TURKEY ISTANBUL -AN ASIAN AS WELL AS A EUROPEAN CITY

THE TOUR GUIDE OF ISTANBUL; AN ASIAN AS WELL AS A EUROPEAN CITY

Asia and Europe are like 2 lovers who long to embrace but cannot because of the straits. The union of those two lovers is Istanbul. Besides these 2 continents it has also unified many people from different cultures for thousands of years. While in one part you can experience the mystery of the East, in the other you can explore the European aspect.

In many areas of the city the minarets of mosque, the symbols of Islam, stand high next to churches and synagogues. Both modern and historical architecture can be seen on the same street and hidden beauty spots can be found all across the city.

Istanbul cannot be seen or experienced in with all its glorious colours in just a couple of days. The visitor needs a couple of weeks to explore this magnificent city. You have to walk along the streets to get the feel of the city and avoid public transport if you are enjoying the experience of finding hidden gems. The following are the routes that we recommend you try.

THE HISTORICAL PENINSULA:

“within the Royal Walls”, Sultanahmet and Environs”, from “ Eminonu to Suleymaniye” – From “ Suleymaniye” to “ Eminonu”, “ Faith” along the “ Golden Horn”.The walk at “ Fener “ and “Balat” as well as sightseeing along the “ Divanyolu” ( which follows the Byzantine “ Mese “ road ), where you can see examples of monumental architecture, will help you to familiarize yourself with the historical peninsula.

THE EUROPEAN SIDE OF THE ISTANBUL STRAIT:

Galata and its environs has been the centre of commerce since the antiquity. A walk from here to Ortakoy to Beyoglu, the heart of Istanbul’s entertainment industry, would be a good start.

THE ASIAN FACE OF ISTANBUL:

On the Asian side of Istanbul are Kadikoy and Uskudar which were hunting grounds and pleasure gardens during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. A walk along the Strait ii also highly recommended.

BOAT TOUR ON THE ISTANBUL STRAIT:

A boat tour on the Strait, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, is a delightful way of seeing Istanbul without setting foot either in Asia or in Europe. You can also take a boat trip to the Prince Islands too escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.