Istanbul where East Meets West

Istanbul is a modern city in Turkey that famously straddles Europe and Asia, across the Bosphorus Strait. Known over the years by many names. Byzantium and Constantinople are just a couple. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. No other city in the world straddles two continents; at no other city can you have a foot in two continents at the same time.

Sprawling across the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus Strait, this city is unique.

Both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires bequeathed Istanbul a wealth of superb buildings, most concentrated in the old city centered on Sultanahmet. From the glittering gold mosaics of the Hagia Sophia to the cascading domes of the Blue Mosque, and from the cavernous depths of the Basilica Cistern to the Topkapı Palace’s mysterious harem, Istanbul simply oozes history. There is way more history and culture to be explored in the relatively short time i have here. So i will try to visit the iconic must visit treasures this city has to offer.

First stop is the 1,500-year-old Byzantine Basilica Cistern. A 1,500-year-old Byzantine building supported by 336 columns forming an underground water cistern.

Located in the far rear corner of the Basilica Cistern at the base of two columns are large stone Medusa heads. One of the heads is laid sideways, while the other is upside down, to mitigate her legendary powers. If your visiting, don’t miss these twin blocks, or the carp idling in the shallow waters.

Right across from the cistern, is the greatest single building in a city full of wonders, the Hagia Sophia. It was initially a church, then a mosque and today its a must visit museum. Standing beneath its 55m-high dome is an awe inspiring experience. On the way out easily missed is the Viking graffiti scratched on the balustrade of the south gallery. Those Vikings get everywhere.

Neighboring the Hagia Sophia is the breathtaking Blue Mosque. The Hagia Sophia is truly impressive but the Blue Mosque is another amazing construction. Very busy though and cameras frowned upon.

You really need to be in Istanbul for way longer then i have as i have to move on to Kusadasi.