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Istanbul to Ankara | Istanbul Trains | Istanbul

Istanbul to Ankara daily trains are running from Haydarpasa train station. YUKSEK HIZLI TREN (Fast trains) goes Eskisehir first than you should change when you get Eskisehir.

Time Table:

ESK��EH�R EKSPRES�:
Eski�ehir 08.45-Haydarpa�a (Istanbul)12.52
Haydarpa�a (Istanbul) 07.00-Eski�ehir 10.54

BA�KENT EKSPRES�:
Eski�ehir 12.45-Haydarpa�a (Istanbul)16.50
Haydarpa�a(Istanbul)10.30-Eski�ehir14.26

CUMHUR�YET EKSPRES�:
Eski�ehir 16.45-Haydarpa�a (Istanbul) 20.42
Haydarpa�a (Istanbul)13.30-Eski�ehir 17.26

SAKARYA EKSPRES�:
Eski�ehir 19.45-Haydarpa�a (Istanbul) 23.39
Haydarpa�a (Istanbul)17.50-Eski�ehir 21.42

Time table of fast trains ;

Ankara to Eskisehir

Ankara K:07.00-Eski�ehir V:08.30
Ankara K:08.00 -Eskisehir V: 09:30
Ankara K:09.00-Eski�ehir V:10.30
Ankara K:11.00-Eski�ehir V:12.30
Ankara K:12.00-Eskisehir V:13:30
Ankara K:13.00-Eski�ehir V:14.30
Ankara K:15.00-Eski�ehir V:16.30
Ankara K:16.00-Eski�ehir V:17.30
Ankara K:18.00-Eski�ehir V:19.30
Ankara K:19.00-Eski�ehir V:20.30
Ankara K:21.00-Eski�ehir V:22.30

Eskisehir to Ankara

Eski�ehir K:07.00-Ankara V:08.30
Eski�ehir K:08.00-Ankara V:09.30
Eski�ehir K:09.00-Ankara V:10.30
Eski�ehir K:11.15-Ankara V:12.45
Eski�ehir K:12.00-Ankara V:13.30
Eski�ehir K:13.00-Ankara V:14.30
Eski�ehir K:15.00-Ankara V:16.30
Eski�ehir K:16.00-Ankara V:17.30
Eski�ehir K:18.00-Ankara V:19.30
Eski�ehir K:19.00-Ankara V:20.30
Eski�ehir K:20.00-Ankara V:21.30(*)
Eski�ehir K.22.00-Ankara V:23.30

FATIH EXPRESI departure everday from Istanbul to Ankara or Ankara to Istanbul.
Time Table:
Haydarpasa (Istanbul) 23.30 - Ankara 07.23
Ankara 23.30 - Haydarpasa (Istanbul)07.13

ANKARA EKSPRESI trains departures everday from Istanbul to Ankara or Ankara to Istanbul.
Time table:
Haydarpasa (Istanbul)22.30 - Ankara 07.07
Ankara K: 22.30 - Haydarpasa (Istanbul)07.07

ANADOLU EKSPRESI trains are daily departure from Istanbul to Ankara and Ankara to Istanbul
Time table :
Haydarpasa (Istanbul) 22.00 - Ankara 07.00
Ankara 22.00 - Haydarpasa (Istanbul) 06.38

Ulusoy Bus Company | Istanbul Buses | Istanbul

Ulusoy bus company located in Istanbul main and other bus stations. Ulusoy bus has daily departure to most of the destinations in Turkey. Specially Ankara, Izmir, Trabzon, Antalya, Fethiye, Bursa, Edirne etc. Only remember Ulusoy bus has no bus departure for Cappadocia.

Ulusoy bus phone number is 444 1 888 and for more information please visit http://www.ulusoy.com.tr/otobus/hizmet.asp

Karain Cave | Antalya Sightseeing | Antalya

Karain Cave is a prehistoric cave in Antalya province. Archeological evidence shows that cave was first inhabited 150.000-200.000 years ago during the Paleolithic age. The people living in Paleolithic age were hunters and gatherers living in the caves. Many bone and stone tools made by Paleolithic people were found in the cave. There bone and stone tools are now exhibited in Museum of Ancient Civilization in Ankara.

