Tuesday April 17, 2007
Information About Istanbul
General Information Istanbul is the most populous city of Turkey. Although the latest statistics showed that its population was 10 million inhabitants can be said lately that reaches 12 is 41 milliones.Estambul north of Parallel (like Naples), although the istanbul weather is cooler. Two North winds make summers in this place are very nice. This wonderful city is unique in the world to unite the two continents Asia and Europe. "The Bosphorus divides the two sides of the city. There is a bed on the European side that separates the old part with moderna.Esta ria known as "The Golden Horn" and take the way the arm of the Bosphorus for many centuries it was a natural harbor
HISTORY Although archaeological findings tell us that the story begins in the time we have very little paleolotica Information on this era.Tambien is known that in the 7th century BC Greek colony was founded by Megarians in place today is called the legend Sarayburnu.Segun they sought "the land of the blind" that the oracle at Delphi had that they had to establecersen alli.Cuande front came to a place that seemed a paradise compared to there were a chief pueblo.El Megara "Byzas" says quedarsen them by seeing this wonderful place there will be blind and so is based Greek colony named "Bizacio." Bizacio short time became an important commercial center on which to put his hands Darius of Persia, who conquered the city clarified 513 provides a aliancia pact with Rome, and while the latter exhausted by the continuous barbarian invasions, it begins sunset, the shining star of Byzantium at its best: in 324 dCCconstantino unify the two parts of the empire and 330 On 11 May the solemnly consecrated as the new capital under the name New Roma.Pero it more like Constantilopla and conosera wing culture would have to give life Serala Byzantine civilization, which dates back siglos.Costantinopla shining splendor by the Emperor Justinian, the only head of state and Church. the late eleventh century, the spiritual tension prevailing in the West, roconquistar wing with the idea of holy places in Jerusalem at the hands of infieleshabia cruzadas.En given rise to the month of April of 1204 the Christian knights took Constantinople, where they were squeando and killing for 35 anos.Luego with many difficulties, the reconquest city by the Byzantines. In 1451 he ascended the throne on skilled and ambitious sultan Mehmet II, who always had sounded Constantinopla.El aponderase of siege began on April 5, 1453 and on the morning of May 23 the city was conquistada.Y so, the Constantinople passed the power of a sultan who was 23 years: the new city later receive the name of Istanbul, exprecion short form of the Greek "eis ten polin" meaning "to the City" The power of the Ottoman Empire reached its apogee with Soliman the Magnificent, when the eminent architect Sinan embellished the city with magnificent mosques, palaces, bridges and fountains. With the gradual decline of Ottoman power and the dismemberment of the empire, the city also fell, until the first turn of the century Xxasisten to the fall of the empire and the birth of the young Turkish Republic. In 1923, Ankara becomes the new capital, but Istanbul, with its glorious monuments, is the historical and economic capital.
SANTA SOFIA Santa Sofia is considered the most important work of the time bizantina.Hoy is a museum that is visited daily by many tourists (except Monday). Iglecia was used as more than 900 anos.Desde during the conquest of Istanbul to the anus 1934 mezquita.Despues was used as the restoration of the mosaics in the Byzantine Institute Uindos States was opened as a museum. This masterpiece was the largest in the world for many siglos.Con its square base is covered with a dome and with this size church would be today if it were the fourth largest in the world.The nobre means "Divine Wisdom.
THE STORY OF SANTA SOFIA The Byzantine emperor Constantine in 360, had built at the center of the city, where today is the Hagia Sophia, a church with the name "Megale Ekklesia." On the ruins of the wooden building that burned to the ground during a fire on 20 June 404, a new church was built more large and strong between 404-406 by the architect Rufinos and was opened for worship on 10 October 416. The Byzantine emperor Theodosius was the patron of this second church, consisting of three ships in a basilica. This building, which may be the remains of his base, stairs and a frieze decorated with reliefs of sheep in front of the museum, was virtually destroyed by the opponents of the emperor during the Nika insurrection (victory) that began in January 532. The Emperor Justinian, who regained his throne after the Nika insurrection, between 532-537, he built the church we visit today ... Racecourse The hippodrome was an immense building with 480 meters long and 117.5 feet wide, an estimated capacity had a hundred thousand spectators. It was in 203 D.C. constr by Emperor Septimus Severus and later extended and renovated by Constantine The Grande.Cuando Santa Sofia was the center of religious life, the Hippodrome was the center of the civil activities. The interests and passions of the population were divided by theological controversies and bull-carts in the hipódromo.Hoy you can only see some monuments dóndel hippodrome was located. The center line or spine of the hippodrome was marked by obelisks and columns, three of these monuments are in the Sultan Ahmet Square (see picture: the red line is where the racetrack was located behind it you may see the Blue Mosque and Santa Sofia). Here are celebrating all the great events of the Byzantine era, are cheering the victorious generals and emperors and executed heretics and rebels. Also the people there expressed their descontento.Durante the Latin occupation (1204-1261) was ransacked and destroyed since the arrival of the Turks (1453) was in ruins, but later his remains were used for the construction of the mosque is just blue next. The first is the Egyptian obelisk monument (far left in picture). This monument was built by Pharaoh Thutmose III (1549-1503 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1549-1503 end_of_the_skype_highlighting BC) to commemorate one of his campaigns in Syria and crossing the Euphrates River and erected it in the Deir el Bahri opposite the city of Thebes in Egypt. It was erected at its present site by Theodosius the Great, in 390 BC At the bottom of the monument is a stone carved marbled with some regarding Theodosius. The second monument is the column of the Snake. The three bronze snakes were the basis of a trophy that was in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was dedicated to Apollo in gratitude for the 31 Greek cities were defeated in battle Persian Plataea (479 BC). The column was probably brought from Delphi by Constantine the Great. The third monument is a stone pillar about 32 meters high