Archive - 26 June 2013

Istanbul, once known as the capital of capital cities, has many unique features. It is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, and the only one to have been a capital during two consecutive empires. Visiting Istanbul invites you into a world where ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe & mystical and earthly all co-exist.

Istanbul is well known for its picturesque scenery that makes it a fantastic place to visit. Among these places are beautiful palaces where powerful sultans used to live.

When East Meets West

One of the most astounding and popular places to visit in Istanbul is Topkapi Palace, the symbolic and political centre of the Ottoman Empire in between the 15th and 19th centuries. It stands on the tip of land where the Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus come together, and is a maze of buildings centered around a series of courtyards, typical of Islamic tradition. Such is the complexity of each building - it will take many hours in order to be explored properly. Unlike any European Palace, its architecture is predominantly Middle Eastern in character.

Absolute Majesty

Dolmabahçe Palace has a level of luxury, which has not presented in most other palaces, with walls and ceilings decorated with gold and European art from the period. Top quality silk and wool carpets, Southeast Asian hand-made artifacts, and crystal candlesticks adorn every room. The men’s hamam (public bath) is adorned with alabaster marble, and the harem also contains the Sultan’s bedrooms and the women and servants’ divisions. One of the highlights is the throne room, which stands at an amazing 36-metres high – almost twice the height of the rest of the rooms. The east wing is home to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Glory for Sultans, Luxury for Tourists

The most picturesque spots along the Bosphorus and Golden Horn were reserved for the ÇÄąrağan Palace. The huge palace was constructed by architect Serkis Balyan in 1871, as appointed by Sultan Abdul Aziz, from the ruins of the old palace. The rooms were decorated with rare carpets, furniture, gold and silver. Now, it is Istanbul’s premier luxury hotel where you can spend the night to experience royalty in its glory.

The Throne That Tested Time

Beylerbeyi Palace is decorated with Bohemian chandeliers, valuable tiles and ceramic vases. Silver-edged furniture and luxurious carpets add something to the beauty. Even till today the authentic furniture, carpets, curtains and other property have been well preserved and well kept.

A Stroll Down The Palace Park

This vast park consists of mansions, gardens and lakes, the whole area surrounded by high walls, and all set in a superb hillside location. Popular at weekends and holidays with locals, it offers one of the few green areas within the city centre, and is a great place for walking, relaxing and eating. There is a steep walk up the hill from Ciragan Caddesi up to the first pavilion, but rewards are cooling breezes and sweeping views of the Bosphorus.