| Istanbul, with both its natural beauty, rich historical heritage, many lodging facilities and developed transportation system is one of the most important tourism centers of Turkey. |
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Considered the most beautiful of all imperial architectures in Istanbul. The Aya Sofya was built in the 6th Century as the greatest church in Christendom.
When the Ottoman Turks conqured the city in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. In 19th century Ataturk who built the modern Turkey realized the historical importance of Aya Sofya and turned the mosque into a Museum.
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Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet, the building is familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent paneling of blue and white Iznik tiles. |
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The Golden Horn and the Marmara Sea stands the Topkapi Palace, the maze of buildings at the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15 th and 19 th centuries. |
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Turkish crafts, the world-renowned carpets, copper and brass ware, and meerschaum pipes make charming souvenirs and gifts. |
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IT has the vast reception salon, with 56 columns, and a huge crystal chandelier weighing four and a half tons and lit by 750 lights never fails to astonish visitors. |
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