Aspendos | Antalya Sightseeing | Antalya

Aspendos is an ancient city, in ancient Phamphilia region, in Antalya province. The city is 40kms dintance from Antalya. It was situated on Eurymedon river(Kopru cay). The Eurymedon river was navigable so city derived great wealth from trade in salt, wool and oil. The city was respectively conquered by Persians, Alexander the Great, Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans. The Aspendos theatre was one of the best preserved theatres in Asia Minor. It has been used for concerts and dance shows. But it is thought the music equipment that causes great volume can harm theatre so it is not used any more.

Side | Antalya Sightseeing | Antalya

Side is an ancient city ,in ancient Phampylia region, in Antalya province. Side was one of the leading cities in Phampylia region. According to Strabo and Arrian the city was founded by Greek settlers from Cyme and Aeolis. But archeological evidence show that the city was settled earlier. It was a prosperus city due to sea trade. During the 7th century the city was looted by pirates and Arab fleet. After that period, city lost power and became poorer. In the end people migrated to Antalya so Side turned into a town then deserted.

Perge (Perga) | Antalya Sightseeing | Antalya

Perge was ancient city 16kms from Antalya. Perge is located in anicen Phampylia. It was one of the leading cities in Phampylia region. The excavations in acropolis show that the city was first inhabited 1000BC. Most remains in the city are from Roman period. As the other cities in the region Perge was a rich city thanks to sea trade. It is known that St. Paul and St. Barnabas visited Perge during their missionary journeys and preached here. Perge now is an important tourist destination visited by tourists mainly from Antalya.

Phaselis | Antalya Sightseeing | Antalya

Phaselis is an ancient city in Lycia area. Now the city is located in Antalya province. It is believed that the city was founded by Rhodians 700BC. The city wasnt a member of the Lycian leauge. As the other cities in the area it was taken by Persians, Alexander the Great, Romans respectively. It was an important commercial city having three horbours.

Patara | Antalya Sightseeing | Antalya

Patara is an ancient city located in Antalya province. The area where Patara is located now was called Lykia. Patara was one of the Lycianm cities. The city was really rich due to its harbour and commercial potential of the location. It had 3 votes rights which is the maximum among the Lycian Leauge. According to Greek mythology the city was founded by Patarus who was believed to be a son of Appollo. The city is also known as the the place where St. Nicholas was born.

Konyaalti Beach | Antalya Beaches | Antalya

Konyaalti Beach

A favorite beach destination for residents of Antalya is Konyaalti, a long stretch of pristine pebble beach backed by a meandering promenade chock full of activities, including playgrounds and Aqualand, Antalyas' largest water park. Kids will particularly enjoy Dolphinland, where for $10 per person you can smile in wonder along with your little ones, and for an extra $60, you can swim with the dolphins. The whole complex has been dubbed Antalya Beach Park; at press time, it featured about 13 beach establishments -- swaths of waterfront brightly equipped with lounges, umbrellas and serviced by cafes, restaurants, changing cabins, and showers. Beach admission fees vary from about $3 to $7 per day and include use of the facilities. Most of the beach establishments have a water sports center, with jet skis ($29 for 15 min.); parasailing ($29 for 15 min.); ringo rides ($17 per person), water-skiing ($17 per tour); kayaks ($5.75 per hour); sea bikes ($8.05 per hr.) and windsurfing ($12 per hr.) to name a few. As the sun sets, beach clubs morph into stylish outdoor nightclubs, providing cushions and lounges for lots of posing and draping, and an atmosphere of high style and frivolity. Main access to the beach is down a switchback road between the archaeological museum and the park; pedestrians can enter via a series of steps and bridges behind the Sheraton Hotel.

How to Go antalya ?

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations | Ankara Museums | Ankara

Museum of Anatolian ( Anatolia is an ancient word that refers to Asia Minor) Civilizations is located near Ankara castle. The building was an old caravanserai then it was restored and now is used the museum building. In museum there are many artifact from all ages of Anatolia. The exhibition starts with the earliest period(paleolithic age) till Cllassic age. All artifacts which are displayed, are from Anatolia. The artifacts that are displayed in museum are respectively from Paleolithic age, Mesolithic age, Neolithic age, Chalcolithic age, Bronze age, Iron age. The most important civilizations whose traces you can follow in museum are Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, and Lydians.

