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Crossing Cultures

Turkey's most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul truly bridges Asia and Europe both literally and figuratively.

Founded by Constantine the Great in 324 CE on the site of ancient Byzantium, Istanbul was the capital, successively, of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire- this almost unrivalled heritage makes Istanbul a fantastic destination for many travellers.

Divided in three by the north-south Bosphorus Strait, the dividing line between Europe and Asia. Most sights are concentrated in the old city on the peninsula of Sultanahmet.

A skyline studded with domes and minarets, it hums as Turkey's cultural heart and good-time capital. The draw to Istanbul must be the difference in culture, sitting on the edge of Europe and Asia, it mixes and blends perfectly between the two.

The main attractions being Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque. I visited during the end of Ramadan where there was a carnival atmosphere and sense of celebration and faith.Chants from mosques calling for prayer time is heard several times per day and can make you feel eerie and strange, but have the guts to visit a true mosque and watch the prayers unfold.

Aya Sofya was built by Emporer Justinian(527-65) as part of his effort to restore the greatness of the Roman Empire and was recognised as the greatest chruch in Christendom until 1453 when it was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror. The Interior has a domed cieling soaring heavenward, unfortunately during my visit most of it was being restored and obstucted by the massive stucture of scaffolding.

Across the street hidden beneath the city streets is the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarniçi), a Byzantine relic that was used to store water for the Great Palace and sorrounding buildings, constructed using 336 columns from ruined buildings and a high vaulted ceiling. Built in AD 532 it was a place to wander away, especially during the summer when its cavernous depths stay cool. In the northwestern corner it is supported by two columns with Medusa heads, one on its side, the other upside down.

The Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, or better known as The Blue Mosque has six minarets, a grand interior with blue tiles that give the building its unofficial name, number in the tens of thousands with 999 shades of blue, there are 260 windows and the prayer space is huge.

With over 4000 shops to choose from The Grand Bazaar is a must, a shoppers Mecca since the mid 15th century, a monstrous labyrinth and totally manic shopping experience, haggle hard and remember to keep your wits about you!

A visit to Istanbul is not complete without going to a Hamam (Turkish Bath), warm up on the round elevated platform before being scrubbed by the attendant, then washed down from head to toe under the hot and cold basins. Treat yourself to extras, like an oil massage and face scrub, you'll leave peeled and reborn. I visited the Cemberlitas Hamam, a historic Turkish Bath built in 1584, one of the most important works of 16th century Ottoman architecture.

Taksim Square is where the night life begins, it has narrow alleys filled with unique bars and restaurants to choose, a great place to lose yourself, old tram cars and a long pedestrian outdoor shopping zone. Cross the Bosphorus for a stunning view of Istanbul and have drinks along the long stretch on the waterside promenade, passing dockside fishermen and views of the famous Maidens Tower.

Some of the most popular items to bring back include spices and rugs and kilims, traditional rugs made by hand from tribes throughout Turkey. For an excellent choice and great value visit Tulip Tribal Art Gallery (Alemdar Cad. No: 2/B) next to AyaSofya, tell them Joe Journeys sent you for a special treat.

With 4 days in Istanbul I didn't get the chance to visit Topkapi Palace, even though it was just metres from the hotel, though my intinerary did not include this on this visit, I'm sure I'll return one day to complete my tour of Istanbul in full.

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