markets in most major Turkish cities are veritable treasure
troves. After your visit to the market, a trip to the neighborhood hamman
will help you to recharge your batteries for the rest of your trip.
The Blue Mosque
Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet Aga, the Blue Mosque
of the Sultan Ahmet camii, was for 
a long time the departure point for caravans leaving for Mecca. It is
the main mosque and one of the most beautiful in the city. Its cupola
has a circumference of 72 feet and is 141 feet from the ground.
Topkapi Palace
Located in the old city, Topkapi Saray is a visit not to be missed.
The residence of sultans Ottoman sovereigns, the palace, open everyday
but Tuesday, is built around four courtyards. You'll need a least a half
day to take in all its spledors. Make sure you visit the Harem.
Hagia Sophia Basilica
 The
Church of Holy Wisdom, built by Emperor Justinian in 537, is a graceful,
airy structure thanks to its large cupolas which highlight all the marble
and ceramic tiles that are found in the church.
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