dating from the 4th century. The monument was reversing previously gilded bronze plaques. In 1204, during an invasion, these plates were removed, melted down and coined. The Blue Mosque Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, was built during the XIV Ottoman sultan Ahmet I, between 1603 and 1617. It is the largest and most magnificent mosque in İstanbul. It was built by the disciple of architect Mimar Sinan, Mehmet Ağa. Its construction began in 1609, ended in 1616. The mosque was built along with a madrasa, Koranic school, a haven, a place for the sale of handicrafts, a Kervansaray, accommodation for camels, a fountain and a külliye, a complex social and religious. The Sultan Ahmet ascended the throne at age fourteen and ruled with great popular acceptance until the twenty-eight, died just weeks after the mosque was inaugurated lafu. Külliye is buried in his own mosque. The architect of the mosque, Mehmet Ağa Sedefkar earned the nickname, the marquetry. The place chosen for the construction of the mosque was the center of the city, former site of a Roman hippodrome. One of the reasons for their choice was that it was near the Topkapı Palace. The care they showed in the choice of location reflects the dedication that they put back in choosing construction materials and decoration of the mosque. The 21,043 tiles used in its construction were made in the workshops of the palace carpets of hundreds of square meters were woven on the looms crystals imperial oil lamps were brought from abroad. There are five doors to enter the courtyard outside the mosque. The front yard, which is accessed by stairs, has five entries. On the north side, below the inner courtyard, the sources of ablutions. In the center of the courtyard is a magnificent şardivan, ablutions fountain of hexagonal shape with six granite columns forming the colonnade, seven to one side and eight other are built thirty small domes. On the southeast side of the palace was built a ramp so that the Sultan could get to their flag. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is the only one of İstanbul and Turkey that has six minarets, which gives a special value between the Ottoman mosques. All four corner minarets has three balconies each, the patio only have two. According to legend, the Sultan Ahmet I asked the architect a mosque with minarets of gold, but due to the high cost it chose to increase the number to six. The architect Mehmet Ağa with his work could not give another new concept to the Ottoman mosque architecture but on the other hand, its interior decoration and rich coating, with more than 20,000 tiles, left in the shadow of the former Ottoman mosques. It is known as the Blue Mosque by the bright blue and green mosaics that decorate the top and the domes of the mosque. If investigásemos the development of art from the Middle Ages observe the connection between art and religion. While the arts supported by religious institutions is to a large extent, the others were stalled because the financial resources necessary for the development of art in the hands of religious bodies, whether Muslims or Christians. For example, as the church allowed to represent images, statues and music for the choir, painting, sculpture and music have evolved dramatically. In contrast, in the Muslim religion by not allowing the representation of images, not using any instrument or singing for prayers, just these arts were developed. On the other hand, gave more importance to arts such as calligraphy, stained glass crafts, carvings in wood and stone interior and exterior spaces, pottery, art that did not evolve much in the Christian world. The building seen from outside gives an elegant impression is not expected of their large size. The central dome and half domes have a unique and elegant interior of the Blue Mosque you harmony. All corners and edges are rounded to create a more harmonious image. The pillars inside the building are a group whose heaviness is skillfully softened. In the mosque there is a total of 260 windows. The crystals used in his time, unfortunately, have not been able to today. The dome, 23.5 m in diameter, culminating at 43 m and rests on four arches and four scallops flat, the holding four large fluted columns of 5 m in diameter at half height divided by a ring. The black stone placed in the mihrab was brought Kaaba, the Muslim holy city. Next to the mihrab is the minbar, a sort of pulpit, a beautiful example of Ottoman sculpture, which served to give sermons. The Muezzin mahfili, which is opposite the mini-bar, is a copy of Mecca. On the left is the Imperial Hünkar mahfili or gallery, a place where he prayed the Sultan. The calligraphy that surround and decorate the dome, the semi-domes and columns containing Koranic verses and sentences of the Prophet Muhammad. The valuable carpets of various colors that covered the floor of the mosque until recently have been changed by other carpets of lesser value. Except Kibla wall in the other walls are opened three galleries devoted to the use of women and religious gatherings. To the northeast of the mosque lies the great multitude, mausoleum square with a courtyard in front, built by Sultan son of Sultan Osman II. Soliman Mosque Suleymaniye Mosque one of the masterpieces of Istanbul and was built between 1550-1557 AD by Sultan Suleyman I - "Suleyman the Magnificent." Sultan Suleyman was the richest and most powerful Ottoman Empire. This Sultan is remembered for the Turks not by his title of grand, but as the Sultan who undertook more leyes.Él introduced through his empire many constructions, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (which was part of the Ottoman Empire in 1516) and building many Inside the mosque monuments their size and simplicity impresses: Iznik tiles and colored glass bring harmony to a place of prayer and silence. Four columns support the massive solid mosque: one from Baalbek, another from Alexandria and two former palaces bizantinos.Las paintings inside the mosque are old, dating from the nineteenth century and were renovated recently. The architect of the mosque, Sinan, is known as "the architect who works without using a plane." Sinan lived between 1490 and 1588, was the principal architect of five sultans and built during his long career, some 50 years, about 400 works. He was born into a family of non-Muslim, at age 22 came to the palace and converted and after serving for 19 years as Janissary began working as an architect. It is said that in the first three years of the construction of the Süleymaniye mosque excavated approximately 3000 people and built a rock base of 6 to 7 m deep. Total expenditure for the construction of the mosque were about 60 180 "Akce" (Ottoman currency), corresponding to currently about $ 60 million USD. Other works being undertaken by the architect Sinan built the mosque while stretched its construction. The sultan, who was very angry about