Istanbul – an enchanting blend of Eastern and Western Culture

Istanbul is truly a world city, a city which everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is an enchanting blend of Eastern and Western culture, a vibrant, modern city, with a unique identity, its rich past coexisting alongside its youthful exuberance. Although no longer the capital of Turkey, Istanbul remains the country’s cultural and business centre.

It is a city of contrasts, bustling with the cacophony of 21st century life, and yet achingly beautiful. It is set in a stunning location, surrounded by water – the narrow strait of the Bosphorus and the serene Sea of Marmara separating Europe from Asia. Istanbul has a foot in each, celebrating the best of both heritages. As Byzantium, Constantinople and finally, Istanbul, it has been the capital of three Empires, each leaving their mark in the form of stunning palaces, castles, mosques, churches and monuments. The legacy of its chequered past can be seen in every turn of the modern city.

There is so much to see in Istanbul that it is impossible to cover everything. Here are just a few of those sites you simply should not miss:

For opulence: Visit Topkapi Palace – there is so much to see here that you need at least 1/2 a day. Book a tour of the Harem when you arrive and don’t miss the stunning emeralds and other jewels.

For atmosphere: Explore the world under the pavements, in the Yerebatan cisterns, which stored water for the Byzantine city, with their hundreds of columns, artfully lit to a soundtrack of classical music.

For beauty: Marvel at the stunning mosaics which still decorate the walls of Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofya).

For culture: If you only have time to visit one mosque make it the Blue Mosque – if you are in Istanbul for longer, take in the Süleymaniye too.

For shopping: Visit the Grand Bazaar, where you will find yourself buying things you never knew you needed. Take a trip to Ortaköy to shop at the Sunday market on the shores of the Bosphorus.

Shopping

Istanbul is a great place to shop. Whatever you want to buy, you can find the whole range – from souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar to designer labels in exclusive malls. Shopping in the Grand Bazaar, Kapali Çarsi is a unique experience. Although some find the atmosphere overwhelming, if you get into the spirit of it, it is fun. The salesmen’s banter is lighthearted and they are experts at guessing nationalities from a distance and choosing their language accordingly. The Bazaar has thousands of shops, together with cafes, banks, a post office, police station and even a mosque – in fact a self-contained community. They sell everything here from cheap textiles to fine gold jewellery. Leather goods are excellent value as are ceramics, silver and, of course, carpets. It is worth a wander around the Bedesten, the oldest part of the Bazaar at its very centre, where they sell an eclectic range of antiques and bricabrac.

Eating out and entertainment

Nightlife in Istanbul is varied and vibrant – you can find the latest clubs, which are some of the best in Europe or a café with cushions on the floor, where you can smoke a hookah pipe or nargile. Wherever you choose to eat, whether you want a quick snack in the midst of sightseeing or a romantic dinner for two you are likely to find delicious food made from fresh ingredients, and can expect good value for money. If you want traditional street entertainers and musicians head to the area of Kumkapi near the Sea of Marmara, in the old town, famous for its fish, or the Flower Passage Çiçek Pasaji off Istiklal Caddesi. You can find excellent restaurants with views and many in historic buildings, as well as some very fashionable restaurants serving international cuisine. Istanbul is famous for its fish and seafood so you should try to eat fish at least once during your stay. There are some excellent fish restaurants along the Bosphorus.

For an idea of where to go and what to do there are two English language publications, Time Out Istanbul and The Guide Istanbul, which are available in hotels and shops locally.

Singapore Airlines flies up to 3 times daily from New Zealand to Singapore and then beyond to Istanbul with 6 flights a week.

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