Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the epitome of ‘East meets West’. Geography is largely to blame or in this case, thank for. The city owes its unique culture and interesting attractions to Turkey, which is located in between Asia and Europe.
Sultan Ahmet Square should be the first place you go to as soon as you arrive. It is the historic center of Istanbul where most of its major attractions are located within walking distance from one another. The Hippodrome of Constantinople is a good place to start. A hippodrome once stood here along with an arena, but these structures are long gone. The Serpent Column, a Walled Obelisk, and the Obelisk of Thutmose III which came all the way from the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt are all that remains.
From the Hippodrome, proceed to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque or what most tourists know as “The Blue Mosque”. It is still used for services so remember to follow their religious customs before entering. You can then go to Basilica Cistern situated underground where there are statues of Medusa in perfect condition. The main attraction in the historic square is Hagia Sophia. Having been around since 6th century AD, it is the gem of Byzantine architecture. The impressive structure was built as a basilica but was converted into a mosque in the 15th century. By 1935, it was declared a museum open for public viewing. Other sights to see in Istanbul include the Topkapi Palace, Gülhane Park, Hagia Irene, Chora Church, and their archaeological museums.
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