Istanbul, a mix of tradition and modernity

Istanbul It is the largest and most populous city in Turkey. Its 10,034,830 inhabitants also make it one of the most populated in Europe. Located on the edge between Europe and Asia (the Bosphorus Strait separates the two continents), it contains a mixture of many cultures united in a single city. Also, it is a city highly modernized That is not why it abandons its most encestral traditions and its oldest neighborhoods.


Istanbul

The sunset and the end of the working day take the citizens of Istanbul to the streets. These, full of cafes, of street vendors of exotic sweets, mussels, breads and juices, become Real crowds of people until the wee hours of the morning.



Sunset in Istanbul

Istanbul is more culturally identified with Europe than with Asia. Therefore, although we may think that due to its Muslim roots the city may have a curfew, the opposite is true.


Blue Mosque


In the late afternoon, the fishing districts fill with tourists and resident citizens who are eager to try the fish that is extracted from there. And it is that, surrounded by three seas, Istanbul stands out for an exceptional culinary culture in which fish and seafood are its foundations.
Dinners are usually accompanied by musical groups that make dinner an authentic unforgettable party.


Basilica Cistern

Istanbul has 8 mosques of great historical-artistic-cultural value. The most visible from a bird's eye view are those of Hagia Sophia (turned into a museum) and Sulnahmet (known as the Blue Mosque).



Hagia Sophia Mosque

If you are fond of going to flea markets, you cannot miss visiting the Spice Bazaar. There you will find old Berber pharmacies where you can buy all kinds of aromatic oils and natural cosmetics.
Apart from this, there is the Grand bazaar. Its labyrinthine corridors will allow you to see crystal lamps of thousands of colors, goldsmiths and, of course, many rugs. There are some that are even invaluable.


Grand bazaar

In the afternoons it can be very useful to go to any of the cafes in the city and try a turkish coffee. Also, to go making mouth, you can taste the delicious kebab, so widespread already in our country.

Places you can't miss

- Church of Divine Wisdom
- Topkapı Palace
- Sulnahmet Mosque
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Arap Mosque
- The Maiden's Tower
- Mosaic Museum
- Galata Tower
- Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen
- Fatih's Mecca

Modern Turkey : regime change or Islam | Ayla Gol | TEDxAberystwyth (March 2024)


  • Istanbul, Sofia
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