SHEZ AND SHAZ IN ISTANBUL
Sheryl and Sharon have just returned from a wonderful city break in the Turkish city of Istanbul. Bairdstravel would like to thank
Shez and Shaz for sharing their adventure with us.
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and fifth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.6 million. Istanbul is also a megacity, as well as the cultural and financial centre of Turkey. The city covers 39 districts of the Istanbul province.
It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.
Throughout its long history, Istanbul has acquired a reputation for being a cultural and ethnic melting pot. As a result, there are many historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, castles and towers to visit in the city. Some of these historical structures, which draw millions to the city every year, reflect the heart and soul of Istanbul.
Shez enjoying the sun while travelling along the Bosporus.
Sea transport is vital for Istanbul, as the city is practically surrounded by sea on all sides: the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Many Istanbulites live on the Asian side of the city but work on the European side (or vice-versa) and the city's famous commuter ferries form the backbone of the daily transition between the two parts of the city – even more so than the two suspension bridges which span the Bosphorus. The commuter ferries, along with the high speed catamaran Seabus (Deniz Otobüsü), also form the main connection between the city and the Princes' Islands.
The Bosphorus or Bosporus also known as the Istanbul Strait (Turkish: İstanbul Boğazı), is a strait that forms part of the boundary between the European part of Turkey (Thrace) and its Asian part (Anatolia). It is one of the Turkish Straits, along with the Dardanelles. The world's narrowest strait used for international navigation, it connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara (which is connected by the Dardanelles to the Aegean Sea, and thereby to the Mediterranean Sea).
Haghia-Sophia : The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. It has been nominated to be the 8th wonder of the world by many historians.
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Blue Mosque : One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarest.
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Hippodrome : The former center of sprotive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.
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Grand Bazaar : In addition to its historical importance, it's a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs
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Chilling out after a hard day siteseeing.
Ortaköy Mosque (Turkish: Ortaköy Camii), officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, is situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus.
Originally a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, the 6th century Hagia Sophia built by Justinian was the largest ever cathedral building in the world for a thousand years, until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in Spain.
İstanbul, TUR
Updated 10 February 2012 11:00
Snow Showers | 33°F | High: 36°F
Low: 26°F
Wind: 13 mph
Humidity: 91%
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Saturday
44° / 32° |
Sunday
47° / 33° | 
Monday
49° / 32° |
Tuesday
42° / 32° |
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The 4th century Hagia Irene was the first church built by Constantine in the new Roman capital city.
SHAZ AND SHEZ
There are many night clubs, pubs, restaurants and taverns with live music in the city. The night clubs, restaurants and bars increase in number and move to open air spaces in the summer. The areas around Istiklal Avenue and Nişantaşı offer all sorts of cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs as well as art galleries, theaters and cinemas. Babylon and Nu Pera in Beyoğlu are popular night clubs both in the summer and in the winter.
ISTANBUL INFO http://english.istanbul.com/Content.aspx?CatId=294
Sheryl returned to Turkey the following November to meet up with her new friends .
