Turkey - Istanbul: World metropolis on two continents Istanbul, the metropolitan city which lies on the two continents Europe and Asia shows as hardly no other large city a so eventful history. Here delivered Greeks, Romans and Osmans their certifications. Therefore this city received many names: Byzanz, Constantinople, Stampul. Here large army leaders crossed, as for example Alexander the Great, the strait between the continents. In addition, in more recent time the India, Afghanistan, Nepal cross-country travellers received their first lasting impression of the Middle East. Istanbul is with about 15 million inhabitants the largest city of Turkey. Although Ankara is the political capital of the country, one can call Istanbul the cultural capital. Despite the size of the city a rough orientation is easy. The Asiatic part is distinguished by the Bosphorus (Bogaz on Turkish) from the two European parts. The European part again can be partitioned by the Golden Horn (Halic). The quarters Sirkeci, Eminönü, Eyüp and Sultanahmet lies on one side of the Golden Horn, Galata, Fenerbahce, Ortaköy and Beyoglu on the other side. In Sultanahmet you can find the former centre of power. The Hagia Sophia was built in the 4th century served both as a church and a mosque (Camii). The blue mosque also Sultan Camii called was built between 1609 and 1616. Further the Topkapi palace (Sarayi) is in this city-part as well as the Yerebatan cistern (Sarnici). Nearby these Monument is also the covered large Bazaar (Kapali Carsi). In Sirkeci is the train station. There opposite in Eminönü the ferries run out into all parts of the city, also to Eyüp where the grave of Eyüp Ansari, flag bearer of Mohamed can be found. In Eminönü is also the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). On the other side of the Halic Beyoglu spreads European flair. Here hardly a difference to a western large city can be felt. Beside Beyoglu lies Galata. In its narrow streets lived many cultures and nationalities next to each other. In both quarters the artist and writer scene of the country can be found. Also the Dolmahbace palace (Sarayi) is to be found on this side of the Halic. Ortaköy is connected with Asia by the Atatürk bridge. Despite the size of the city all parts can be reached quite comfortably by ferries, metro and streetcars. For the future also an underwater connection of both continents is planned.   >> regard photos          >> info main-page