Every day, 3 million people visit the 1.4-kilometre Istiklal street, that is the heart of new Istanbul and the shopping and nightlife hub of the city. Some work in establishments on and surrounding it, while others visit as tourists eager to experience the many things to do in Istiklal Street including theatres, libraries, art galleries, boutiques, music and bookshops. Then … [Read more...]

5 days in Istanbul is ample time to see the best tourist attractions that make the metropolis, one of the top city break destinations in the world. Despite its enormous size and bustling population, Istanbul has welcoming vibes that leave visitors with lasting memories of their time there. Anyone visiting for 5 days should prepare for an intensely diverse city that wows and … [Read more...]

The bustling metropolis of Istanbul in  Turkey is a vibrant city with everything going for it. Not only is it a hub of business, finance, real estate and cultural trends but also home to many historic landmarks. From the days of Byzantine rule to the era of the Ottomans, most of the historical places in Istanbul are open to the public for viewing. Including palaces, mosques, … [Read more...]

The powerful Byzantine and Ottoman empires ruled their lands from Istanbul for hundreds of years. They called the city Constantinople, and it became a metropolis for royal rulers and influential religious leaders to leave their mark.These days, the city has embraced the modern world while maintaining its traditional heritage. It is one of the top destinations in the world for a … [Read more...]

As much for its tourist haunts and delightful way of life, did you know that Istanbul has some quirky facts to its own history? From tulips to the population to Agatha Christie, there are quite a few facts that will surprise anyone who is not knowledgeable about the large city. Here are 15 surprising facts about Istanbul 1. Istanbul is the only city in the world that … [Read more...]

The Ottoman dynasty firmly secured a place in history as a powerful and ambitious empire. At one point they ruled nearly half the world and their reign successfully lasted more than 400 years. The pinnacle time of their seat in power was in 1453 and the event was the capture of Constantinople which they made their capital. Mehmet the 2nd, the sultan who captured the Byzantine … [Read more...]

There is an extremely good reason why Istanbul is one of the most visited city-break destinations in the world. The old landmarks of former Byzantine and Constantinople stand in the Sultan Ahmet area and draw in thousands of visitors every month, who are eager to see the iconic buildings that once belonged to two of the greatest empires in history. One such building is the … [Read more...]

One of the most famous empires throughout history is without a doubt, the Ottomans. At one stage, they ruled nearly half the world and their traditions, religion and beliefs spread across their kingdom. Their capital that was Constantinople is now known as Istanbul and it is the ideal destination to gain an insight of the Sultans, their entourages, their families and … [Read more...]

As the former capital of Byzantium, old Constantinople was an important center of the Christian religion that at one stage even threated to topple Rome. Despite the hundreds of years that have passed during that time, many Christian and iconic buildings are still standing. As the Turkish government looks to emphasize religious tourism in the country, the importance of these … [Read more...]

The former official residence of the sultans can be found on the European shore of the Bosphorus, and on the Asian side lays their summer residence, the Beylerbeyi Palace. It is not as large or luxuriant as the Dolmabahce Palace, but its gardens, filled with different kinds of trees are truly conducive for the warm Istanbul summer. It also has kiosks and a pool where the … [Read more...]

Many famous leaders in history are remembered for their speeches and not just their accomplishments. These include Martin Luthor King whose speech “I have a dream” was seen as a turning point in the struggle for equality of black Americans. Winston Churchill was steadfast in the determination of his soldiers and told them “We will fight on the beaches”  and of course, Julius … [Read more...]

Most attention focused on the Bosphorus talks about its role separating the east and west. The long stretch of water divides the exotic city of Istanbul into two continents, defining the land mass as either Asian or European. Many wars and battles took place in the Bosphorus as powerful rulers aimed to gain control of this strategically important strait. These days, it is more … [Read more...]