Post by featured writer Maria Kruk, an author for Exhibitions.com
Istanbul is a place where Asia meets Europe and therefore Muslim traditions clash with conventional Old World culture. Typically, this idea attracts thousand tourists, who eagerly explore the remains of ancient Constantinople, treasures of momentous Ottoman Empire and numerous architect wonders dispersed over the city. As it is Turkey, female travelers often mind thoroughly an outfit and behavior recommendations. Turks almost do not interfere in the privacy of foreigners, because they believe that every nation follows own laws. However, provoking clothes can create substantial problems for foreign women, especially if you are in rural areas. On the contrary, in Istanbul or Ankara, where travelers’ inflow gains its peaks, the treatment is liberal and welcoming.
Regardless specific women state in Turkey, the number of tourists increases annually, which is justified by the beauty and exquisite nature of local sightseeing spots. First of all it is associated with Hagnia Sophia, or St. Sophia Cathedral.
At present it is one of the richest museums and the most beautiful grand buildings in the world. Though, centuries ago any church in Europe could not even compete with it. St. Sophia Cathedral was founded in the 4th century by Constantius II and was devoted to the Logos, one of the Holy Trinity. The church obtained its present image in 530s, and in practice it is one of the architect wonders that survived in original state till nowadays. Hagnia Sophia is the greatest and brightest example of ancient Byzantine architecture, rich with mosaics and marble pillars with ornaments. It is transformed into a museum in 1934 and pulls in both curious tourists and archeologists. Besides main building, one can pay a visit to surrounding mausoleums of the Sultans, the Baptistery and other monuments.
The architect landscape of Istanbul cannot be completed without Sultan Ahmed Mosque that is in front of Hagnia Sophia. It is also known under the title of the Blue Mosque, which is caused by the large number of blue tiles used during the interior decoration. The Blue Mosque was finished in 1616. It was performed in the late Byzantine and Ottoman style, and there were six minarets put instead of four. A niche for prayers appears to be a peculiar part of the complex, carved from a huge piece of marble with a black stone that was brought from Mecca. All in all, the entire image of the Blue Mosque towers the entire city of Istanbul and is an essential symbol of the city.
The Grand Market of Istanbul is likely to become one of the most delighted places for female tourists. 58 streets with four thousand vendors and shops comprise the biggest roofed market worldwide. The variety of offered goods is really unbelievable, including racy and original products. In addition, there is always a chance to go shopping on spices’ market Sururi, book market Sahaflar, clothes’ market Bakirköy and food market Beşiktaş.
And, of course, a trip to Istanbul won’t be full without walking along Bosphorus Bridge, the only thing that links Europe and Asia in the city, and provides the most stunning view on Istanbul.
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