Are you ready to experience different cultures, different flavors, and different memories to make the most of your time during your treatment process?
Different cultures, different flavors, different memories…
Are you ready to experience different cultures, different flavors, and different memories to make the most of your time during your treatment process?
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the world. It is the first shopping center in Turkish lands, that is, the first mall of the Ottoman Empire. The Grand Bazaar was the first place to go for previous generations when items that were not easily available were needed.
Witness the unique magic of Istanbul by taking a 3-hour yacht cruise tour along the Bosphorus as the sun sets. Get on a luxurious yacht just for you and enjoy the city’s most distinguished attractions, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque and Rumeli Fortress, as the sun sets.
On this excursion, you will see the untold story of the old Byzantine district. Samatya is one of the districts that have survived until today, embodying the texture of Istanbul’s past. A district where Turks, Armenians and Greeks once lived together, and today it is the district of famous craftsmen and merchants.
The Basilica Cistern, one of the places where tourists are most interested, was built in the past to meet the water needs of the entire city. This enormous building should definitely be visited.
You can enjoy shopping in shopping centers such as İstinye Park, Mall of İstanbul, Akasya Mall, and Cevahir, which is one of the biggest shopping centers in the World.
Take in dramatic panoramic views of the city and traditional Turkish fare atop Galata Tower. A recognizable symbol of the city’s skyline, the tower stands 66.9 m (219.5 ft) high. Often referred to as the “Tower of Christ,” it was the tallest and most important building during the time it was being built. Have a meal or enjoy a drink at the restaurant and cafe located at the top. After hours the upper portion turns into a lively night club.
See one of the best examples of Byzantine design in the region with a trip to Chora Museum, whose interior is entirely covered in fine mosaics and frescoes. Originally built by Constantine the Great, this church has been reconstructed five times. Most significantly, Ottoman rulers converted the structure into a mosque in the 16th century. A bit off the beaten path, you have to travel to Istanbul’s Western Erdinekapı neighborhood to find this building, which opened as a secular museum in 1948. However, the masterful and aesthetically stunning interior makes this trip worthwhile.
Witness the work of famed Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan at , a majestic religious structure that dominates the Golden Horn and shares similarities with Hagia Sophia. This mosque was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1550 and completed seven years later. Though it may be less ornate than other elaborate religious structures in the city, the mosque’s Byzantine influence has gained it recognition for its blend of architectural styles. Having experienced damage from natural disasters and wars over the centuries, the building is fully restored and now one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul.
An artsy neighborhood under the first Bosporus bridge, Ortakoy offers trendy boutiques, seaside nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, and many historical monuments. This small fishing village literally “in the middle” of the European Bosporus became a cosmopolitan area during the reign of the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The communities of Turks, Greeks, Armenians, and Jews all left their mark on the neighborhood, which features historical baths, palaces, mansions, mosques, a church, and a synagogue. Stop for refreshment at one of the tea terraces overlooking the strait. Do not miss the Ortaköy Mosque, a late example of Istanbul’s imperial mosques, and the Çırağan Palace, which houses one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Explore the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns located below the city at Basilica Cistern. This fascinating chamber of the underground water systems, commissioned in 532 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is remarkable for its practical and artistic value. After a complete renovation in the 1980s, the cistern became one of the most popular tourist sites in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district. Walk along the wooden platforms beneath the dark, vaulted ceilings of this cathedral-sized cistern and see its famous Medusa-head pillar and Hen’s Eye column.
Boasting many of the city’s most important sites, from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet District serves as the historic and tourist center of Istanbul. This old district is bordered on three sides by bodies of water–the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and Sea of Marmara–which is why it’s commonly called the “Walled City.” While today the quarter is only part of this expansive and sprawling city, it used to make up almost the entirety of Constantinople. Enjoy a plethora of sights while walking through the concentrated center or take a Bosphorus cruise from the shores of this peninsula.
Home to sultans for centuries, Topkapi Palace is a World Heritage Site with a rich history and superb Ottoman architecture. Built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century, the enormous palace’s courtyards and buildings were, at one time, home to almost 4,000 people. Though much of the site is off limits to tourists, one of the highlights you can access is its highly ornate harem, with an intriguing history and notable interiors. Though royalty later moved to European-style residences along the Bosphorus, this palace is important for being truly Ottoman in spirit and design.
Marvel at one of the most significant artistic and architectural achievements in Turkey–and the world–at Hagia Sophia. Commissioned by the Byzantine emperor in 537, the church was converted into a mosque in the 15th century by Mehmet the Conqueror. Finally, Ataturk declared the site a museum in the 20th century. The transformation of this structure is symbolic of the transformation of the region and its people through centuries of changing empires and governments. This stunning architectural feat is most often noted for its well-preserved mosaics, featuring 30 million gold tiles, and its 6th-century dome.
Explore the ramparts of Rumeli Fortress, which the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built in the 15th century before he conquered Constantinople. The complex features three main towers named after Mehmed II’s viziers, one small tower, and 13 small watchtowers on the walls connecting the towers. The cylindrical main north tower stands 28 m (92 ft) high with nine storeys. Look for a water fountain and the remains of the minaret of a small mosque, which used to serve the garrison. Today the fortress houses a museum and an open-air theater. The ramparts atop the walls provide panoramic views of the Bosporus and the “second” bridge. Be aware that picnicking and smoking are prohibited here.
Nicknamed for the blue tiles that adorn its interior, Sultan Ahmed Mosque represents an imposing figure in the city’s history and skyline. Located in the historic Sultanahmet district and built in the early 17th century, this impressive religious structure has a total of six minarets, one main dome, and eight secondary domes. Originally commissioned to reassert Ottoman power in Istanbul and across the region, this mosque still functions as a site of worship today. However, the site welcomes visitors of all faiths to view its spectacular design, which mixes traditional Islamic architecture with Byzantine elements. Keep in mind you’ll need to remove your shoes and women should cover their head and shoulders.