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 Located
at the point, where the Golden Horn flows into the Bosporus, riding
on two continents, Asia and Europe, Istanbul is considered one of
the most famous and fascinating cities in the world - a great metropolis
during the entire course of its ancient history
 History of Istanbul began
with the Greek settlement "Byzantium", founded in 657 BC. After
its destruction, the Roman emperor Constantine the Great erected
a new city on the walls of Byzantium, with the intention to create
a "Roma Nova" (New Rome). In 330 AD he declared the city the
capital of his empire and rechristened it "Constantinople". In 1453
the Osmane sultan Mehmed II conquered the city, gave it the name
"Istanbul" and made the legendary metropolis the centre of
his empire.
Istanbul was the centre and mirror of two world empires and two
world religions for 16 centuries and has kept the most significant
testimonies from each era.
 For one day we immersed
in the magic atmosphere of this fabulous city and visited its most
famous sights -
Mosque of Hagia Sophia,
Blue Mosque, Hippodrome,
Topkapi Palace and Justinian's
Cistern,
 had lunch in the Ciragan Palace, the Sultan's
ancient residence and as another highlight strolled over the Great
Bazaar. What unique and unforgettable experiences!
The most precious ancient remnant of the Hippodrome and
oldest monument of Constantinople is the Egyptian obelisk, which
was erected by Pharaoh Thutmosis III in Karnak 1471 BC. Would take
a long time to tell its chequered history. Well, we visited the
Topkapi Palace, but were disappointed, not to get the chance, to
see the sultan's splendid rooms, or the Serail. However visited
the museum with Osmane jewellery, precious objects, arms etc.
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| Bosporus |
harbour |
Topcapi Palace |
Ciragan Palace |
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| Ciragan Palace |
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Great Bazaar |
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