Antalya Archaelogical Museum | Antalya Museums | Antalya

Antalya Archaeological Museum is located in Konyaalt� in Antalya. It is one of the largest archaeological museums in Turkey. The museum won the European Council Special Prize in 1988. Many pieces from Pro-historic period to Turkish-Islamic period are displayed in the museum. The museum has thirteen exhibition rooms. The most effective works exhibited in museum are from Greek and Roman periods. There are many well preserved statues of Gods and Goddess.

Cathedral of Holy Spirit | Istanbul Churches | Istanbul

Cathedral of Holy Spirit is the second largest Catholic Churches in Istanbul after the St. Anthony of Padua in Istikla Avenue. It is located on Cumhuriyet Avenue in Harbiye. It was constructed in Baroque style in 1846 by Architect Giuseppe Fossati. There is a statue of Pope in the courtyard.

Bulgarian Church (St. Shephen Church) | Istanbul Churches | Istanbul

Bulgarian Church (St. Stephen Church is located on the coast of Golden Horn in Fatih District of Istanbul. It is called as Iron Church as well becauce it was built of iron. Bulgarians used to pray in Greek Orthodox Church but in 19th century due to nationalists movement, Bulgarians were allowed to built their own Church. At first they built a wooden church but �t was harmed by fire. So Bulgarians constructed a new one that is made of iron. The main skeleton of the church was made of steel and was covered by iron plates. The metal frames were produced in Austria and transported to Istanbul. Then the church was built.

St. George Church | Istanbul Churches | Istanbul

The Church of St. George is the seat of Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul. Patriarch is accepted as sipiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians all over the world. The church is located in Fener District of Istanbul. The building has been repaired and restored many times since it was constructed. The Church is visited by Greek Christians and other Orthodox Christians.

St. Anthony of Padua | Istanbul Churches | Istanbul

St. Anthony of Padua Church is located on Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu District. It is a catholic church andone of the important catholic churches in Istanbul. It is run by Italian priests now. Among the churches in Istanbul, it is the one having the largest community. It is connstructed in Venetian-Gothic style. The architect of the church was an Italian from Istanbul whose name is Giulio Mongeri. There is an statue of Pope John XXIII in the garden of the church. Pope John preached in this church nearly 10 years. Before he was elected as Pope he was the Vatican's Ambassador to Turkey.

Rustem Pasha Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

Rustem Pasha Mosque is located in Has�rcilar Bazaar( Strawmat veawers market) in Eminonu district of Istanbul. Rustem Pasha was the Grand Vizier and married with M�hr�man who is Sule�man The Magnificent’s daughter. The Mosque was built by the Great Architect Sinan. It took 2 years to built the mosque. It was completes in 1563. The tiles that were used to decorate the interiror were really exquisite.

New Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

New Mosque is located in Em�nonu district near Golden Horn. The construction of the mosque started in 1597 by the order of Safiye Sultan but later on construction was delayed due to some political events. Finally mosque was completed in 1663 during the reign of Mehmet IV. Near the mosque a covered bazaar ,which we call Egyption Bazaar or Spice Market, was built as a part of mosque complex. The reason of building a bazaar near the mosque was to upkeep the mosque economy.

Ortakoy Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

Ortakoy Mosque (Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque) is located along the Bosphorus. It is one of the important landmarks of Istanbul. The original mosque was built in 17th century. This mosque was built by the order of Sultan Abdulmecit in 1854-1856 on the site of the perevious one. The architects of mosque were Armenian father and son, Garabet Amira Balyan(the father) and Nigogayos Balyan(the son). Very valuable crystal chandeliers hang from ceiling also interior of the mosque was embellished with calligraphy executed by Sultan Abdulmecit himself who was a master calligrapher.

