"Old Roman Capital, now cultural center of Turkey" Istanbul by mrclay2000

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

the Deesis, upper gallery, St Sophia - Istanbul

History all around -- if you look closely

Istanbul is a fabulous place for those with senses for rich history and gorgeous architecture. It is not the mild setting that Rome is, nor Roman any longer, except that marble capitals are still to be found in the Sea of Marmara off the edges of old Stamboul.

This is a bustling, living, breathing place, where the cares of millions yield all that is wonderful and terrible of so much congestion. Activity is at break-neck pace. Pollution ruins the air and fouls the sea. Construction and decay sit not far from modern and ancient opulence. Look closely. There is an enormous skeleton of history here overstretched by a thin modern fabric of commercial and industrial vitality.

Like Rome, Istanbul divides its space among Seven Hills, each crested by a major mosque. Hundreds of smaller mosques (often with only a single minaret) crowd the lanes and avenues in between. Like Rome, its ancient protection still stands in the form of walls, both on land and on sea, though those of Istanbul are not uniformly intact or even extant around the entire city. Still, there is enough left in the walls themselves to tell the final tale of the last hour of the Roman city. It is precisely there we will begin our journey.

Expect the Turks to welcome you, as the city has ever welcomed visitors. Enjoy the mosques between the daily prayers, which itself is perhaps the most memorable feature of this Islamic marvel. When 500 mosques ring aloud with the call to prayer, how else would 15 million hearts beat with the same passion and purpose? There is nothing else quite like this in all the world.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Hundreds of sites and attractions to choose from
Cons:Cold in winter, windy, and plagued by carpet dealers
In a nutshell:Turkish on the surface, Roman beneath the skin

Last visit to Istanbul: Mar 1997
Intro Updated Feb 28, 2003
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Reviews (79)

Aqueduct of Valens Things to Do (55)

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Galata Tower Close-Up Things to Do (55)

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Bulgarian Church on the Golden Horn - Istanbul

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Comments (56)

mtncorg Jun 29, 2011 at 12:15 PM Report Abuse

A nice return to your pics and thoughts of this fascinating city. Hope to see a few of the things you did.
IoannaE Apr 16, 2007 at 2:37 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful writing and unusual information - thanks!
gilabrand Jan 3, 2007 at 2:22 AM Report Abuse

I can't tell you how many people I asked about this wall and where I could see it. All I got was a blank stare. In the end I found a hidden bit of it on the way to Istanbul University. Wait, maybe I'm talking about the aqueduct...
boyan18 Nov 10, 2006 at 7:43 AM Report Abuse

Are you sure about the icebergs?
janetanne Jul 25, 2006 at 10:25 AM Report Abuse

I live next door to Turkey, but unfortunately have not visited yet! Your tips give me motivation and desire even greater than before. Have you visited Greece?
pattycrabcakes May 2, 2006 at 8:19 PM Report Abuse

Your writing skills are powerful and paint a vivid picture of the city. I can't wait to return. Please continue adding to your page.
Spincat Oct 29, 2005 at 8:24 AM Report Abuse

Some of the most interesting pages I've read anywhere - and wonderful pictures of the mosques. Am planning trip in December...
jmhenry1123 Aug 1, 2005 at 10:51 AM Report Abuse

great content on Istanbul. I might be there later this year.
whitecliff62 Jul 15, 2005 at 10:59 PM Report Abuse

Mike great stuff on a great city, im in Turkey next month and i hope to visit Istanbul, all the best Cliff
Alikatt Jun 20, 2005 at 3:18 AM Report Abuse

Wow, awesome pages. I will be in Istanbul on Wednesday! Thanks for your compliments!