Istanbul Hotels Turkey

Istanbul Hotels Turkey - Cityresorthotels.com is a simple hotel booking site for many Hotels in Turkey and Hotels in Turkey.Described as 'the crossroads of Europe and Asia', Istanbul - formerly Constantinople - is a vast, heaving metropolis with an imperial history that stretches back for more than 1,500 years. No longer Turkey's capital but still the cultural heart of the nation, this city of 13 million sprawls across both sides of a land bridge spanning two continents. Istanbul's unique position on the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean, has resulted in the city being a jealously guarded centre of world trade since the Byzantine era. Protected by water on three sides, with the natural harbour of the Golden Horn nestled within the city, Istanbul has always enjoyed an ideal location for conducting east-west trade and building empires. The city fell to the Ottomans in 1453 but remained a vital trading post for spices and textiles brought to Europe via the Silk Road from as far away as China.

Istanbul has suffered from frequent sieges over the centuries, started out as a Hellenic outpost to New Rome, the world's first Christian capital, later became the headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans, masters of the world's biggest Muslim Empire. Its identity today is altogether more secular but still combines both eastern and European characteristics. Sultanahmet is the Istanbul of postcards and history. This small peninsula has witnessed more history than most countries. If you see only one building while here, make it the Haghia Sophia (‘Holy Wisdom’, Sultanahmet Square, 522 1750). After close to 1,000 years as a church and then 500 years as chief mosque of the Ottoman Empire, it’s now revered by Christians and Muslims alike. Directly north of Haghia Sophia is the imperial enclave of Topkapi Palace (Bab-i Hümayün Caddesi, Gülhane, 512 0480, closed Tue). The palace was the hub of Ottoman power for more than three centuries, and for lavish decor and exquisite setting, it is a must-see. The Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque (At Meydani Sokak 17, Sultanahmet, 458 0776) is the obvious mosque to visit, but try also to see one designed by Mimar Sinan, such as Suleymaniye, behind the Grand Bazaar, or Rüstem Pasa near the Galata Bridge. The Grand Bazaar is often claimed to be the world’s oldest shopping centre and today is still the centre for jewellery and fabrics. Downhill from the bazaar quarter is the Golden Horn, lined by long-neglected neighbourhoods that are now candidates for gentrification. The water is spanned by the modern Galata Bridge, which links the old city with the new to the north. Beyoglu is the commercial and cultural centre of town, concentrated around pedestrianised Istiklal Caddesi. One of the city’s newest attractions is the Istanbul Modern, Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, Antrepo 4, Karaköy, 334 7300, with a good collection of modern local art.

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