Eyup Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

Eyup Mosque is located in Eyup district near the Golden Horn in the European side of Istanbul. Eyup was companion of Prophet Mohammed ans the standard-bearer of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.The mosque was dedicated to him. It is the first mosque constructed after the conquest of Istanbul. Eyup is believed to have died and buried here during Arab raids to Istanbul. After the conquest of Istanbul, Aksemseddin who was the sipiritual leader of Fatih Sultan Mehmet located the place where Eyup was buried. After then Fatih constructed a tomb for him. Eyup mosque and tomb is like a pilgrimage place for muslims. It is especially visited before wedding and circimsicion ceremonies. During the ramadan many people rush into complex.

Beyazit Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

Beyazit Mosque is located in Beyaz�t square (Forum Tauri in Roman period and Forum of Theodosius in Byzantine period). It is the second imperial mosque in Istanbul. It was built on the order of Sultan Beyazit. As every imperial mosque, Beyazit mosque has its complex consisting of primary school, bath and public kitchen.

Fatih Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

Fatih Mosque is located in Fatih District of Istanbul. The word Fatih is literally means Conqueror. It is the title given to Sultan Mehmet II because he conquered Istanbul. Fatih Mosque is the first imperial mosque in Istanbul. There was once a Byzantine Church( The Church of the Holy Apostles) on the site where Fatih Mosque covers today. To built the mosque Fatih Sultan Mehmet demolished the church and built the mosque. The architect was Atik Sinan but little is known about him.

Firuz Aga Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

Aga Mosque was built during the reing of Bayezit II. Firuz Aga was the man who was responsible for treasury during this period. The interesting fact about the mosque is the minaret on the reverse side. If a mosque has one minaret, usually the minaret is attached to right side of the entrance. But it is on the left side in Firuz Aga. There are some explanation about it. According to one the mosque had two minarets at first but one of them collapsed down. But some people say that this minaret intentionally attached to the reverse side. Because in that time ther are many christians living in the area and they kindly requested the minaret to be built on the other side. Because they didn’t want to be disturbed by the call to prayer all the time. So Firuz Aga accepted and built the minaret on the right side instead of left side that is closer to christian district.

Duden Waterfall | Antalya Sightseeing | Antalya

Duden Waterfalls are located in Antalya province. Actually Duden Waterfalls are a group of waterfall formy by Duden river. The water dropping of the rocks creats a natural picturesque view. The Duden waterfalls offer you the combination of sound and view.

Culture Museum | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Museum Restaurant is located in the centre of Ortahisar.It is a section of Culture Museum. Restaurants offers you traditional Turkish food. You should taste traditional pottery kebap. The bulding was an old municipality building having a good ambiance.

Adress:Cumhuriyet Meydan� No:15
Ortahisar - Ürgüp – Nev�ehir
Tel : +90 384 343 33 44 - 343 21 01

Bizim Ev | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Bizim Ev Restaurant is located in Avanos in Cappadocia. The restaurant consists of four different sections that are Cave Entrance, Cave Wine Cellar, Stone Arch Room and Closed Terrace. All these sections has each seating plan, including traditional seating by using lowered tables and hand-made cushions as well as today's modern tables and chairs. The restaurant serves traditional Cappadocia food.

Adress: Orta Mah. Baklac� Sok. No 1
50500 Avanos / Cappadocia
Tel: +90 384 511 5525

Han Ciragan | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Ciragan Han Restaurant is Urgup in Nevsehir. The Restaurant serves you traditional Turkish cuisine and beside this you can find international dishes on the menü. Cappadocia is an area famous for its wine. So restaurants offer you many kind of Turkish wine as well.

Adress: Cumhuriyet Square. No:4 50400

URGUP/NEVSEH�R/TURKEY

Tel:+90 384 341 2566

Orient | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Orient Restaurant is located in Goreme in Cappadocia. Restaurants has its own garden where beatiful flower, herbs and vegetable are produced. So you can be sure that the vegetables you have are certainly organic. The restaurants serves traditional Turkish food. Restaurant is just two minutes on foot from bus station.

Tel: +90384 271 2346

Dibek | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Dibek Restaurant is located in Goreme in Nevsehir. Dibek offers you home made traditional Turkish food. The atmosphere ,the cave rooms where you have dinner, is also appealing. You should try traditional dried beans here.

