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walk down the street and let history
unfold before you in istanbul
extraordinary cultural experiences lie
around every corner
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the conquering armies of ancient times
tended to ransack the city rather than
endow it with artistic treasures but
that will change with the byzantines who
adorn their churches and palaces with
mosaics and frescoes
their successors the ottomans were quick
to launch magnificently decorated
imperial mosques together they form one
of the world's greatest skylines
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history resonates when you visit this
majestic byzantine basilica aya sophia
its soaring dome huge knave and
glittering gold mosaics contribute to
its reputation as one of the world's
most beautiful buildings it is turkey's
greatest treasure
the secrets of the sultans will be
revealed during your visit to the top
kappa palace extravagant relics of their
centuries of folly excess patronage
diplomacy and war are everywhere you
look
climbing aboard one of the city's famous
flotilla of ferries is the
quintessential istanbul experience the
trip between asia and europe on a
commuter ferry is hard to beat but the
tourist ferries that travel the great
strait are even better
the chaotic and colourful grand bazaar
is the best known shopping destination
on the historic peninsula but it
certainly isn't the only one you may
well find a lasting momentum of your
trip here
dominating the old city skyline suleiman
the magnificent's most notable
architectural legacy certainly lives up
to its patrons title this is a site that
truly deserves the tag of living history
summer can be unpleasantly hot and
winter's cold spring and autumn are the
best times to visit with good weather
and many festivals
travel costs in istanbul can range from
less than 60 euros a day if you enjoy a
dawn bed and a kebab dinner to over 200
euros a day for a double room and
cocktails in a rooftop bar
the most atmospheric way to travel
between the old city and suburbs is the
ferry but trams metros and buses are
also available
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this magical meeting place of east and
west has more top drawer attractions
than it has minarets and that's a lot
plus the vibrant inclusive people who
have no problem melding tradition and
modernity in their everyday lives