this delay, repeatedly called attention to the architect. Finally, the opening day of the Sultan Mosque, to show his happiness and to express their affection to the architect Sinan gave him the honor of opening the door of the mosque with a golden key. Topkapi Palace PALACIOEl The original name of the palace is the Saray-i-I Cedide Amireíí, but the people called "Topkapi Saray" by the big guns that were before the entrada.Topkapi, is a palace located in Istanbul, is considered a of the most beautiful creations of Turkish architecture, and one of the greatest works of its kind Muslim, was the residence of the sultans from the fifteenth century until the end of XIX.Está located in the broad plain that stretches from St. Sophia to the sea, consists of a set of buildings, pavilions and kiosks installed inside a walled area which occupies an area of 700,000 meters cuadrados.Después of the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmet II, lived for a time in a palace quite small in Beyazit near the Grand Bazaar, in the year 1459, ordered built on the ruins of a Roman city, the buildings would be the roots of the Topkapi Palace. Mehmed II, established his court in the palace in 1465. The first palace was completed in 1472, the same year is called Cinili kiosk in the gardens of the palace, there is an elegant building erected on a podium and with a facade of blue and black tiles, including inscriptions. Topkapi is surrounded by walls, you enter the campus by seven great gates, the main one located on the east wall. It comprises several buildings built around four courtyards, which is entered through large portals in this space were the couch, where they worked the grand viziers (prime ministers) and other officials, the palace school for Ottoman officials and other private spaces like the palace kitchens, bathrooms, treasures, and the imperial wardrobe harén.En the third courtyard, is a building surrounded by porticos which has only one chamber, where the Sultan held official hearings. In the fourth courtyard building the Sultans made their kiosks or homes, these buildings are small pavilions that the Sultan reserved for personal use and are of Iranian origin. There was fifth courtyard garden was later turned into público.En centuries, all enriched the sultans palace with new construction until 1853, when they left after several extensions and fire, the court moved to the palace palace Dolmabahçe.El Topkapi is now in good condition and is one of the most admired monuments of Istanbul THE MUSEODespués the establishment of the Turkish republic in 1923, Topkapi Palace was renovated and transformed into a museum, since it is one of the most visited sites in Istanbul. Since Topkapi is great, only some sections are open to the public. They can see objects of gold decorated with precious stones (thrones, cup of tea knives, forks and spoons, home, jewelry, and various objects made of gold) , pieces made of silver, ceramics, miniatures, cloth and Islamic sacred objects. Underground Cistern The main entrance of the tank Yerebatan, which is the largest of the 60 tanks which were built in İstanbul during the Byzantine era, is located across from the museum of Hagia Sophia. As there was enough fresh water into the walls surrounding the city, for centuries brought from the springs and rivers from Belgrade Forest, about 25 miles away. During the siege, the enemy destroyed the aqueducts or poisoning the water, so they were forced to deposit the water in these tanks and thus use it if necessary. Underground Cistern, built in AD 532 in a few months, was the place where he deposited the water brought through the aqueduct of Valens. It was used until the fourteenth century and restored in the mid-nineteenth century, as had long been used (in the Ottoman era.) To construct it, using different types of stone and Roman columns from different periods. It consists of 336 columns in 12 rows of 28 each, located at 4 meters from each other. La Cisterna looks like a forest of columns. It occupies an area of 10,000 square kilometers and has a capacity of approximately 80,000 cubic meters. After restorations in 1987, were reopened to tourism. Today, you can get to the bottom of the tank once only visited by boat. Classical music and light show complete their mystical atmosphere. In the left corner of the tank, we find two columns whose bases carved with classical Ovolo rest on two mysterious head of Medusa. Bosphorus It is one of the world's most strategic channels, bosphore is the strait joining the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara from northwest to southwest long, 730-3300m (800-3600 yards) wide, 30-120m (the 100-395ft) deep. Bosphorus comes from a Thracian word of unknown origin, interpreted in Greek as meaning "The passage of the cow, for the legend that speaks of, one of the lovers of Zeus, who swims through the sea here as a cow chased constantly by flies sent by Hera. Known in Turkish as Bogazici (the Strait), connect the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles (in Canakkale), separates Europe and Asia. It is a valley before it was drowned by the sea at the end of the Tertiary period. This is a very busy strait with many ships and oil tankers, as well as local fishing boats and passenger. Current flows north to south, but there is a subsurface countercurrent Marmara Sea to the Black Sea and different currents that are created by underground rivers make navigation dangerous to the novice. There are two suspension bridges on this stretch: The first is the Bosphorus between Beylerbeyi and Ortaköy, opened in 1973, is named after Bogazici Bridge, is 1074m (1175yards) long, and the second between Anadolu and Rumeli Hisari Hisari, opened in 1988, bridge is called as Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is 1090m (1192yd) long. The banks that reach heights of 200m, are lined with palaces, ruins, villages, and gardens, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of landscape in Turkey. The best way to see the Bosphorus in all its beauty is to take a trip in one of the coastal vessels, so you can also admire many of the old wooden houses from the Ottoman period (called as Yali in Turkish). Some of the palaces, buildings or neighborhoods on the Bosphorus are interesting: The military academy Kuleli Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Palace, the neighborhoods Besiktas, Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek, the Fortress of Rumeli, Tarabya, Yeniköy, Istinye, Sariyer, Uskudar (Scutari), Kanlica, Beykoz, the strength of Anatolia, and the palace of Beylerbeyi Where does "Bosphorus" In ancient Greek, Bosphorus means "step of the cow," an odd name that goes back to mythology and evokes an episode of the emotional life of Zeus.Un tumultuous day, the god falls in love with Io, Argos and young native priestess his wife Hera.Durante a dream, she hears Zeus ordered withheld from