Topkapi Palace

If your next vacation brings you to Istanbul and you want to learn more about the city’s diverse history, the Topkapi Palace is one of the attractions that you don’t want to miss. Topkapi Palace history dates back to the year 1459, when the 23-year old sultan Mehmed II captured the Roman City of Constantinople, changed the name to Istanbul, and named it his new Ottoman empire. The Topkapi Palace in  Turkey kept growing through the years to include luxurious living quarters, administrative offices, and interconnected courtyards. Visitors to Istanbul can take Topkapi Palace tours and learn more about the lifestyles of the leaders of the Ottoman Empire and Topkapi Palace history. Besides the church of hagia sopia Topkapi Palace Turkey is one of the largest attractions in Turkey and one of the most iconic and recognizable images of Istanbul and subject of photos of Turkey overall as well.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is located in Istanbul, Turkey, and is known as a great symbol of both art history and Christianity. It is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Turkey, and many  pictures of Istanbul and photographs of Turkey overall feature this beautiful structure. Hagia Sophia history experts often credit the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, for founding the church. Hagia Sophia history dates back 1500 years ago, when construction work on “The Great Church” was started. The Hagia Sophia, with its massive dome, 40 windows, and 100 square meter columns, took five years to build. It was built right on top of an ancient temple to Apollo, overlooking the Sea of Marmara. The church of Hagia Sophia was known as the Cathedral of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for more than a thousand years. The city eventually changed its name to Istanbul and today the church is known as Hogia Sophia, or the Church of Holy Wisdom. Although the Hagia Sophia no longer conducts ceremonies, it attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in art, architecture, history, and religion.

Taksim Square

The Galata Kulesi is and has been a dominating architectural feature of the Old Istanbul district skyline since medieval times when it was built in 1348. After the Fourth Crusade, Istanbul had become a colony of invaders from Genoa, Italy. The tower in Istanbul was originally called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese. Today, the name Galata is from the district in which it stands, and Kulesi mean tower in Turkish. You will see from many photos of Istanbul that this tower somewhat resembles those found in northern Italy, such as the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Galata Tower is more than 215 feet high. If you like nightlife and dining with a spectacular view, you’ll find these things located in a restaurant and nightclub on the upper floors. If you’re just going to check out the view, you’ll find a nominal fee will whisk you up one of the elevators to the observation deck. The nightclub boasts a good show with traditional Turkish music and dancing. This tower in Istanbul truly has had many functions over the years.

Taksim Square Shopping                                  

Taksim Square Shopping is an adventure for finding unique gifts and treasures. Turkey in general is well-known for offering alabaster, ceramics, copper, jewelry, carpets, antiques, and much more. Istiklal Street is the most active shopping spot in Taksim Square with shops staying open late offering international and Turkish fashion brands and small shops ideal for budget explorers. The street is pedestrian only with the exception of an old tram running along it. In the Nisantasi district just a short stroll from the square’s center is where art, cultural, and high-end shopping meet in this ritzy residential area where Prada, DKNY, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, among other major fashion houses, are everyday names.

  Taksim Square Nightlife

  Generally considered the heart of the city, Taksim gets a lot of attention from both locals and tourists. With plenty of great hotels, shopping, and dining, it only makes sense then that there’s a great deal and variety of nightlife options. From hopping clubs to low-key bars, Taksim runs the gamut. The liveliest area is Beyoglu--without exception--with a wide range of live music. There are many restaurants offering live music, some which hire on traditional bands so if hearing ethnic Turkish music is on the roster, look for these smaller eateries. Funk, jazz, hip-hop, dance, rock, world music and more caters to international visitors like no other area in Istanbul. 

The Galata Kulesi

The Galata Kulesi is and has been a dominating architectural feature of the Old Istanbul district skyline since medieval times when it was built in 1348. After the Fourth Crusade, Istanbul had become a colony of invaders from Genoa, Italy. The tower in Istanbul was originally called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese. Today, the name Galata is from the district in which it stands, and Kulesi mean tower in Turkish. You will see from many photos of Istanbul that this tower somewhat resembles those found in northern Italy, such as the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Galata Tower is more than 215 feet high. If you like nightlife and dining with a spectacular view, you’ll find these things located in a restaurant and nightclub on the upper floors. If you’re just going to check out the view, you’ll find a nominal fee will whisk you up one of the elevators to the observation deck. The nightclub boasts a good show with traditional Turkish music and dancing. This tower in Istanbul truly has had many functions over the years.

Dolmabahce Palace

 

Located on the Europe side of the Bosphorus, the incredible Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul is one of the most beautiful structures in the city and one of the most exquisite palaces in the world. Istanbul boasts a number of lovely palaces, most of which are today museums like Dolmabahce Palace and Yildiz Palace.
This palace in Istanbul was built from 1843 to 1856 and was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I who moved his court and administrative offices from Topkapi place, which was the previous royal residence. The Topkapi Palace was built during the fifteenth century and was a true Asia Ottoman palace, actually a complex of buildings. But it lacked the modern stylishness and luxuries of the day. Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul was the first truly European palace in the city, with a sumptuous blend of rococo, baroque, and neo-classic architectural features.