Adress:
Hakk� pasa meydan� 1
Goreme / Nehsehir / Turkey

Tel: 0384 271 22 09

Koy Sofrasi (Ottoman Cuisine) | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Koy Sofras� offers you traditional Turkish cuisisine.You can taste local dishes here. Restaurant is located in Goreme.

Adress:
Goreme/ Nevsehir/Turkey

Hanodasi | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Hanodasi Restaurant is located in Goreme in Cappadocia. The restaurant is carved into rock. So you will feel the different atmosphere which will be a good exprerince.

Adress: Goreme/ Turkey

Tel: 0384 271 23 92

A'laturca | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

A’laturca Restaurant is located in Goreme of Cappadocia. A’laturca restaurant serves you Anatolian cuisine.

Adress:
50180 Goreme Nevsehir Turkey
Tel:+90 384 2712882

Uranos | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Uranos Restaurant is located in Avanos district of Cappadocia. It serves traditonal Turkish food and local Cappadocian cuisine.

Adress:

Akbel mevkii 50500/Avanos
Cappadocia/ Turkey

Tel: (0384)5115655

Ziggy's | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Ziggy’s Caffe and Restaurant is one of the places in the area where guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails and liqueurs, along with fine food. the menu includes a variety of traditional and contemporary Turkish mezes, along with selected main dishes.

Yunak Mah., Tevfik Fikret Caddesi
No. 24 Urgup - Nevsehir - Turkey
Phone: +90 (384) 341 7107

Somine | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Somine Restaurant is located in Urgup in Cappadocia Region. Somine means fireplace. Menu consists of traditional Turkish foods and local tastes.

Adress:

Cumhuriyet Meydan� No : 9 Ürgüp
Tel : +90 384 341 8442

Lil'a | Cappadocia Restaurants | Cappadocia

Lil'a Restaurant is located in Uchisar in Cappadocia. It offers you traditional Turkish and Cappadocia cuisine.

Adress: Tekelli mah. no:1

Uchisar 50240 Nevsehir/ Turkey

Tel: +90 384 219 22 20

Sakip Sabanci Museum | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Sakip Sabanci Museum

Sakip Sabanci Museum is a private fine arts museum in Istanbul, Turkey, dedicated to calligraphic art, religious and state documents, as well as paintings of the Ottoman era. The museum was founded by Sakip Sabanci, and was opened in June 2002. Aside from permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts national and foreign temporary exhibitions and, hosts cultural events on the weekends.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Istanbul Modern Art Museum or Istanbul Modern, is a museum of contemporary art in Istanbul, Turkey, inaugurated on December 11, 2004.The museum, located in a converted warehouse in Tophane district on the Bosphorus, is the first of its kind in Turkey. It is easily reached by tram.

Istanbul Modern has exhibitions on two floors. The museum's permanent exhibition, along with the shop and the restaurant, is located on the top floor. Temporary exhibitions are located on the lower floor, along with the cinema and the library.The permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits showcase the work of leading Turkish Painters.The museum also has an extensive library and a restaurant.

Istanbul Military Museum | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Istanbul Military Museum

Istanbul Military Museum is located in Harbiye district of Istanul. Harbiye means warfare in Ottoman language. Harbiye was the area where the Ottoman Military Academy was and still an important military installation. Harbiyer district is close to Taksim square.

In museum you can witness the one tousand years old Turkish Military History. Many weapons (shields, swords, guns, cannons, etc.) from different periods are exhibited in Museum.

Galata Tower | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Galata Tower

Galata Tower, located in European side of �stanbul, is a striking landmark of �stanbul. Galata Tower has a great panaromic view of Istanbul. The original name of the tower was Tower of Christ. Galata region was a Genoese colony and they built the tower first. But the tower we see today is an original Byzantine tower which controlled the northern end of the massive sea chain that closed the entrance to the Golden Horn.

In Ottoman period the tower was used as a watch tower. There used to be always a man on the top of it watching for fire. Also according to Ottoman sources, an interesting event took place here. Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, a scientist made rush-work wings for himself and jumped from the top of the tower. He managed to fly over Bosphorus to Uskudar a district in asian side. It is approximately 6km distance.

