Let’s get to know Istanbul
With around 15,8 million inhabitants in 2021, Istanbul is Türkiye’s most populous city. Therefore, Istanbul hosts about thrice as many inhabitants in comparison to Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, which has a population of about 5,8 million people. In this respect, the agglomeration of Istanbul accounts for almost a fifth of Türkiye’s population. Byzantium was founded in 658 BC. The location of settlement was the Golden Horn, which formed a peninsula with the Sea of Marmara, resulting in a natural harbour.
Through active trading at the Black Sea the city swiftly became a symbol of wealth. As the Eastern Roman Empire (also known as the Byzantine Empire) got more and more influential, emperor Constantine decided to rename the city after himself in 330 AD. In addition, Constantinople became the seat of government. The new capital was supposed to be an improved effigy of Rome. The new Rome (Nova Roma) also had 7 hills and provided the same privileges as the old one. After World War I, Constantinople lost its title as capital of Türkiye to Ankara. It was only in 1930 that the city was renamed to its modern name, Istanbul. The name is derived from the Greek phrase „eis ton polin“, meaning „to the city“.
Just a two hours flight from Vienna to Istanbul
In order to get a first impression of Istanbul, one weekend is mostly sufficient. From Vienna it takes about 2 hours by plane to get there. I love to connect my long distance return flights with Turkish Airlines with a stopover of about two to three days in the only city built on two continents. The early morning check-in in February of this year is at the Marmara Pera. The early arrival conveniently ensures an additional day for sightseeing as well as the comfort of the lively city on the Bosporus.
The location of the hotel, which is right next to the historical luxury hotel Pera Palace, provides me with an excellent view of the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and much more, since my room is located on the 12th floor. Furthermore, it is only around three walking minutes to the famous Istikal Street. Not only are representative city villas, built in the 19th century, situated there, but also the Church of St. Anthony of Padua and the Taksim Square. I would meet my guide Cengiz in the lobby at noon. Of course he knows his city like his own pockets and has many great recommendations.
The Bosporus is Istanbul’s lifeline
With a width of up to 3,2 km and a length of 32km, the famous strait between Marmara Sea and Black Sea divides the city between the two continents Asia and Europe. The city area is located on both sides. Inside the bazars, shopping streets, teahouses and restaurants of Istanbul, life is vibrating day and night. The old town is crowned with the silhouette of multiple lovely buildings.
In Istanbul, two of the most influential architectural cultures meet, the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire. If one is to stroll on Sultan Ahmed Square, he/she will be able to discover the remains of the historic horse race track or the antique Hippodrome of Constantinople. It is assumed that it had a length of around 450 m, a width of about 130 m and was able to seat up to 100.000 spectators. Today, together with the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodos, the Serpent Column and the Column of Constantine, it is a part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Touristic spots to see in Istanbul
Ayasofya
From there one arrives at the most meaningful sacral buildings: the Hagia Sophia, once the largest church of Christianity, was also the largest church of the world for centuries. Its massive silhouette has been surmounting Istanbul for almost 1.500 years. Originally built in the 6th century as a church, the Hagia Sophia was transformed to a mosque in 1453, again transformed to a museum in 1934, and yet again transformed back to a mosque in 2020. Due to its pending dome, it was considered as the 8th wonder of the world during the Late Antiquity and Middle Ages. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, impresses with its harmonic proportions, its main dome, six minarets and eight secondary domes. The lower levels and every pier is equipped with more than 20.000 handmade ceramic flagging from Iznik, formerly known as Nicaea. The upper levels are dominated by blue color. That is why it is also called the Blue Mosque. It is classified as the last big mosque of the classical construction method.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace was the home and seat of government of the sultans, as well as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for a long time. Within the Gülhane Park, still inside the walls of the palace, the Archaeological Museum, which won the museum prize of the Council of Europe in 1991, is located. It comprises around 15.000 archaeological pieces from Mesopotamia, ancient Assyria, ancient Sumeria, ancient Akkadia, ancient Babylonia and ancient Egypt, as well as Anatolia and finally the Islamic Arabic Culture.
The Galata Bridge and the Galata Tower
The Galata Bridge leads over the Golden Horn and connects cultures. Orient and occident meet here. Everyone who visits Istanbul gets his/her picture taken here. Split up into two floors, one can find all sorts of fish. Fishermen, surrounded by buckets full of bait, can be found here already very early in the morning, In case one is enjoying a fish meal on the lower floor, it is quite likely that a live fish is being reeled in and floates right in front of your eyes.
A walk down the Karaköy Street leads right to the Galata Tower, which has a height of 67 m. It is a relict of the Genoese colonies in Istanbul. Initially built in 527 AD under the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. as part of a defence mechanism, it is known as one of the oldest towers in the world and a true symbol of Istanbul. Visitors enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Istanbul. On the way up and down, the exhibitions can be inspected. One of the absolute highlights is the simulated flight of Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, who supposedly took flight from the Galata Tower, over the Bosporus, to the Asian part of the city in 1638 AD.
Galataport
Galataport, on the European shore, is where Golden Horn and Bosporus meet. It is located in the hip waterfront of Karakoy and accommodates traditional bakeries, cafes and family owned shops. Galataport itself is a huge project, which aims to become a center for cruises and modern shopping. Dozens of shops and restaurants, a hotel and a museum for modern art, are spread across 400.000 square meters. Once a ship wants to dock, the seafront rises to a vertical wall, which locks it from the outside. Unfortunately, the great view of the old city peninsula, while enjoying a fine meal, is blocked once a ship is docked in the harbour.
İstanbul, center of shopping
Thousands of merchants in Istanbul offer their goods in Craft Street, Gold Street and Lamp Street. The Grand Bazaar comprises 4.400 shops and 180 streets, which were continuously upgraded between the 15th and 19th century, and has a total area of 45.000 square meters. One could say that it is the largest mall in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that more than half a million visitors are lured to the Grand Bazaar every year. Each sector is specialized on a certain craft or industry. That is why each one of the 60 canopied streets is named after a specific craft or industry.
Bargaining is day-to-day business, so do not hesitiate to propose a different price than the one originally offered. The same concept applies to the Egyptian spice bazaar, which dervies its name from the fact that its construction was funded with tax money from Cairo. The spice bazaar does not need any further explanation as it is clear after the first glance that one will find the most wonderful aromatics of exotic spices, teas and oriental sweets (Turkish delight).
Worth seeing
Ahead of my return trip to Vienna, I join Cengiz (my guide) to have a look at the Theodosius Cistern (Şerefiye Sarnıcı). It is a sheltered cistern in the Binbirdirek district. After being renovated for eight years, it was made available to the public again. The structure is being used for concerts and is illuminated via a light installation. I highly recommend it!
My notes on my trip
I started my trip in Vienna during January 2022 and took a Turkish Airlines flight via Istanbul to Mauritius. My business class ticket also enabled me to have a pleasant experience in the business-class lounge in Istanbul. The lounge is definitely worth a visit and I like to take my time here. My favorite area in the lounge is the tea room. There is a great deal of shops at the largest airport in the world, IGA Istanbul Airport, and I love to walk around, since there is always something new to explore. Meanwhile, my hand luggage is safely stored in one of the lockers of the lounge.
My suggestions
Pera Palace Hotel – Pure luxury
Divan Brasserie Beyoglu
Emirgan Sütiş Bosporus – Great breakfast location
Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Baklava, just delicious!
Galata Marmara Balik – Fish and seafood on the lower level of the Galata Bridge
Sultanahmet Köftecisi – Köfte at it´s best!
Guvenc Konyali – Okra soup, Pide & Co
