Istanbul Turkey:

 

The Republic of Turkey is bordered by eight countries and the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea, making it geographically strategic in importance. It is predominantly Islamic and the official language is Turkish.

 

Why Turkey?

 

A visitor to Turkey can experience all four seasons at anytime of the year since it stretches into two continents and its rich heritage will give you the best of art, history, archeology or nature.

 

A rich history with the blend of Muslim, Christian and Jewish cultures, Turkey provides a place of interest irrespective of religion.

 

Surrounded by sea in four directions the 8000kms shoreline of Turkey and its rich flora and fauna, mountains, and magnificent landscapes make it a nature lover’s paradise.

 

To see.

 

Embracing Asia and Europe Istanbul, the capital city has many unique features. Having been the seat of both Christian and Islamic rule, Istanbul is religious yet secular, traditional yet modern a harmony of cultural coexistence.  The variety of Istanbul is reflected in its many ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars. Taksim’s shopping area is all a buzz with entertainment and memories to take home. Princes Islands, the beautiful Bosphorus and the many parks bring serenity to the otherwise bustling city.

 

The Golden Horn estuary with its attractive parks and promenades lining the shores is a painting in real life.  At Fener and Balat, streets filled with old wooden houses, churches, and synagogues dating from Byzantine and Ottoman times enthrall the visitor. Eyup Camii and Tomb of Eyup, the Prophet Mohammed’s bearer is a site of Islamic pilgrimage, with mosques and graves interspersed among old Ottoman tomb stones.

 

Galata Tower near Tunel offers a great panoramic view of Istanbul. From Tunel to Taksim is one urban promenade for shopping and entertainment. Packed throughout the day late into the night is Istiklal Cadesi full of fashion shops, bookshops, cinemas, markets, restaurants and even hand-carts. St Mary’s Draperis church dating back to 1789 and Franciscan Church of St Antoine rebuilt in 1913 are in this area.

 

At the streets end, always crowded   is Taksim Square, a huge open plaza with an imposing monument depicting Attaturk and the War of Independence. Ataturk Cultural Centre and the Istanbul Military Museum are at the northern end of the square.

 

Taksim and Beyoglu are the centre of nightlife with many lively bars and clubs off Istiklal Cadesi, Beyoglu is also the center for Bohemian art.

 

The city of Istanbul is served by two international airports, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and the Atatürk International Airport.

 

Major car rental agencies like Avis, Europcar, Budget and Hertz provide services at the airports.