"ISTANBUL" Istanbul by bugulma

Istanbul Travel Guide: 8,966 reviews and 18,403 photos

Magnificent Istanbul

In December 2006 I spent several days in Istanbul, celebrating my birthday as well. I liked the city very much, its narrow streets with a lot of people, wonderful architecture. The city is situated in 2 continents and has Orthodox and Muslim stories as well.
The city was founded in 330 AD by Byzanthium Tsa Constantinus the Great as New Rome. After Roman Empire collapse the city became the capital of Eastern Roman Empire (Byzanthium). In 1453 the city was conquered by Ottomans and the city developed in Muslim culture. The city was a capital of Ottoman Empire. In 1923 after revolution and war Turkish Republic appeared and the capital was move in Ankara. Nowadays the city is the biggest in Turkey and one of the biggest city in the world. In the same time it is center of culture, finance and tourism.

Last visit to Istanbul: Dec 2006
Intro Updated Dec 27, 2006
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Reviews (44)

Basilica Cistern, Interior Things to Do (13)

the cistern consists of 336 marble columns on the territory of more than 9 000 quater meters. There are 2 stone... more travel advice

Basilica Cistern Things to Do (13)

Cisterns were used for keeping water. Istanbul Basilica Cistern is the largest one in the world that we can see... more travel advice

Valide Mosque Off The Beaten Path (7)

On Ataturk Avenue you can enjoy Valide Mosque with beautiful architecture. It was built in 1869-1871. The place is not... more travel advice

Marks of Vizanthia Local Customs (2)

In the old city you can easily find marks of the Vizanthia Empire (that was conquered by Ottomans in XV century. I don't... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
North Shield
Hotels (1)
Orsep Royal Hotel****
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Comments (20)

MalenaN Feb 25, 2012 at 4:17 AM Report Abuse

Nice place to go to for your birthday! Reading your page brought back many good memeories from my visits (2003 and 2004).
Raimix Nov 11, 2010 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

Great page here! Actually..I think Istambul is one of my options to go in spring. Looks exotic :)
BruceDunning Oct 9, 2010 at 1:59 PM Report Abuse

You have done a good job of describing the sites in the city and showing the visitors what to see as well as the comments to benefit those nice pictures.
balhannah Nov 3, 2008 at 2:15 AM Report Abuse

I would love to visit Turkey and Istanbul. I like looking at different cemeteries in the world.
Nemorino Jul 24, 2007 at 2:50 PM Report Abuse

Great that you saw a good performance of Manon Lescaut by Puccini at the Turkish National Opera. I have only heard one Turkish opera singer so far, but she was very good. (She's the one you read about a few weeks ago on my Heidelberg page.)
Travel2write Jun 26, 2007 at 10:27 PM Report Abuse

Interesting facts and great tips and pics! John
TheDiplomat Apr 3, 2007 at 4:58 AM Report Abuse

Cool buddy! I am glad that you enjoyed the city very much!!
Italiana07 Mar 9, 2007 at 3:21 AM Report Abuse

oh YES, Istanbul is a indescribable city! I have a friend there, I was listening his story:) that's amazing place and your pics are great too!:)
LoriPori Mar 7, 2007 at 6:49 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful Istanbul page Andrey. The Blue Mosque is absolutely impressive.
sue_stone Mar 6, 2007 at 12:12 AM Report Abuse

What a fabulous place to celebrate your birthday! The Grand Bazaar sounds amazing : )