Istanbul City Breaks
Istanbul, Turkey – an enchanting city with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia; a unique link between East and West, past and present.
Although no longer the capital of Turkey, its cultural and commercial centre is still indisputably Istanbul. A Holiday in this bustling city is a unique experience. The Skyline of minarets and domes, mingling with modern skyscrapers immediately strikes the eye as that of a city full of intrigue. Istanbul has a continual bustle and movement, an energy about the business of everyday life. Listen to the cries of the street sellers mingling with the sounds of the ships in the busy port or enjoy a night out at one of Istanbul’s many sophisticated restaurants, cafes and bars, sampling the delicious Turkish cuisine. Istanbul may be renowned for its history but it is also a cosmopolitan vibrant city, its nightlife is stylish and Istanbul’s hotels are full of character.
Istanbul stands on the shores of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with those of the Sea of Marmara. It is also divided by the Golden Horn. Make the time to take a trip on one of the local ferries, during your Istanbul holiday – the views are spectacular.
Soak up the history of Topkapi Palace, the centre of the Ottoman Empire, the place from which the Sultans ruled their Empire or marvel at the sheer beauty of the Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia, Islam and Christianity, facing each other across history, a true symbol of peace and tolerance. The Istanbul hotels featured by Anatolian Sky are mostly ‘Special Category’, reflecting traditional styles of architecture and décor. Many of them are wooden Ottoman mansions converted into boutique hotels. Istanbul’s many historic sites are within walking distance making it easy to explore the old city even in a short stay. Don’t miss the incredible Grand Bazaar, a maze of shops selling everything under the sun, where haggling is a must. However long you choose to spend in this unique city, your Istanbul city break is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss these famous sights:
Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The only mosque in Turkey to have 6 minarets, it was built for Sultan Ahmet I between 1609-1616. Legend has it that Sultan Ahmet wanted to have a minaret made of gold which is ‘altin’ in Turkish, the architect misunderstood it as ‘alti’, which means six. More familiarly known as the Blue Mosque due to its interior panelling of blue and white Iznik tiles, a visit here is a must. This mosque is closed five times a day for prayers and you are required to dress appropriately.
Topkapi Palace
This maze of buildings was the focal point of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries, in these opulent surroundings the sultans lived and governed. It is a maze of buildings centered around a series of courtyards, typical of Islamic tradition. The grounds include the Cinili Mansion, a Glass Palace, an imposing main gate and the harem. Other highlights in the Palace are the Spoonmaker’s Diamond (the fourth largest diamond in the world), the Topkapi Dagger (a gift from Mahmut I) and the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle (including a footprint, a tooth and a hair of the Prophet Mohammed).