TRAVEL ISTANBUL
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“If the
whole world
was a state,
Istanbul
would be the
capital of
it.”
Napoleon
BONEPART
Sounds of the Ezans melts in the first lights of the sun every morning and a day starts with the screams of seagulls chasing the public ferries sailing from Asian to European side carrying students, workers or young lovers… Blowing its horn to salute the other ferries, Bosphorus Ferry slowly leaves its port to the legendry shores adorned with old wooden houses and palaces. This ferry might have taken a place in the photo of Bosphorus taken by a tourist in the balcony of Galata Tower. Then tourist moves his camera to the right for taking the picture of the Hagia Sophia’s Huge Dome and at the same time, tens of people will take the photo of the dome from inside. Tourist will thrill with the courage of the architecture of Hagia Sophia and get more curious about another architect lived in 16th century in Ottoman period, Mimar Sinan the Great. Tourist moves his eyes to the left and watches the balanced portions of the Suleymaniye mosque which reminds him the interior decorations and start thinking about the best tiles. Whicdh mosque has the bests, Blue Mosque, Rustempasa Mosque or Sokollu Mosque? Maybe the tiles in circumcision room of Topkapi Palace? On the other hand, tourist start thinking about mosaics, kind a different variation of tiles and can’t decide if the mosaics or the frescoes are the more interesting and fascinating in Chora Museum. With the last lights of the sun, seagulls stop chasing the public ferries and fly to their special dance around the minarets with the sound of ezan…
Istanbul is the cultural, economic and financial centre of Turkey with a rich cultural heritage and long history. It is the only metropolis in the world that connects two continents and has served as the capital of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire. There are too many places to see and unlimited things to do depending on your interests.
Seven million foreign visitors arrived in Istanbul in 2010, when it was named a European Capital of Culture, making it the world's 10th most popular tourist destination.
Culture, history, arts, leisure, adventure, whichever is the motto of your trip, you will find such many things in Istanbul..
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DID YOU KNOW ABOUT
ISTANBUL?
» UNESCO declares Istanbul as a World Heritage Site.
» Hagia Sophia was the biggest cathedral on the world for thousands years and it’s still the 4th biggest one.
» The 4 Bronze Horses of San Marco Cathedral welcoming the guests today in Venice, were taken from Istanbul.
» In the Middle Age, Istanbul had more than 1400 public toilets in the city meanwhile there weren't any in European cities.
» Jason & The Argonauts passed through Bosphorus while looking for The Golden Fleece…
» Tomb of Hannibal is very close to Istanbul, in Gebze…
» Green columns of Hagia Sophia were brought from Artemision, one of the Seven Wonders of ancient world… |
HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL
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HAGIA SOPHIA
This is the only building that has an imperial title for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. It is the first example of this mixed architectural plan and considering its monumental size, it’s absolutely one of the most important edifices not only in Turkey but also in the world. .
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more... |
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BOSPHORUS
Also known as the Istanbul Strait, Bosphorus is a strait that forms one part of the boundary between Europe and Asia and known worlwide as a symbol of Istanbul.
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more.. |
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SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
It is absolutely the best example of Classic Ottoman Architecture of 16th century, dedicated to Suleyman the Magnificent. Dance of the domes, delicate figures of the minarets and the calm in the decoration represent us the owner of mosque, Suleiman the Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Suleyman). >>For
more... |
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TOPKAPI PALACE
The biggest Ottoman building complex, Topkapi Palace stands on the first hill of Constantinople. The palace has been home to Ottoman Empire for more than 500 years and the remnants of old glory are waiting to be seen. >>For
more... |
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BASILICA (UNDERGROUND) CISTERN
(YEREBATAN)
There are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden underneath the streets of Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern is the largest and Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attraction.
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more... |
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CHORA CHURCH/KARIYE MUSEUM
Near the Byzantine city walls, The Church of the Holy Savior in Chora is the most interesting Byzantine church in Istanbul with sapper facade and high drum little domes.
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more... |
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DOLMABAHCE PALACE
Ottoman Empire lost its vision after 17th Century and this was the beginning of their decline period. By the end of the 18th Century, Ottoman Sultan and statesmen tried to catch the century and imported foreign teachers for their princes’ education.