them on the shores of Lake Lerna (Peloponnesus). Encantada and restless at the same time, Io is entrusted to his father and this query the oracles of Dodona and Delfos.La answer is clear, unambiguous: Io should join Jove. Theine The meeting place, but always suspicious Hera, aware of the adventure lovers. When Zeus transformed Io into a sweet calf, white and swears jamais Hera to love that could have animal.Hera doubt the sincerity of her husband and requires zeus becerra.Cumplida presented him with the demand, Hera makes the calf in the custody of Argos, the temple giant eyes. Hermes the messenger of Olympus, killed at the request of Zeus.Furiosa Argos, Hera decides to chase the calf and to that end sent a gadfly that harasses fierce without cesar.Para escape the incessant insect bites, beef flees canter by west coast of Greece, giving your name so of the Ionian Sea (Ionia), head north, then east, and goes to order into Asia Minor, crossed the Straits, taking the name of .... Bosphorus Golden Horn The Halic (Golden Horn) is a horn-shaped estuary that divides European Istanbul. Considered one of the best natural harbors in the world, we focused the Byzantine and Ottoman fleet and commercial shipping interests. Today, its shores are full of lovely parks and promenades. At sunset, the water glistens with golden color. At Fener and Balat, an avenue close up by the Golden Horn, there are streets full of old houses, wooden churches and synagogues dating from Byzantine and Ottoman times. Herein lies the Orthodox Patriarch. A little further up, in Eyüp, reflecting the Ottoman style of vernacular architecture. The hillsides are dotted with dark cypress cemeteries. Here is always very busy due to the pilgrims going to the tomb of Eyüp, hoping to see their wishes fulfilled. Pierre Loti Café, at the top of the hill overlooking the site, is a great place to enjoy the tranquility of the view. Museums Archaeological Museum Open every day except Mondays. Located within the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, the archaeological museums include two different sections: the Museum of Antiquities, where the famous sarcophagus of Alexander among the treasures of Greek, Byzantine and Roman and Ancient Orient Museum, which displays objects from the civilizations Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hatti and Hittite. Turkish Ceramics Museum (46) Open every day except Mondays. Located in Cinili Kosko, originally built as `Kosk 'or pavilion by Mehmet the Conqueror in the fifteenth century, the museum contains objects İznik beautiful sixteenth-century pottery and examples of Seljuk and Ottoman tiles. St. Irene Museum Open daily except Monday, entry only permitted with special permission. Like the Saint Sophia Museum, was originally a church. In fact, it is considered the first church built in İstanbul . Constantine in the fourth century and Justinian later had ordered its restoration. Supposedly, the building stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art Open every day except Mondays. The dark stone building that houses the museum was built in 1524 by İbrahim Paşa, grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, as his residence. It was the largest private residence ever built in the Ottoman Empire. At present, contains a superb collection of ceramics, metalwork, miniatures, calligraphy, textiles, wooden objects, as well as some of the oldest carpets in the world. Turkish Carpet Museum Open every day except Sunday and Monday. Following the street from the Ibrahim Pasha Palace is this interesting museum contains exquisite antique carpets and kilims from all around Turkey. Mosaic Museum Open daily except Tuesdays Canned `in situ 'the extraordinary mosaic floors the V and VI, which are the Grand Palace of the Byzantine emperors. The key feature of these mosaics is the absence of religious themes and the synthesis between Hellenic character mythological themes and aspects of everyday life. Aviation Museum Open every day except Mondays. Is a retrospective of the development of aviation in Turkey. Military Museum Open every day except Monday and Tuesday. Inside, laying out broad tents used by the Ottoman armies and weapons and war equipment. The Takımı Mehter, ottoman military band played martial music between 15:00 h. Ottoman and 16:00 h. Atatürk Museum Open every day except Saturdays and Sundays It is the house where Atatürk lived in Şişli, where they face personal effects. Naval Museum Open every day except Mondays and Thursdays Located in the district of Beşiktaş, exhibits large skiffs in which the sultans spanning the Bosphorus, as well as many interesting objects of Ottoman naval history. Museum of Fine Open every day except Monday and Tuesday. Situated in Beşiktaş, houses important collections of Turkish and European paintings from the late nineteenth century to today. City Museum Open every day except Thursday. Near the gardens of Yıldız Palace, the museum preserves and documents the history of İstanbul since the conquest of the Ottomans. Scenic Historic Costumes Museum Open every day except Tuesday. Also located in Yıldız Palace, is on display inside the changing room used in the representations of the Palace Theatre throughout its history. Museum Rahmi Koç Industry Open every day except Mondays. It is in the area Hasköy, on the shore of Golden Horn, this historic building, whose ancient name was Lengerhane, was built for smelting iron. The museum shows a perspective of development of industrial technology. Sadberk Hanım Museum Open every day except Wednesday. Following the Bosphorus in the picturesque suburb of Büyükdere, is this charming museum housed in two wooden houses of the nineteenth century. A private museum, which originally exposed objects Turkish decorative arts, and has been expanded with a new collection of archaeological finds. Cartoon Museum Open daily from 9:00 pm 18:00 pm If you want to have fun, you can visit this museum located in the building Ağa Madrasa Gazanfer XVI century, in the district of Fatih. Prices and schedules of museums PRICES İSTANBUL 1 - Archaeological Museum 5.00 2 - Santa Sofia 10.00 3 - Chora 10.00 4 - Mosaic Museum 5.00 5 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Selamlık) 15.00 6 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Hatem) 10.00 7 - Topkapi Palace 10.00 8 - Harem (this in Topkapi) 10.00 9 - Galata Mevlevihanesi (Divan Ed.) Müzesi 2.00 10 - Islamico Art Museum 5.00 11 - Adam Mickeiewic Museum 2.00 12 - Rumeli Fortress 5.00 13 - Yildiz Palace Museum 2.00 14 - Yerebatan Cistern 10.00 TIMES İSTANBUL 1 - Archaeological Museum Open except Mondays. 9:30 to 17:30 2 - Santa Sofia.Abierto except Mondays 9:30 to 16:30 3 - Chora Open except on Wednesdays. 9:30 to 16:30 4 - Mosaic Museum Open except on Tuesday. 9:00 to 17:00 5 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Selamlık) Open except Mondays and juebes 9:00 to 15:00 6 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Harem) Open except Mondays and juebes 9:00 to 15:00 7 - Topkapi Palace except on Tuesday Open 9:00 to 17:00 8 - 9:00 to 17:00 9 - 11 - 9:00 to 17:00 12 - 13 - 9:00 to 17:00 14 - 9:00 to 17:00 Homepage

