Top Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a historical treasure with landmarks dating back to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Being the gateway for the Silk Road, Istanbul is where East meets West. Most of the historic landmarks are on the European side. So, it’s fun and accessible to explore many iconic sites in a short amount of time. I loved my time in Istanbul and love sharing tourist tips. So, read on to discover Istanbul Turkey attractions on the European side for planning a vacation to this incredible destination.
For more information, check out my travel blog:
truewindhealin...
Top Things to Do Shared in Video:
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet or Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Basilica Cistern Museum
Grand Bazaar
Gulhane Park
Topkapi Palace
Galata Bridge
Galata Tower
Baklava and Turkish Coffee at Karakoy Gulluoglu
Dolmabahce Palace
As Turkey’s cultural and economic capital, Istanbul straddles the Bosporus Strait, the boundary between Europe and Asia. It was founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century BCE. The Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, made it the imperial capital, calling it Constantinople. In 1930, the city became renamed to Istanbul. The city served as the imperial capital for almost 1600 years during the Byzantine, Latin, Late Byzantine and Ottoman empires. It became an iconic landmark for the Silk Road.
The city advanced Christianity, hosting the first seven ecumenical councils. With the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE, it became an Islamic city seat for the Ottoman Caliphate. After the Turkish War of Independence in 1923 the city became the capital of the Republic of Turkey.
Istanbul is primarily known for its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Despite its development as a Turkish city since 1923, it contains many ancient, Roman, Byzantine, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish monuments.
The historic area of Istanbul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Istanbul was strategically located for trade and defense. The confluence of the Bosporus, Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara provides ideal defense and a natural toll-gate. Istanbul’s temperate climate is transitional between the Mediterranean and Oceanic climates.

[@cath9335]

Still really beautiful! 💜

[@TrueWindHealingTravel]

I really enjoyed it, this was my first time there this summer. We had 3 overnights, so got some good time in.

[@vertas2]

Why is Arabic music used when there are millions of Turkish music? I can never understand

[@TrueWindHealingTravel]

Good point, I still have a video on Ephesus to create and will look into using Turkish music.