When we talk about the most interesting cities to visit in Europe one that is frequently overlooked is the exotic city of Istanbul. Even though it is the fifth most visited city by tourists in 2012 it might not be on the top-five list of many Americans. But not only does it have an amazingly rich history, a well-preserved culture that is interesting and important plus a vibrant social scene that is making it one of the hip places to be.
Istanbul has because of its location been one of the truly eclectic societies in the world. It had long held a strategic trading position between East and West along the Silk Road, and also with North-South trade from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara straddling the straits of Bosphorus. It also has had a long history as a religious center. From the time Constantine made it the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in 330 until its fall in 1453 was the center of Eastern Christianity.
The Ottoman Empire turned Istanbul into an important Muslim city, but it welcomed Christians and Jews into the city, continuing a cosmopolitan community that lasts until now. When you tour the city you will see how this city has changed over the centuries. I would strongly suggest hiring a guide to take you to some of the little-known places that makes this place so fascinating. I would also recommend you tell your guide before you start that you are not interested in buying anything, even if you are. You don’t want to spend your time at the Grand Bazaar haggling with overzealous vendors.
Places you won’t want to miss are:
1. The Blue Mosque. One of the biggest tourist draws in Istanbul, it is one of the two faces of the city. It is an active religious site, so women should wear headscarves, you must be conservatively dressed and you’ll have to take off your shoes.
2. Hagia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 530s, for centuries it was a Christian church regarded as one of the architectural marvels in the world. It is absolutely stunning. It was converted to a Mosque with the fall of the city in 1453, and since 1934 has been a secular museum.
3. Topkapi Palace. Originally the palace home of the Ottoman Sultans, it officially became a museum in 1924. Along with some great architecture and artifacts from the days of the Sultans, and if you’re interested there is the Harem Tour. For about $10 you can go into the quarters of the concubines and eunuchs back in the day.
4. Cisterns. I thought one of the hidden gems of the city is the cisterns, basically old water storage facilities. Ask your guide about them. The largest is the Basilica Cistern, and although they have no function today they were an important part of life in Istanbul centuries ago.
Glen Wheaton
