One of its most interesting cities – Istanbul – can boast not only the richest markets and numerous shops but also a breathtaking history.
If you want to know what Turkey in May is like, you should not choose a beach vacation, as the sea has not yet warmed up. Better take a ticket to Istanbul to fall in love with it at first sight.
What is the reason for the charm of this ancient city? Perhaps it is that it is located simultaneously in two parts of the world: Europe and Asia, and therefore forever remained a unique product of two civilizations? Or that for a long time this city was the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and before the Turkish conquest it was the capital of great and mysterious Byzantium – Constantinople? Of course, the events that took place there many centuries ago were reflected in the architecture of this city. Every street here is saturated with both the spicy spirit of the East and the youth of the West.
Istanbul never lost its connection with the West. In 2010, it was recognized as the cultural capital of Europe. It is on the European side that most of its territory lies. Of course, you must definitely visit both the ancient and modern parts of the city, the eastern and western. Among the must-see attractions, it is worth highlighting the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) – a masterpiece of world architecture and the cultural dominant of Istanbul, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, and the Golden Horn estuary.
But away from the central streets, a lot of interesting things await you. Without a doubt, you will want to stroll through the famous Turkish markets. Be prepared that the largest of them – the Kapalıçarşı market – is a real labyrinth of shopping arcades and stalls. The particularly brave can wander through the slums of Istanbul to see the daily life of the East with their own eyes.
Istanbul introduces tourists not only to the modern East but also to the history of the Christian West. Over the centuries of Christian dominance in this territory, many churches decorated with frescoes and mosaics were built. This can be seen by visiting the Church of Christ the Savior in Chora, located near the city walls of Constantinople.
When planning a vacation in Turkey in 2013, do not forget about this beautiful and multifaceted city, which you will undoubtedly want to return to again.
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