Istanbul Travel Guide
Travel guide to Istanbul, Turkey with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Istanbul sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Istanbul Overview
Istanbul is a hugely important city in the north of Turkey. It is situated on the Bosphorus and is quite literally a gateway between Europe and Asia. This geographical location has shaped the city, with a history dating back to around 700BC when it was called Byzantium. The name was changed to Constantinople in 330AD when the Romans held it and it was called that until the 15th century when it became Istanbul, named by the Ottomans.
So as a city it has been the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, which is a truly amazing concept to take in. This one city dominated world culture for 2000 years.
The different cultures that settled here created a diversity of styles in architecture and design that can still be seen today in the many wonderful buildings that still stand today. The Galata Tower, for example, that overlooks the natural harbour, dominating the landscape, and the Topkapi Palace, from where the Ottomans ruled.
One cultural aspect that is still alive today is the Turkish Bath or "Hamam". There are a number of local baths in Istanbul, with the Suleymaniye bath the oldest, dating back to 1550. It is also the only mixed sex baths in the city, so ideal for families where they can all enjoy the experience together.
Although steeped in history Istanbul is not sitting still. It has a great number of universities here, with some of the best educational facilities in Turkey helping to create the people who will take the city, and the country, forwards.
Top Istanbul Attractions
The architecture here is amazing, and literally cannot be missed. The Haghia Sofia for example with its 30 metre dome, the largest in the world incidentally, is a wondrous mosque, that is even more wondrous from the inside, with some outstanding murals and mosaics in addition to a museum.
Shopping in Istanbul
For those who have visited a mall and thought there were lots of shops there, think again. The Old Bazaar in Istanbul, with almost 4,500 shops, is the ultimate mall and then some. There is a real mix here, from the traditional to the ultra modern all tastes are catered for in a truly spectacular environment, with lovely sweeping arches and high ceilings.
Istanbul Sporting Events
Football in Istanbul is a real experience. Turkish supporters are passionate at the best of times, but with three major sides here, Fenerbache, Besiktas and Galatasary there are all the ingredients for fireworks. The derby games are enormous matters of pride for the supporters, with emotions running high and rivalry very clear. If possible get in to see one of these games and no other match will ever be the same.
