Istanbul; the capital of three great empires, the host for the cultures of the communities that have been living in Anatolia for thousands of years, and the city housing the most significant structures of the three major religions.
Istanbul, extending to Asia on one side and to Europe on the other, is the only city that lies on two continents in the world. The Bosporus, passing through the middle of the city guides the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn.
Having served as the capital of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires respectively, Istanbul is hopeful for its modem future whilst preserving the heritage of the past proudly.
The Romantika Park on the Fenerbahce peninsula is a an undertaking by Turing and hears the signature of Qelik Gulersoy. The Park which serves in both an open and a closed area has a breathtaking view of the Princes Isles from the front side. In summers you can enjoy the beautiful geraniums in the garden while the winter panorama accompanies you under the glass covered inner side during cold weathers. You can taste the life in Istanbul by listening to the intoxicating tunes of classical music in the freshly green park.
Istanbul lived it’s “Golden Age” between 527 and 565.
It was the most magnificent and the greatest city of its era with a population more than half a million.
A capital that hosted East Roman-Byzantine Empire for 1,600 years and then Ottoman Empire. A hundred and twenty Kaisers and emperors had passed from this city. Its origin goes far back to dark labyrinths of the mythology.
“Land of the Blind!” This is how Delphi Byzas, the leader of Megarian, defined the other side of Bosporus; because he thought the residents of Chalcedon whose leader was also Greek, must have been blind to skip the beauty of European shores and for settling down there. Thus, Megarons founded their new settlement right here, just the opposite side of Chalcedon, called Kadikoy today, in 667 AD on the ridges the Topkapi Palace is located today. Then they named it “Byzantium” attributed to their leader.
We started the Guided Tour Istanbul from Hippodrome. Again it’s Friday and we couldn’t go into Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). We talked a little bit outside about Blue Mosque – how beautiful it is inside, how magnificent and blue it is as well. The blue colour comes from the Iznik tiles. I hope they will come back to see it with their families.
The centers of the Byzantine wooden workmanship which is not widely known are Istanbul, Antakya and Iskenderiye.
Today, there are very few examples left by the masters trained in these centers.
Istanbul is a matchless city on earth with its unique characteristic of setting the two continents apart.
The Bosporus which passes right through the middle of the city also borders the continents of Asia and Europe from each other. Asian side incorporating the eastern part of the city is a region which embraces many surprises worth seeing although they are out of the travelers’ routes.
Asian side, which is called as Anatolian side as well, offers more peaceful life to its residents when compared to the other side of the city. Less cosmopolite nature and more established neighborhoods constitute the major reason of preference to reside here together with a greener and better constructed areas than the European side.