When in Istanbul
Straddling two continents and with an impressive wealth of history behind it, Istanbul can claim to be one of the most exotic cities in Europe – even if half of it technically falls into the Asian continent.
Described by Lonely Planet as "one of the truly great romantic cities", Istanbul offers a rich and warm environment for any traveller and one that caters for both a Western taste for nightlife and a curiosity about its more Eastern charms. With its skyline dotted with domes and minarets, it is immediately obvious upon arrival in Istanbul that it is not like other European cities, with anyone in search of a more varied travelling experience well advised to stop over and explore.
Istanbul formed a central part of the Byzantium, Constantinople and Ottoman empires before blossoming into the modern city that it is today. Its rich cultural heritage is still apparent at every turn, with the Sultan's harem, its many beautiful mosques and the Grand Bazaar all being essential sightseeing destinations, while also infusing the city with a wonderfully exciting sense of history.
Daubed The City on Seven Hills, Istanbul was founded on a peninsula dominated by, unsurprisingly, seven hills, each one dotted with an impressively imposing mosque. The city lies across the Bosphorus Strait and is nestled on the natural harbour of the Golden Horn. The strait divides the Istanbul between Europe and Asia and it is the only city which can claim to lie in two continents. The oldest centre of the city can be found in the south of the European side, which includes quarters of Eminonu and Fatih, while the Golden Horn demarks the European side's northern parts. The Theodosian Wall separates the historic centre from the more modern parts, while to the north a collection of neighbourhoods create a villagey feel.
Culture, commerce and especially tourism are all important to modern day Istanbul and the city is set to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010. East fuses with West remarkably well, with visitors able to rummage through traditional eastern bazaars during the day before watching visiting western pop stars perform before sell-out audiences at night. As befits the forthcoming capital of culture, ballet, opera and art are also popular.
Summers in Istanbul are hot and humid, with temperatures easily reaching 28 degrees Celsius between June and September. July is the hottest month and although the city does have a dry season, it does not experience a full blown drought, so as such cannot be classed as a Mediterranean city. Winters are cold and wet, with the city experiencing 870 mm of rainfall a year and snow is not uncommon between December and March. For the optimum enjoyment, travellers are advised to visit between April and June and September to October.
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Introduction