Information About Istanbul General Information Istanbul is the most populous city of Turkey. Although the latest statistics showed that its population was 10 million inhabitants can be said lately that reaches 12 is 41 milliones.Estambul north of Parallel (like Naples), although the istanbul weather is cooler. Two North winds make summers in this place are very nice. This wonderful city is unique in the world to unite the two continents Asia and Europe. "The Bosphorus divides the two sides of the city. There is a bed on the European side that separates the old part with moderna.Esta ria known as "The Golden Horn" and take the way the arm of the Bosphorus for many centuries it was a natural harbor HISTORY Although archaeological findings tell us that the story begins in the time we have very little paleolotica Information on this era.Tambien is known that in the 7th century BC Greek colony was founded by Megarians in place today is called the legend Sarayburnu.Segun they sought "the land of the blind" that the oracle at Delphi had that they had to establecersen alli.Cuande front came to a place that seemed a paradise compared to there were a chief pueblo.El Megara "Byzas" says quedarsen them by seeing this wonderful place there will be blind and so is based Greek colony named "Bizacio." Bizacio short time became an important commercial center on which to put his hands Darius of Persia, who conquered the city clarified 513 provides a aliancia pact with Rome, and while the latter exhausted by the continuous barbarian invasions, it begins sunset, the shining star of Byzantium at its best: in 324 dCCconstantino unify the two parts of the empire and 330 On 11 May the solemnly consecrated as the new capital under the name New Roma.Pero it more like Constantilopla and conosera wing culture would have to give life Serala Byzantine civilization, which dates back siglos.Costantinopla shining splendor by the Emperor Justinian, the only head of state and Church. the late eleventh century, the spiritual tension prevailing in the West, roconquistar wing with the idea of holy places in Jerusalem at the hands of infieleshabia cruzadas.En given rise to the month of April of 1204 the Christian knights took Constantinople, where they were squeando and killing for 35 anos.Luego with many difficulties, the reconquest city by the Byzantines. In 1451 he ascended the throne on skilled and ambitious sultan Mehmet II, who always had sounded Constantinopla.El aponderase of siege began on April 5, 1453 and on the morning of May 23 the city was conquistada.Y so, the Constantinople passed the power of a sultan who was 23 years: the new city later receive the name of Istanbul, exprecion short form of the Greek "eis ten polin" meaning "to the City" The power of the Ottoman Empire reached its apogee with Soliman the Magnificent, when the eminent architect Sinan embellished the city with magnificent mosques, palaces, bridges and fountains. With the gradual decline of Ottoman power and the dismemberment of the empire, the city also fell, until the first turn of the century Xxasisten to the fall of the empire and the birth of the young Turkish Republic. In 1923, Ankara becomes the new capital, but Istanbul, with its glorious monuments, is the historical and economic capital. SANTA SOFIA Santa Sofia is considered the most important work of the time bizantina.Hoy is a museum that is visited daily by many tourists (except Monday). Iglecia was used as more than 900 anos.Desde during the conquest of Istanbul to the anus 1934 mezquita.Despues was used as the restoration of the mosaics in the Byzantine Institute Uindos States was opened as a museum. This masterpiece was the largest in the world for many siglos.Con its square base is covered with a dome and with this size church would be today if it were the fourth largest in the world.The nobre means "Divine Wisdom. THE STORY OF SANTA SOFIA The Byzantine emperor Constantine in 360, had built at the center of the city, where today is the Hagia Sophia, a church with the name "Megale Ekklesia." On the ruins of the wooden building that burned to the ground during a fire on 20 June 404, a new church was built more large and strong between 404-406 by the architect Rufinos and was opened for worship on 10 October 416. The Byzantine emperor Theodosius was the patron of this second church, consisting of three ships in a basilica. This building, which may be the remains of his base, stairs and a frieze decorated with reliefs of sheep in front of the museum, was virtually destroyed by the opponents of the emperor during the Nika insurrection (victory) that began in January 532. The Emperor Justinian, who regained his throne after the Nika insurrection, between 532-537, he built the church we visit today ... Racecourse The hippodrome was an immense building with 480 meters long and 117.5 feet wide, an estimated capacity had a hundred thousand spectators. It was in 203 D.C. constr by Emperor Septimus Severus and later extended and renovated by Constantine The Grande.Cuando Santa Sofia was the center of religious life, the Hippodrome was the center of the civil activities. The interests and passions of the population were divided by theological controversies and bull-carts in the hipódromo.Hoy you can only see some monuments dóndel hippodrome was located. The center line or spine of the hippodrome was marked by obelisks and columns, three of these monuments are in the Sultan Ahmet Square (see picture: the red line is where the racetrack was located behind it you may see the Blue Mosque and Santa Sofia). Here are celebrating all the great events of the Byzantine era, are cheering the victorious generals and emperors and executed heretics and rebels. Also the people there expressed their descontento.Durante the Latin occupation (1204-1261) was ransacked and destroyed since the arrival of the Turks (1453) was in ruins, but later his remains were used for the construction of the mosque is just blue next. The first is the Egyptian obelisk monument (far left in picture). This monument was built by Pharaoh Thutmose III (1549-1503 BC) to commemorate one of his campaigns in Syria and crossing the Euphrates River and erected it in the Deir el Bahri opposite the city of Thebes in Egypt. It was erected at its present site by Theodosius the Great, in 390 BC At the bottom of the monument is a stone carved marbled with some regarding Theodosius. The second monument is the column of the Snake. The three bronze snakes were the basis of a trophy that was in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was dedicated to Apollo in gratitude for the 31 Greek cities were defeated in battle Persian Plataea (479 BC). The