Posts Tagged istanbul

In a country that boasts Istanbul, historically a center of the world, as well as Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale, one can easily lose sight of the rest of Turkey. Just as a traveller who visits only Istanbul will see but one view of Turkey, a traveller who explores no further than the big cities of Turkey will only experience a part of Turkey. When it comes to turkish tour guides, Oba Tours works with only the best of the best.

For years, our guests have expressed an interest in seeing “the authentic Turkey.” Since Oba Tours knows Turkey from the inside, we are able to provide our guests with the opportunity to get to know the real Turkey, whether in a big city or a small town. Most Oba Tours offer a balance of venues, yet we do offer a few tours that truly specialize in this order: more relaxed, more rustic, and more “authentic Turkey.”

Built in the 15th century, the legendary Topkapi Palace was the former residence and seat of government of the Ottoman sultans till the 19th century. The palace is laid out as a series of courtyards and stone made turkish tents linked by ceremonial gates. If you pushed for time, the must-sees are the Palace Kitchens, the Treasury and the Sacred Relics.

Aya Sofya, also known the Church of Holy Wisdom, was the largest and most important church in the Christian world from the time of its completion under the Emperor Justinian in 537. Saint Sophia was transformed into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. Today, Aya Sofya serves as a museum being awesome in size and containing beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics. It is an absolute must see in Istanbul

The Egyptian Bazaar, also called the Spice Market, is only a fraction of the size of the Grand Bazaar. Stacked high with bags of spices, nuts, and dried fruits, this bazaar opened for business in the 17th century to generate revenue for the Yeni Camii (the New Valide Mosque) next door in Eminonu. Outside the Spice Market, there is a wonderful flower and bird market.

These European and Asian Fortresses can be found along the Bosphorus river, approximately 40 minutes drive from the old city of Istanbul. Each is famous for its local specialty – Emirgan for tulips, which bloom in a hillside park, and Kanlica for yogurt, served in several waterfront cafes.

This sixth-century church is located within the Court of the Janissaries of the Topkapi Palace. Now, Church of Saint Irene functions as a concert hall in Istanbul.

The Covered Bazaar was built in the 15th century.  The Grand Bazaar has several gates: the most popular ones are Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit. Istanbul’s mysterious bazaar is a labyrinth of over 4,000 little shops and is everything you dreamed an oriental market could be. All kinds of Turkish treats are available in rich abundance at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

This cruise stops at various fishing villages on the way to the Black Sea in the north. Dividing European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul, the river is also a direct artery between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

This awesome columned cavern was the water reservoir for both the Grand Palace of the Byzantine Empire and for the Ottoman Turks’ Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.