Overview

Istanbul is the largest and the most populous city of Turkey. It also serves as the financial and cultural centre. It is located on both the sides of Bosphorus between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. The city has several historic monuments originally from Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. On the southern part of the square the Great Palace was built, which can still be seen in the courtyard of Istanbul Archaeological Museums. From the Augustaeum a street called as Mese led from the First Hill to the Second Hill passing the Praetorium or law-court. The city was located at a strategic location at the trading route between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea. Constantinople also served as the capital of the Latin Empire. The Ottoman rulers made the area as its capital and not only preseved most of the rich heritage, but also enhanced it with its own blend of Ottomon architecture and culture. Some of the most beautiful Masaajid of the Islamic world can be found in Istanbul. These include the Atik Mustafa Pasha Masjid, Bodrum Masjid, Eski Imaret Masjid and the Fenâri Îsâ Masjid. Today Istanbul is one of the most sort after destinations in Turkey. It has many world famous sites, attraction and monuments like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Masjid or the Blue Masjid, and the Basilica Cistern situated around the Sultanahmet Square. The Theodosian walls date to the times when the city was called Constantinople and the walls are excellent to enjoy a walk.

Inclusions

Itinerary