The former capital of Turkey will not yield to anyone the first place in the country in terms of the number of monuments of history, religion and culture. Walking around Istanbul is a unique opportunity for a tourist to visit both Europe and Asia during the day, see Christian and Muslim shrines, get acquainted with the amazing architecture of the East and appreciate the architecture of European masters.
And also this amazing city plunges into the depths of history, leading through the endless labyrinths of narrow streets, invites you to touch the great culture of the ancient Turks, look at the bazaars and markets that preserve the medieval spirit and return to the 21st century.
Walking in Istanbul religious
Tourists have to start their acquaintance with Istanbul from the famous square, where two shrines are located opposite each other: the Blue Mosque and the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia. These are not only unique architectural monuments, but also historical sights.
The fate of the St. Sophia Cathedral is especially interesting - after the capture of it by the Turks, a grandiose restructuring began inside. To this day, you can see traces of Muslim architecture in the building of a Christian cult: the remains of minarets, panels decorated with Arabic script, mosaics - an integral part of Ottoman architecture. Thanks to Ataturk, the building and its interiors have been preserved, now this object acts as a museum: for a small fee, you can touch the great Istanbul history.
Opposite the Christian shrine, now a museum, there is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city - the Blue. This religious building still operates today, attracting thousands of pilgrims from different cities of Turkey, abroad, as well as foreign guests.
Acquaintance with the architecture of Istanbul
Two options are possible here, the first is an independent journey through the iconic and iconic places of the city, but this way you can miss a lot, not notice or simply not have time to see.
Therefore, the second option is considered the most promising - a hike led by an experienced guide who knows the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of Istanbul and is ready to demonstrate them to the guests of the city. The most interesting for tourists are Topkapi Palace with preserved bedchambers and harem, Galata Tower, the ancient city walls of the old fortress.