Great Palace Mosaic Museum | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Great Palace Mosaic Museum

Great Palace Mosaic Museum is at Arasta Bazaar which is near Blue Mosque. In museum mosaics embelishing the pavement of peristyle courtyard of old Byzantine Palace is exhibited. The mosaic represents the largest and most beautiful example of landscape mosaics in late antiquity. Its exceptional quality of workmanship probably points to its construction by an imperial workshop employing the best craftmen gathered from all corners of the Byzantine Empire, guided by a master artist. It is this circumstance which makes it difficult to compare the piece with other creations, and thus to date it by means of typological and stylistic methods. The tessellated pavement is composed of 5 mm wide tesserae of colored lime, terracotta and glass. One square meter of floor space contains about 40,000 cubes, which makes for 80,000,000 tesserae for the entire area of the mosaic. The mosaic was brought to light only in fragments and sections, which make up about one seventh of its original expanse. In total, the recovered sections measure some 250 m2, of which a damaged but essentially contiguous section of 170 to 180 m2 is located in the northeastern part of the court

Valens Aqueduct | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Valens Aqueduct

The Valens aqueduct (Bozdo�an Kemeri in Turkish) was an aqueduct constructed to bring water to the city. It was actually completed in 368 during the reign of this Eastern Roman emperor, but certainly planned and begun already in the time of Constantine the Great (272 - 337) or his son Constantius II (317 – 361). The aqueduct was built as part of a new water supply system for Constantinople. Water from the Belgrad Forest beyond the city was carried over the aqueduct to the center of the city around the Great Palace near the Hippodrome. It was in use throughout the Byzantine and most of the Ottoman periods.

Cinili Kiosk (The Tiled Pavilion) | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Cinili Kiosk (The Tiled Pavilion)

Cinili Kiosk is an oriental-style pavilion richly decorated with Turkish tiles. It is located in the outer courtyard of the Topkapi Palace. It is just opposite of The Archeological Museum of �stanbul. The pavilion houses a valuable collection of Turkish tiles.

Turkish and Islamic Art Museum | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Turkish and Islamic Art Museum

Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is located in Sultanahmet square in �stanbul. It is just opposite the Blue Mosque. Museum exhibits almost all periods and all types of Islamic art. It has a collection exceeding forty thousand Works. Collection consists of carpet, wooden works, stone art, ceramic, glass, handwriting, calligraphy, metal and etnograhpy sections.

Dolmabahce Palace | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is one one of the Ottoman palaces in �stanbul. It is located on the European side of the Bosphorus. It was constructed by the order of the Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1856. It was the administrative center untill 1922. After then it was used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who is the founder and first president of Turkish Republic. Atatürk died in Dolmabahce Palace on November, 1938.

Dolmabahce Palace constructed in Western style. Tho construction of the palace cost five million Ottoman mecidiye gold coins, the equivalent of 35 tonnes of gold. Fourteen tonnes of gold in the form of gold leaf were used to gild the ceilings of the 45,000 square metre monoblock palace, which stands on an area of 110,000 m². The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is in the center hall. The chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tonnes. Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world, and one of the great staircases has bannisters of Baccarat crystal.

Suleymaniye Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye mosque is an imperial Otoman mosque that is located on of the seven hills of �stanbul. Suleymaniye is the second biggest mosque in Turkey after Blue mosque. Mosque was constructed by Great architect Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent. The construction started in 1550 and finished in 1558. In the courtyard of the mosque there are tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and her wife Haseki Hurrem Sultan who had deep affect on Suleiman.

The design of the Süleymaniye also plays on Suleyman's self-conscious representation of himself as a 'second Solomon.' It references the Dome of the Rock, which was built on the site of the Temple of Solomon, as well as Justinian's boast upon the completion of the Hagia Sophia: "Solomon, I have surpassed thee!" The Süleymaniye, similar in magnificence to the preceding structures, asserts Suleyman's historical importance. The structure is nevertheless smaller in size than its older archetype, the Hagia Sophia.

