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location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role which has shaped the region’s history for over 2500 years and bequeathed to İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions; these range from the masterpiece Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofia) to the formidable city walls and the domes and minarets of the Ottoman mosques and palaces which dominate the city skyline.
 

In terms of places to visit in Turkey, a huge part of the country’s appeal lies in its archeological sites, a legacy of the bewildering succession of states – Hittite, Urartian, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Armeno-Georgian and the Ottoman empire.

 

İstanbul, uniquely amongst the world’s cities, stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role which has shaped the region’s history for over 2500 years and bequeathed to İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions; these range from the masterpiece Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofia) to the formidable city walls and the domes and minarets of the Ottoman mosques and palaces which dominate the city skyline.

 

Although no longer its capital, the city remains the vibrant economic, cultural and intellectual heart of modern Turkey, a bustling, go-ahead city where east really does meet west.

 

The Blue Mosque is beautiful and stunning. Topkapı Palace is where you find hostical artifacts from the Prophet Mohammed SAW and family. Both these are located in Sultanahmet. Three to four days is enough to see the major historical sights in Sultanahmet and take a ferry trip out for the afternoon on the Bosphorus. But plan on staying a week, or even two, if you want to explore fully the backstreets of the Old City and the outlying suburbs and islands.

İstanbul is divided in two by the Bosphorus, the narrow 30km strait separating Europe from Asia and linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Feeding into the southern end of the strait from the European side is the Golden Horn, a 7km-long inlet of water that empties into the mouth of the Bosphorus. The city effectively has two centres, separated by the Golden Horn but both situated on the European side of the Bosphorus. The Old City, centred on the Sultanahmet district, is the historical core of the city and home to the main sights, while Taksim and Beyoğlu across the Horn are the fulcrum of the modern city. The two can easily be made out from the water, distinguished respectively by the landmarks of the Topkapı Palace and the modern Marmara Hotel.

 

A little way west of Sultanahmet is the massive Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), the focal point of a disparate area stretching from the shores of the Sea of Maramara in the south up to the hill overlooking the Golden Horn to the north. From the upper Tünel station, an antique tram runs the length of Beyoğlu’s pedestrianized boulevard, İstiklâl Caddesi, to Taksim Square, the twin focal points of the modern city’s shopping center.

A beautiful documentary about Turkey.

A beautiful documentary about the Hagia Sophia.

Islamic Relics and Topkapi Palace. Read More

Akbiyik Caddesi No:40
Sultanahmet 34122
Istanbul , Turkey

Istanbul is an amazingly beautiful city. Some special photos are shown here. With its unique mix of the exotic and the familiar, visiting Turkey can be an exciting experience. More than the “bridge between East and West” that exists in Istanbul, the country combines influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the Balkans and central Asia.In terms of places to visit in Turkey, a huge part of the country’s appeal lies in its archeological sites, a legacy of the bewildering succession of states – Hittite, Urartian, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Armeno-Georgian and the Ottoman empire.

 

İstanbul, uniquely amongst the world’s cities, stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical

Turkey

In the Heart of Istanbul, in a Sultanahmet hotel...

Senatus Hotel's outstanding location provides all guests, whether they are travelling for leisure or business, an ideal base for culture and sightseeing tours or business appointments.

The Senatus Hotel, a luxury design hotel in the Old City of Istanbul, is located on a beautiful street with many Sultanahmet hotels and restaurants, from where you can easily walk to major city landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Archaeological Museum, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. The street has an important role in history on its own as well. You will also be having a great access for all significant points in the heart of the city, in this historical peninsula, Sultanahmet.

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