Sign in with Facebook"Istanbul - Constantinople" Istanbul by MM212
Istanbul Travel Guide: 7,646 reviews and 19,527 photos
When the Ancient Greeks established the settlement of Byzantion in the 7th century BC at the point where Europe meets Asia, they laid the foundation for what was to become one of the ancient world's greatest cities. Matching Rome in splendour, the Roman city of Byzantium later became the Roman Empire's second capital, Nova Roma. Renamed Constantinople by Emperor Constantine, it was the Eastern Roman Empire's capital (or Byzantine, as it is now known) and the seat of Greek Orthodox Christianity. With its most impenetrable defences, Constantinople was not conquered by the Ottomans until 1453 under Mehmet the Conqueror. The city then became a centre of Islam and witnessed the height of Ottoman civilisation and grandeur, while governing lands stretching from Budapest to Aden to Algiers.
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, moved the capital from Constantinople to Ankara and renamed the old capital Istanbul. Despite this move, Istanbul has remained Turkey's largest and most dynamic city and is now experiencing a resurgence as one of Europe's most popular destinations. In fact, it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2010. Indeed, the city is where East meets West and Europe meets Asia, and where Islam and Christianity intersect. With its incredible long history, grand architecture, and unique geography, Istanbul is a city that captures the imagination.
My first visit to Istanbul was in August 2004 when I spent four full days touring the city. It left quite a lasting impression on me that I frequently dreamt of returning again... I finally did in January 2010 in rainy and snowy weather! My third visit was in August 2012, but it only half counts because it was just a delicious dinner in Florya, a suburb next to the IST airport, when I had a four hour layover. Finally, I returned again for a whole week over New Year's Eve in Dec 2012 and into January 2013.
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- "The only city in the world build in 2 continents"
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- Wrote a Review Cretan Turkish Cuisine in Istanbul Restaurants
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Comments (10)
Too rich a dish for just one sitiing! I'll be back. We were scammed in just the same way - only once but BIG bucks - details on my as-yet-to-be-finished Istanbul page.
I liked ur ISTANBUL page. nice photos and useful tips. all the best.Bora
Great Istanbul tips!
Good pages on Istanbul.....you have lot of information about mosques
Since my Aleppo pages have still virtually nothing in them, the least I could on your bday is to read what you have to say on one of my favorite cities. Cheers!
do you have any pictures of the interior of Cihangir mosque that you could post up? I was hoping to go there on my next trip to Istanbul and was trying to find some pictures of the interior. thanks so much!
Nice collection of images for Bosphorus and Hagia Sophia. I note a change in your personal icon too:-)alan
Nice overview of the Blue Mosque. I visited looong before digital, so I'm less able to share my photos. If you get a chance, it would be great if you could 'rate' my pics
your pictures brings back memories. We lived in Izmir for a year. But I was young at that time. I would love to go visit Turkey again
Thinking about Turkey & Greece next summer...would love to read more on your Istanbul page. :)