What To See In Istanbul

By Author: barney stinson
Total Articles: 3
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Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, It is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province (municipality) had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe (including the Asian side of the city) after London and Moscow. Istanbul is a megacity, as well as the cultural, economic, and financial centre of Turkey. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Istanbul is a designated alpha world city.

Climate

Istanbul is characterized as having either a humid subtropical climate, according to Köppen climate classification system, or a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, according to the updated Köppen-Geiger classification system. However, due to its vast size, diverse topography, and maritime location, Istanbul exhibits ...
... a multitude of distinct microclimates. Northern parts of the city, for example, express characteristics of an oceanic climate.

Summer weather in Istanbul is moderately warm, with the temperature in July and August averaging 23 °C (73 °F). Extreme heat, however, is uncommon, as temperatures rise above 32 °C (90 °F) on only five days per year on average. Rainfall is also uncommon during the summer, with only four or five rainy days per month. Winters are cold, wet and often snowy, with the temperature in January and February averaging 4 °C (39 °F). Snowfalls tend to be heavy, but snow cover and temperatures below freezing rarely last more than a few days. Spring and autumn are mild, but often wet and unpredictable; chilly winds from the northwest and warm gusts from the south—sometimes in the same day—have the tendency to cause fluctuations in temperature.

Sights to See

1. Topkapi Palace. Topkapi Palace, which means "Cannongate Palace",is the old palace-city of the sultans. Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans for a period of nearly four centuries. This splendid palace is museum now.

2. Blue Mosque. It is called "Sultan Ahmet Mosque" which means "Mosque of Sultan Ahmet". It is famous for the beautiful blue tiles and glasswork ornamenting its walls.

3. Dolmabahçe Palace. It is a palace in what is called Turkish Renaissance style built by Abdul Mecid in 1854, which was the main residence of the Sultans until 1918 and is now a museum. The palace is lavishly decorated with luxurious furniture, crystals and carpets.

4. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). One of Istanbul's illustrious landmark, the Hagia Sofia was a former church, mosque and now a museum. It is the most important achievement of Byzantine architecture.

5. Istanbul Archaeology Museum. It has one of the world's richest collection of historical artifacts and treasures. It actually consists of three museums: the Museum of Oriental Antiquities, the Archaeological Museum and the Tiled Pavillion.

6. Hagia Eirene. It is one of the earliest Christian churches in Istanbul. It is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Today, it is now a museum that serves mainly as a concert hall for classical music performances and musical festivals.

7. Galata Tower. It was called "Jesus Tower" by the Genoese and "Great Bastion" by the Byzantine. This is one of the city's most magnificent landmarks whose huge, cone-capped form dominates the skyline. It has a modern restaurant and cafe on its upper floors. From there you will behold a stunning view of Istanbul.

8. The Grand Bazaar. It is named "Kapalicarsi", or "covered bazaar". It is made up of streets of various shops sheltered by roofs and domes. Inside the Grand Bazaar you can enjoy shopping and find great bargains in 5,000 shops.

9. Suleymaniye Mosque. It is one of the most marvelous of the imperial mosque complexes in the city. It is built 450 years ago by the architect, Mimar Sinan for Suleyman the Magnificent , the most powerful Ottoman sultan. The interior, dominated by its great dome with minaret towers, is notable for its impressive design.

10. Old City walls of Istanbul. Old Constantinople was surrounded by walls described as land walls and sea walls. These walls were considered to be the largest fortress ever constructed in the Christian era. With their numerous towers, large and small, they are a magnificent sight.

Barney is a Travel Guide and has years of experience travelling around world. He is now sharing his views about Istanbul, If you are planning to spend your Short Breaks To Istanbul, please visit www.myistanbul.co.uk to find and book discount holiday packages.