column was probably brought from Delphi by Constantine the Great. The third monument is a stone pillar about 32 meters high dating from the 4th century. The monument was reversing previously gilded bronze plaques. In 1204, during an invasion, these plates were removed, melted down and coined. The Blue Mosque Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, was built during the XIV Ottoman sultan Ahmet I, between 1603 and 1617. It is the largest and most magnificent mosque in İstanbul. It was built by the disciple of architect Mimar Sinan, Mehmet Ağa. Its construction began in 1609, ended in 1616. The mosque was built along with a madrasa, Koranic school, a haven, a place for the sale of handicrafts, a Kervansaray, accommodation for camels, a fountain and a külliye, a complex social and religious. The Sultan Ahmet ascended the throne at age fourteen and ruled with great popular acceptance until the twenty-eight, died just weeks after the mosque was inaugurated lafu. Külliye is buried in his own mosque. The architect of the mosque, Mehmet Ağa Sedefkar earned the nickname, the marquetry. The place chosen for the construction of the mosque was the center of the city, former site of a Roman hippodrome. One of the reasons for their choice was that it was near the Topkapı Palace. The care they showed in the choice of location reflects the dedication that they put back in choosing construction materials and decoration of the mosque. The 21,043 tiles used in its construction were made in the workshops of the palace carpets of hundreds of square meters were woven on the looms crystals imperial oil lamps were brought from abroad. There are five doors to enter the courtyard outside the mosque. The front yard, which is accessed by stairs, has five entries. On the north side, below the inner courtyard, the sources of ablutions. In the center of the courtyard is a magnificent şardivan, ablutions fountain of hexagonal shape with six granite columns forming the colonnade, seven to one side and eight other are built thirty small domes. On the southeast side of the palace was built a ramp so that the Sultan could get to their flag. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is the only one of İstanbul and Turkey that has six minarets, which gives a special value between the Ottoman mosques. All four corner minarets has three balconies each, the patio only have two. According to legend, the Sultan Ahmet I asked the architect a mosque with minarets of gold, but due to the high cost it chose to increase the number to six. The architect Mehmet Ağa with his work could not give another new concept to the Ottoman mosque architecture but on the other hand, its interior decoration and rich coating, with more than 20,000 tiles, left in the shadow of the former Ottoman mosques. It is known as the Blue Mosque by the bright blue and green mosaics that decorate the top and the domes of the mosque. If investigásemos the development of art from the Middle Ages observe the connection between art and religion. While the arts supported by religious institutions is to a large extent, the others were stalled because the financial resources necessary for the development of art in the hands of religious bodies, whether Muslims or Christians. For example, as the church allowed to represent images, statues and music for the choir, painting, sculpture and music have evolved dramatically. In contrast, in the Muslim religion by not allowing the representation of images, not using any instrument or singing for prayers, just these arts were developed. On the other hand, gave more importance to arts such as calligraphy, stained glass crafts, carvings in wood and stone interior and exterior spaces, pottery, art that did not evolve much in the Christian world. The building seen from outside gives an elegant impression is not expected of their large size. The central dome and half domes have a unique and elegant interior of the Blue Mosque you harmony. All corners and edges are rounded to create a more harmonious image. The pillars inside the building are a group whose heaviness is skillfully softened. In the mosque there is a total of 260 windows. The crystals used in his time, unfortunately, have not been able to today. The dome, 23.5 m in diameter, culminating at 43 m and rests on four arches and four scallops flat, the holding four large fluted columns of 5 m in diameter at half height divided by a ring. The black stone placed in the mihrab was brought Kaaba, the Muslim holy city. Next to the mihrab is the minbar, a sort of pulpit, a beautiful example of Ottoman sculpture, which served to give sermons. The Muezzin mahfili, which is opposite the mini-bar, is a copy of Mecca. On the left is the Imperial Hünkar mahfili or gallery, a place where he prayed the Sultan. The calligraphy that surround and decorate the dome, the semi-domes and columns containing Koranic verses and sentences of the Prophet Muhammad. The valuable carpets of various colors that covered the floor of the mosque until recently have been changed by other carpets of lesser value. Except Kibla wall in the other walls are opened three galleries devoted to the use of women and religious gatherings. To the northeast of the mosque lies the great multitude, mausoleum square with a courtyard in front, built by Sultan son of Sultan Osman II. Soliman Mosque Suleymaniye Mosque one of the masterpieces of Istanbul and was built between 1550-1557 AD by Sultan Suleyman I - "Suleyman the Magnificent." Sultan Suleyman was the richest and most powerful Ottoman Empire. This Sultan is remembered for the Turks not by his title of grand, but as the Sultan who undertook more leyes.Él introduced through his empire many constructions, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (which was part of the Ottoman Empire in 1516) and building many Inside the mosque monuments their size and simplicity impresses: Iznik tiles and colored glass bring harmony to a place of prayer and silence. Four columns support the massive solid mosque: one from Baalbek, another from Alexandria and two former palaces bizantinos.Las paintings inside the mosque are old, dating from the nineteenth century and were renovated recently. The architect of the mosque, Sinan, is known as "the architect who works without using a plane." Sinan lived between 1490 and 1588, was the principal architect of five sultans and built during his long career, some 50 years, about 400 works. He was born into a family of non-Muslim, at age 22 came to the palace and converted and after serving for 19 years as Janissary began working as an architect. It is said that in the first three years of the construction of the Süleymaniye mosque excavated approximately 3000 people and built a rock base of 6 to 7 m deep. Total expenditure for the construction of the mosque were about 60 180 "Akce" (Ottoman currency), corresponding to currently about $ 60 million USD. Other works