Visiting Istanbul in Turkey
Mosques, Minarets, and the Grand Bazaar Highlight Turkish Culture
Dec 20, 2008
Built by Emperor Constantine in the early fourth century AD, Istanbul today is a world class city representing many cultures and religious traditions. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills and served as the capital of the Byzantines until 1453 when Mehmet II conquered it and Constantinople became the Ottoman capital. After World War One, Kamel Ataturk renamed the city and secularized many aspects of Turkish culture, including one of Istanbul’s most iconic structures, the Church of Holy Wisdom or Hagia Sophia.
Istanbul’s Religious Heritage
Hagia Sophia, built in the early 6th Century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is today a museum. At the time it was built, it was the largest cathedral in the world. Under constant renovation, the structure depicts a blending of both Christian and Muslim faith traditions.
A city of hundreds of mosques, the Istanbul skyline is dotted with minarets. The Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built early in the 17th century. It was in this mosque that Pope Benedict XVI said a prayer during his 2006 visit to Turkey.
Visitors to Istanbul should not neglect the Museum of Chora, located in the Edirnekapi quarter. This monastery church contains mosaics and frescoes of early Byzantine Orthodox faith expression that are unparalleled. Visitors with a sincere inquisitiveness should plan on spending several hours in the compound.
Istanbul Sites and Experiences
The Palace of Topkapi was once the home of the Ottoman sultans. It is today a museum rich in history and culture. The imperial treasury rooms contain artifacts from the Ottoman period including thrones, jeweled swords and daggers, as well as state gifts. Exiting the treasury, the visitor will experience a spectacular view of Istanbul and the Golden Horn or waterway separating the city.
The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar represent miles of covered walkways and 4,000 shops selling everything from Turkish Taffy to richly woven carpets, apparel, brass and copperware. Visitors should never pay the price asked but join in the game of haggling for which the bazaar is well known. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
Food in Istanbul, as in most of Turkey, is extremely healthy. Vegetables, yogurts, breads, and fish give a variation of the much taunted Mediterranean diet. Because Istanbul is the proverbial bridge between the East and the West, restaurant cuisine can be very eclectic. Visitors will also want to settle into a café and enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or cay tea.
Visitors should note that Turkey requires a visa for entry. Visas, however, can be obtained at the Istanbul airport and will be less expensive than if obtaining one pre-departure.
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