Chora Church (Church of the Holy Savior in country) | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Chora Church

Chora Church is one of the most beatiful Byzantine Churches in Istanbul. Chora Church (Kariye Kilisesi in Turkish) is located in Edirnekap� district of Istanbul. It was originally outside of the city walls. Chora refers to Country side. The original name of the Church was Church of the Holy Saviour in the Country. It is the reason why the church is called Chora meaning out of the city or countryside. It was built in 5th century.

The interior walls and ceiling of the church was covered with fine mosaics and frescoes which depicts scenes from New and Old testaments. Chora Church was converted into a mosque in 16th century and a minaret attached to the building. Since 1958 it has been a museum open to public.

Spice Market | Istanbul Shopping | Istanbul

Spice Market (Egyptian market)

Spice market is a L shape building in Eminonu district of Istanbul. The market is a part of complex of New Mosque. There is a belief that the original name of the market was new market. But the spices sold in the market used to come here via Egypt so people prefered to call it Egyptian market. But now it is mostly called Spice market because many kind of spices are sold. Spices, herbs, Turkish delights, dried fruit, nuts are the most popular goods sold in the market. Near the market there is New Mosque. Rustem Pahsa Mosque is also so close to market.

Grand Bazaar | Istanbul Shopping | Istanbul

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar (kapalicarsi in Turkish) is located between Nuruosmaniye, Mercan and Beyaz�t, is the oldest and largest shopping mall of the world with 64 avenues and streets, 2 covered bazaar (bedesten), 16 inns, 22 gates and about 3600 stores. It has indoor area of 45.000 meter square, and about 20.000 persons work and depending on the season, 300 to 500 persons per day visit.

1461, when Sultan Mehmed II started the construction, was accepted as the foundation date of our Grand Bazaar. The main great bazaar was started to be constructed as wooden by Sultan Kanuni Suleyman. The valuable goods, such as jewelry, precious stone, fur and weapons, beside the most of the national treasury were protected here. Evliya (Saint) Celebi defined it as a greatly strong building.

Hippodrome | Istanbul Museums | Istanbul

Hippodrome

Hippodrome was a building where chariot races held during Byzantine period. The building was the centre of sporting events. Now the area is a square which is called Atmeydan� meaning Horse Square.. Hippodrome is a U shape building. It had the capcity of 100.000 people In the middle there was a spina around which chariots tour. On the spina there was some monuments which you can see 3 of them today. Egytian Obelisk is one of them was taken from Egypt and erected here during the reign of Thedosius the Great. The Obelisk had origially been erected by Tutmosis at the Temple of Karnak in 1490BC. There is another obelisk which is called walled obelisk erected by Constantine Porphyrogenitus in the 10th century. The walled obelisk was originally covered with gilded bronze plaques but Latin troops sacked them during the fourth crusade.

Also on spina there used to be some monument. Seven statues on the spina which were erected in honour of Porphyrios who was a legendary charioteer in his time who raced for he two parties which were called ‘Greens’ and ‘Blues’. None of the statues survived. The only thing left behind is the bases of two of them. They are exhibited in the �stanbul Archaeological Museum. Also there were statue of four bronze horse. But during the fourth crusade statues was sacked and taken to Venice. Now they are in Venice.

Blue Mosque | Istanbul Mosques | Istanbul

The Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mosque, is one of the most important imperial mosques in turkey. Original name of the mosque is Sultanahmet because it was built on the order of Sultan Ahmet by architect Mehmet Aga who is a student of great achitect Sinan. But many tourists seeing the blue tiles used to interior walls of the mosque called it Blue Mosque. After then mosque has been known as Blue Mosque. In Blue Mosque there are noble examples of Otoman tiles inside.

Blue Mosque is one of the two mosques having 6 minarets in Turkey. The other one is Adana Merkez Camii in Adana. There are some rumour about the number of the minarets. According to story Sultan asked a mosque with golden minarets from architect. But architect misunderstood this point because the pronounciation of six(the number) and gold is similar so he built a mosque with six minarets.

As every imperial mosques in �stanbul, Blue Mosque have a complex. Complex consists of hospital, school, kitchen to cook food for poor people and a tomb in which Sultan Ahmet was buried.

Sultanahmet is also the name of the area where many histarical buildings like Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace , Old Byzantine Palace are located.