>>For
more... |
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GRAND BAZAAR
AND
SPICE
MARKET
Bazaars are the highlights of daily local life and reflects city culture. Grand Bzaar and Spice Markets are two most popular bazaars identified with Istanbul.
>>For
more... |
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Could you say “No,
thank you?” to
sunset cruise for
watching the
beauties of Istanbul
in your private boat
and then step in one
of the chic
restaurant along the
Bosphorus for dinner? |
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FAVORITE ISTANBUL TOUR PROGRAMS
 SOME HOTELS, WE "LOVE" TO USE
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Please do not hesitate to
contact
with Matiana Travel Advisors and
Concierge for the best room
suggestions, other hotel
alternatives and upgrade
possibilities.
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CIRAGAN PALACE
KEMPINSKI
King of the Bosphorus, Ciragan Palace lets it guests to experience the life of palaces with their high quality services… |
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FOUR SEASONS
SULTANAHMET
It was an original Ottoman Mansion which is converted into a boutique Hotel with great luxury and feelings of high-selection. They provide “private to guest” services. |
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PARK HYATT HOTEL
Elite, well-located, stylish, home-like… Those four words are the most commons about this special Hotel. You will be in the middle of Nisantasi district, surrounded with well-known shops & restaurants & cafés. |
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GEORGES HOTEL
In the heart of the bohemian part of the city, Georges Hotel crates exquisite ambiance for its guest with their comfortable rooms and the view I just stunning… |
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PERA PALACE HOTEL
Would you like to stay where the Agatha CHRISTIE, Alfred HITCHCOCK or Greta GARBO stayed? It was the official hotel for Orient Express and today, it is offer you better comfort as well as good service quality… |
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SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
Perfect blend of delicate lines of the Chinese art & magnetizing view of Bosphorus let this hotel be one of the best in the city and service quality is as flawless as the view… |
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HOUSE HOTELS
As a Luxury-design hotel of House group provides special accommodation in Bosphorus, Nisantasi and Galatasaray. Their service quality is always same and perfect but the feelings of hotels are totally different then each other… |
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GEZİ HOTEL BOSPHORUS
In the heart of Taksim Square, Gezi Hotel provides unforgettable accommodation with its special design rooms & suites overlooking the Bosphorus. Once you step in, step out will be very difficult… |
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 RESTAURANTS, WE "LOVE" TO TASTE |
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Please fill out our "Customize Your Own Trip Questionnaire" or e-mail us to live a unique wedding experience that fits your special interests. |
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SUNSET GRILL & BAR
Since it opened 15 years ago, Sunset
Grill & Bar has lost none of its appeal or
popularity. It offers exceptional, highquality
service and serves international
cuisine by a stunning view of the
Bosphorus. |
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LACIVERT RESTAURANT &
BAR
This is the perfect location to admire the beauty of Bosphorus as well as its fresh fishes. In this restaurant you can enjoy with your fresh fish along with small appetizers with stunning view of Bosphorus.
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ULUS 29 RESTAURANT
CLUB BAR
It has one of the best
Bosphorus views and
service quality in
Istanbul. They serve the
best samples of
international cuisine,
but their classical
Stone oven tastes are so
unique. |
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ULUS 29 RESTAURANT
CLUB BAR
It has one of the best
Bosphorus views and
service quality in
Istanbul. They serve the
best samples of
international cuisine,
but their classical
Stone oven tastes are so
unique. |
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360
In the heart of Istiklal Street, this is the only place where you can taste the best modernized, mouth-watering foods and each course is a feast in this place… |
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LE FUMOIR
On the top of Georges Hotel, Le Fumoir provides French Home Cuisine with perfect ambiance... If you want to taste their delicious foods & watch the great view, you should definitely need reservation. |
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Please contact us for the best table reservations and suggestion of other restaurant alternatives. |
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Matiana Travel is a proud member of |
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Barbaros Bulvarı, Eser Apartmanı No:78 Kat:6 Daire : 16 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey Phone: +90
(212) 288 1171 Fax: +90 (212) 288 1363 Toll-Free:
001-866-978-636
©1997-2011 MATIANA TRAVEL, All rights are reserved to
Indigo Turizm San. Tic.
Ltd. Şti
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