What is Istanbul best known for?
Historically, this city was known as Byzantium or Constantinople in ancient times. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It has been the cultural, economic, and historical centre of Turkey. The city has been a significant place throughout the region's history. It has seen the ascent and descent of many empires, significant battles and cultural renaissance. It has served as the historical capital city for almost 1600 yr for different realms.
Modern Istanbul attracts 13.4 million foreign visitors from around the world. Istanbul has several world heritage sites, due to which visitors from all over the world. It has been named as the European culture capital.
Here are the best-known places in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia Museum –Officially known as Sophia Hagia Grand Mosque and formally as the church of Sophia Hagia, is a worship place built by the Greeks in AD 537.
- Bosporus – It is an internationally significant waterway which is also known as the Istanbul Strait. One of the narrowest channels used for navigation connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
- Topkapı Palace – Topkapi Palace is a large museum used as residential and administrative headquarters of Ottoman Sultans during the 15th and 16th Centuries.
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul – The Grand Bazar of Istanbul is the world's oldest market in a city. It is the largest covered market in Turkey, with over 400 shops and 61 covered streets.
- Basilica Cistern – Built by emperor Justinian, Basilica Cistern is the largest of several ancient Cistern that lies beneath Istanbul.
- Galata Tower – The Galata Tower is a cone-capped medieval stone tower that offers a complete city view of Istanbul.
- Dolmabahçe Palace – Located at the easter coat of Bosporus Strait, Dolmabache Palace served as the Ottomans' administrative centre in the second half of the 19th century.
Airport in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Arnavutköy district
- Airport address: Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul, Turkey
- IATA code: IST