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Istanbul is a world wonder. The geographic
settlement of the city has always made it a point of interest
for many civilizations. The history of the city goes back
to about 5000 BC. Many paleolithic and neolithic settlements
have been found in the city border. 7 th century BC Megarians
came to Bosphorus under the leadership of Byzas and established
a city near Sarayburnu where the old city is located now.
The name of the city was Byzantion. Afterwards the city
has been occupied by many civilizations like Persians
and Spartians. Romans seized the city in 74 BC. The hippodrome
of the city was built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus.
Constantine I, the Emperor of Rome built the city again
and named it as Constantinopolis. Many buildings and monuments
have been constructed by Constantine I. In 395 the city
became the capital of East Roman Empire. The city has
faced many invasions and civil wars. In 1453 Istanbul
has been conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II. (Mehmet
the Conquerer) Istanbul has been the cultural and commercial
center of the modern Turkish Republic since 1923.
Since the city has been the melting pot
of many civilizations like Byzantines, Romans and the
Ottomans there are many historical buildings, palaces,
mosques and churches to see. The old city center Sultanahmet
offers many points of historical interest. The Blue Mosque
(17 th century) is famous with the blue tiles. Haghia
Sophia dating back to 6 th century is now a museum.The
obelix is about 3500 years old. Mosaic Museum, Underground
Cistern and the Old Turkish Bath are all located in Sultanahmet
Region. Topkapı Palace, which has been the home of Turkish
Sultans for over 500 years is also in the old town. The
palace is very big and tourists can enjoy to visit the
palace’s treasures. There are also other Ottoman palaces
and pavillions in the city. Dolmabahçe Palace near Beşiktaş,
Beylerbeyi Palace along the Bosphorous are other Ottoman
inheritances. Süleymaniye Mosque built by the famous Turkish
architect Sinan (16 th century) is another jewel of Istanbul.
Since the city has been occupied by the
East Roman Empire for over 1100 years, there are many
historical churches.
The Chora Church (now a museum) is famous
with the Byzantine mozaics. There are hundreds of other
palaces, mosques, fountains in the city that have filled
many books throughout the history.
You must also enjoy the marvellous Bosphorous
dividing the two continents. The modern Istanbul offers
many shopping malls, shops, restaurants, night clubs.
Istanbul with a population over 10 million, has every
facility that European capitals offer.
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