being undertaken by the architect Sinan built the mosque while stretched its construction. The sultan, who was very angry about this delay, repeatedly called attention to the architect. Finally, the opening day of the Sultan Mosque, to show his happiness and to express their affection to the architect Sinan gave him the honor of opening the door of the mosque with a golden key. Topkapi Palace PALACIOEl The original name of the palace is the Saray-i-I Cedide Amireíí, but the people called "Topkapi Saray" by the big guns that were before the entrada.Topkapi, is a palace located in Istanbul, is considered a of the most beautiful creations of Turkish architecture, and one of the greatest works of its kind Muslim, was the residence of the sultans from the fifteenth century until the end of XIX.Está located in the broad plain that stretches from St. Sophia to the sea, consists of a set of buildings, pavilions and kiosks installed inside a walled area which occupies an area of 700,000 meters cuadrados.Después of the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmet II, lived for a time in a palace quite small in Beyazit near the Grand Bazaar, in the year 1459, ordered built on the ruins of a Roman city, the buildings would be the roots of the Topkapi Palace. Mehmed II, established his court in the palace in 1465. The first palace was completed in 1472, the same year is called Cinili kiosk in the gardens of the palace, there is an elegant building erected on a podium and with a facade of blue and black tiles, including inscriptions. Topkapi is surrounded by walls, you enter the campus by seven great gates, the main one located on the east wall. It comprises several buildings built around four courtyards, which is entered through large portals in this space were the couch, where they worked the grand viziers (prime ministers) and other officials, the palace school for Ottoman officials and other private spaces like the palace kitchens, bathrooms, treasures, and the imperial wardrobe harén.En the third courtyard, is a building surrounded by porticos which has only one chamber, where the Sultan held official hearings. In the fourth courtyard building the Sultans made their kiosks or homes, these buildings are small pavilions that the Sultan reserved for personal use and are of Iranian origin. There was fifth courtyard garden was later turned into público.En centuries, all enriched the sultans palace with new construction until 1853, when they left after several extensions and fire, the court moved to the palace palace Dolmabahçe.El Topkapi is now in good condition and is one of the most admired monuments of Istanbul THE MUSEODespués the establishment of the Turkish republic in 1923, Topkapi Palace was renovated and transformed into a museum, since it is one of the most visited sites in Istanbul. Since Topkapi is great, only some sections are open to the public. They can see objects of gold decorated with precious stones (thrones, cup of tea knives, forks and spoons, home, jewelry, and various objects made of gold) , pieces made of silver, ceramics, miniatures, cloth and Islamic sacred objects. Underground Cistern The main entrance of the tank Yerebatan, which is the largest of the 60 tanks which were built in İstanbul during the Byzantine era, is located across from the museum of Hagia Sophia. As there was enough fresh water into the walls surrounding the city, for centuries brought from the springs and rivers from Belgrade Forest, about 25 miles away. During the siege, the enemy destroyed the aqueducts or poisoning the water, so they were forced to deposit the water in these tanks and thus use it if necessary. Underground Cistern, built in AD 532 in a few months, was the place where he deposited the water brought through the aqueduct of Valens. It was used until the fourteenth century and restored in the mid-nineteenth century, as had long been used (in the Ottoman era.) To construct it, using different types of stone and Roman columns from different periods. It consists of 336 columns in 12 rows of 28 each, located at 4 meters from each other. La Cisterna looks like a forest of columns. It occupies an area of 10,000 square kilometers and has a capacity of approximately 80,000 cubic meters. After restorations in 1987, were reopened to tourism. Today, you can get to the bottom of the tank once only visited by boat. Classical music and light show complete their mystical atmosphere. In the left corner of the tank, we find two columns whose bases carved with classical Ovolo rest on two mysterious head of Medusa. Bosphorus It is one of the world's most strategic channels, bosphore is the strait joining the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara from northwest to southwest long, 730-3300m (800-3600 yards) wide, 30-120m (the 100-395ft) deep. Bosphorus comes from a Thracian word of unknown origin, interpreted in Greek as meaning "The passage of the cow, for the legend that speaks of, one of the lovers of Zeus, who swims through the sea here as a cow chased constantly by flies sent by Hera. Known in Turkish as Bogazici (the Strait), connect the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles (in Canakkale), separates Europe and Asia. It is a valley before it was drowned by the sea at the end of the Tertiary period. This is a very busy strait with many ships and oil tankers, as well as local fishing boats and passenger. Current flows north to south, but there is a subsurface countercurrent Marmara Sea to the Black Sea and different currents that are created by underground rivers make navigation dangerous to the novice. There are two suspension bridges on this stretch: The first is the Bosphorus between Beylerbeyi and Ortaköy, opened in 1973, is named after Bogazici Bridge, is 1074m (1175yards) long, and the second between Anadolu and Rumeli Hisari Hisari, opened in 1988, bridge is called as Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is 1090m (1192yd) long. The banks that reach heights of 200m, are lined with palaces, ruins, villages, and gardens, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of landscape in Turkey. The best way to see the Bosphorus in all its beauty is to take a trip in one of the coastal vessels, so you can also admire many of the old wooden houses from the Ottoman period (called as Yali in Turkish). Some of the palaces, buildings or neighborhoods on the Bosphorus are interesting: The military academy Kuleli Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Palace, the neighborhoods Besiktas, Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek, the Fortress of Rumeli, Tarabya, Yeniköy, Istinye, Sariyer, Uskudar (Scutari), Kanlica, Beykoz, the strength of Anatolia, and the palace of Beylerbeyi Where does "Bosphorus" In ancient Greek, Bosphorus means "step of the cow," an odd name that goes back to mythology and evokes an episode of the emotional life of Zeus.Un tumultuous day, the god