The imperial charm of İstanbul
Rising at the very crossroads of two adjoining continents, the Historical Peninsula of İstanbul is more than just a scenic piece of land; it's the heartbeat of a city that has thrived for centuries.
The waters of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara envelop this uniquely shaped peninsula, meaning its settlement was no mere accident - it was deliberately selected as the strategic command centre to preside over the ancient world.
Ancient walls still encircle this designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing watch over this compact cradle of history as they have for more than a millennium. In fact, as you stroll these storied streets, you'll encounter the soul of two great empires: the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and the Ottoman. Their legacies endure in the towering domes, imperial gates, and narrow stone alleys that echo the footsteps of traders, pilgrims, and conquerors of yesteryear.
Today, visitors can embrace the grandeur of the city's imperial heyday with modern indulgences. These include imperial palaces now open to the public as museums and cultural centres, and the revival of succulent Ottoman palace cuisine, blending ancient flavours with contemporary finesse.
İstanbul's past isn't frozen in time; it dances seamlessly with the present. In this vibrant locale, history and modernity converge in every steaming cup of Turkish coffee, every sweeping Bosphorus view, and every lingering whisper of the empires that once called this city home.
For those who have already explored the iconic landmarks of Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the imperial mosques of the Sultan Ahmet (Blue Mosque) and Süleymaniye, here's a selection of more unique experiences that capture the city's true character and offer a touch of royal extravagance.Imagine waking to the sight of the shimmering waters of the beautiful Bosphorus and sipping your breakfast tea against a serene skyline of rolling verdant hills.
Next, you step from a private jetty onto an elegant motorboat that whisks you off to the Old City for a day of further exploration. Booking a stay in a former Ottoman palace along the Bosphorus offers this and much more.
İstanbul began expanding beyond the Historical Peninsula in the 19th century, when the Ottoman court relocated from Topkapı Palace to more modern coastal palatial alternatives and summer mansions. Today, some of the former palaces have been transformed into opulent 5-star hotels, where guests are treated like royalty.
Insider's Tip: Visit Ortaköy for an enticing stroll along the Bosphorus and snap a postcard-perfect photo of the noted Ortaköy Mosque with the first Bosphorus bridge as the backdrop. At night, treat yourself to a feast of seafood, mezes (hot and cold entries), and rakı (the renowned anis-flavoured local spirit) in an elegant coastal seafood restaurant - an essential İstanbul experience that's well-suited for the most special of occasions.
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