Istanbul
Its history is a very long one: already in 395 (then named Constantinopel) the city was made capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The Hagia Sophia dates from this Christian era: it was constructed by Emperor Justinianus.
The Blue Mosque is located just across the street from the Hagia Sophia. It was built during the 17th century. On the outside its main characteristics are the 6 minarets. Inside it is decorated with blue tiles and numerous carpets.
Visit July 1992
Istanbul is an interesting place to visit due to its impressive history. Especially the area around the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace is worthwhile.
For a different look at Istanbul, a trip to the Byzantine Cisterns is recommended. These are underground water reservoirs covered in a mysterious atmosphere.
Reviews
Assif Am-David (Israel):
I find it hard to refer to Istanbul as my visit there was limited to only a couple of hours. This wasn't enough of course but it still provoked my imagination enough to inspire me for a while. Istanbul is a huge city but most (historical) attractions are concentrated in a small area. It is loaded with tourists but still boasts such beauties that compensate for that. I was most deeply impressed with Hagia Sophia not only for its admirable architectural achievements but also for the tolerance of the Muslim Turks who neither destroyed the historic building nor erased its Christian frescoes! They are to thank for this Istanbul gem. |
| Date posted: December 2008 |
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The tremendous structures of the Golden Horn speak volumes as to Istanbul's illustrious past as a center of trade and empire. From the soaring minarets of the impressive Blue Mosque, to the cavernous halls of the Hagia Sofia to the beautifully tiled chambers of Topkapi Palace, the Sultanahmet region alone attest to this site's inclusion on the WHS. |
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The tremendous structures of the Golden Horn speak volumes as to Istanbul's illustrious past as a center of trade and empire. From the soaring minarets of the impressive Blue Mosque, to the cavernous halls of the Hagia Sofia to the beautifully tiled chambers of Topkapi Palace, the Sultanahmet region alone attest to this site's inclusion on the WHS. |
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Robert Peters (USA):
The historic areas of Istanbul are great to visit. The Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque are obviously the center pieces, but there is more in the area; the underground cisterns, Topkapi and Dolmabahce palaces, the Chora Church. All these are nice to go to except perhaps for Topkapi, which I felt was overpriced and over-rated (The Harem is not at all worth it!). The Bosphorous is always there, and wonderfully accents all of these places. Give Istanbul at least 3 days! |
| Date posted: February 2006 |
Jim Humberd (USA):
We walked past a line of sidewalk vendors selling bread and pastry, fishing boats offering fish for sale, and a ferryboat terminal, disgorging crowds of people.
We had only a precious too few hours to visit Süleyman (Blue) Mosque, St. Sophia Mosque, and shop in the 4,000 stall Grand Bazaar. As we walked back to the ship we again crossed the bridge over the Golden Horn. It was meal time, the restaurants were filling with hungry patrons, fishermen were still selling fish, street stands were still selling pastries, the ferryboat terminal was still disgorging passengers.
Those street scenes will be there for us to enjoy when we return to this city, the most enthralling of the 124 ports we have arrived at, or departed from, on a ferry or cruise ship. |
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