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Basilica Cistern in Istanbul |
| 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. |
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Blue Mosque in Istanbul |
| This mosque was built in the early 17th century for Sultan Ahmet and is probably the most famous mosque in Turkey.
This temple is distinguished by six slender minarets and its interior walls covered with amazing blue Iznik tiles. |
Boat Cruise on the Bosphorus |
| 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. |
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Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul |
| Sultan Abdul Mecit commissioned Dolmabahce Palace on a spot along the
Bosphorus in the 19th-century rococo residence style and Ataturk died in this palace in 1938.
Visitors are admitted in groups and led by the official tour guides. |
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Grand Bazaar 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.
“Enjoy Shopping
in Istanbul with the Shopping Butler of Oba Tours Int’l.” |
| Haghia Eirene Church in Istanbul |
| 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.
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Rumeli Hisari & Anadolu Hisari in Istanbul |
| 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. |
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Spice Market 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. |
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Haghia Sophia in Istanbul |
| 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. |
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Topkapi Palace in Istanbul |
| 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. |