falls in love with Io, Argos and young native priestess his wife Hera.Durante a dream, she hears Zeus ordered withheld from them on the shores of Lake Lerna (Peloponnesus). Encantada and restless at the same time, Io is entrusted to his father and this query the oracles of Dodona and Delfos.La answer is clear, unambiguous: Io should join Jove. Theine The meeting place, but always suspicious Hera, aware of the adventure lovers. When Zeus transformed Io into a sweet calf, white and swears jamais Hera to love that could have animal.Hera doubt the sincerity of her husband and requires zeus becerra.Cumplida presented him with the demand, Hera makes the calf in the custody of Argos, the temple giant eyes. Hermes the messenger of Olympus, killed at the request of Zeus.Furiosa Argos, Hera decides to chase the calf and to that end sent a gadfly that harasses fierce without cesar.Para escape the incessant insect bites, beef flees canter by west coast of Greece, giving your name so of the Ionian Sea (Ionia), head north, then east, and goes to order into Asia Minor, crossed the Straits, taking the name of .... Bosphorus Golden Horn The Halic (Golden Horn) is a horn-shaped estuary that divides European Istanbul. Considered one of the best natural harbors in the world, we focused the Byzantine and Ottoman fleet and commercial shipping interests. Today, its shores are full of lovely parks and promenades. At sunset, the water glistens with golden color. At Fener and Balat, an avenue close up by the Golden Horn, there are streets full of old houses, wooden churches and synagogues dating from Byzantine and Ottoman times. Herein lies the Orthodox Patriarch. A little further up, in Eyüp, reflecting the Ottoman style of vernacular architecture. The hillsides are dotted with dark cypress cemeteries. Here is always very busy due to the pilgrims going to the tomb of Eyüp, hoping to see their wishes fulfilled. Pierre Loti Café, at the top of the hill overlooking the site, is a great place to enjoy the tranquility of the view. Museums Archaeological Museum Open every day except Mondays. Located within the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, the archaeological museums include two different sections: the Museum of Antiquities, where the famous sarcophagus of Alexander among the treasures of Greek, Byzantine and Roman and Ancient Orient Museum, which displays objects from the civilizations Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hatti and Hittite. Turkish Ceramics Museum (46) Open every day except Mondays. Located in Cinili Kosko, originally built as `Kosk 'or pavilion by Mehmet the Conqueror in the fifteenth century, the museum contains objects İznik beautiful sixteenth-century pottery and examples of Seljuk and Ottoman tiles. St. Irene Museum Open daily except Monday, entry only permitted with special permission. Like the Saint Sophia Museum, was originally a church. In fact, it is considered the first church built in İstanbul . Constantine in the fourth century and Justinian later had ordered its restoration. Supposedly, the building stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art Open every day except Mondays. The dark stone building that houses the museum was built in 1524 by İbrahim Paşa, grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, as his residence. It was the largest private residence ever built in the Ottoman Empire. At present, contains a superb collection of ceramics, metalwork, miniatures, calligraphy, textiles, wooden objects, as well as some of the oldest carpets in the world. Turkish Carpet Museum Open every day except Sunday and Monday. Following the street from the Ibrahim Pasha Palace is this interesting museum contains exquisite antique carpets and kilims from all around Turkey. Mosaic Museum Open daily except Tuesdays Canned `in situ 'the extraordinary mosaic floors the V and VI, which are the Grand Palace of the Byzantine emperors. The key feature of these mosaics is the absence of religious themes and the synthesis between Hellenic character mythological themes and aspects of everyday life. Aviation Museum Open every day except Mondays. Is a retrospective of the development of aviation in Turkey. Military Museum Open every day except Monday and Tuesday. Inside, laying out broad tents used by the Ottoman armies and weapons and war equipment. The Takımı Mehter, ottoman military band played martial music between 15:00 h. Ottoman and 16:00 h. Atatürk Museum Open every day except Saturdays and Sundays It is the house where Atatürk lived in Şişli, where they face personal effects. Naval Museum Open every day except Mondays and Thursdays Located in the district of Beşiktaş, exhibits large skiffs in which the sultans spanning the Bosphorus, as well as many interesting objects of Ottoman naval history. Museum of Fine Open every day except Monday and Tuesday. Situated in Beşiktaş, houses important collections of Turkish and European paintings from the late nineteenth century to today. City Museum Open every day except Thursday. Near the gardens of Yıldız Palace, the museum preserves and documents the history of İstanbul since the conquest of the Ottomans. Scenic Historic Costumes Museum Open every day except Tuesday. Also located in Yıldız Palace, is on display inside the changing room used in the representations of the Palace Theatre throughout its history. Museum Rahmi Koç Industry Open every day except Mondays. It is in the area Hasköy, on the shore of Golden Horn, this historic building, whose ancient name was Lengerhane, was built for smelting iron. The museum shows a perspective of development of industrial technology. Sadberk Hanım Museum Open every day except Wednesday. Following the Bosphorus in the picturesque suburb of Büyükdere, is this charming museum housed in two wooden houses of the nineteenth century. A private museum, which originally exposed objects Turkish decorative arts, and has been expanded with a new collection of archaeological finds. Cartoon Museum Open daily from 9:00 pm 18:00 pm If you want to have fun, you can visit this museum located in the building Ağa Madrasa Gazanfer XVI century, in the district of Fatih. Prices and schedules of museums PRICES İSTANBUL 1 - Archaeological Museum 5.00 2 - Santa Sofia 10.00 3 - Chora 10.00 4 - Mosaic Museum 5.00 5 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Selamlık) 15.00 6 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Hatem) 10.00 7 - Topkapi Palace 10.00 8 - Harem (this in Topkapi) 10.00 9 - Galata Mevlevihanesi (Divan Ed.) Müzesi 2.00 10 - Islamico Art Museum 5.00 11 - Adam Mickeiewic Museum 2.00 12 - Rumeli Fortress 5.00 13 - Yildiz Palace Museum 2.00 14 - Yerebatan Cistern 10.00 TIMES İSTANBUL 1 - Archaeological Museum Open except Mondays. 9:30 to 17:30 2 - Santa Sofia.Abierto except Mondays 9:30 to 16:30 3 - Chora Open except on Wednesdays. 9:30 to 16:30 4 - Mosaic Museum Open except on Tuesday. 9:00 to 17:00 5 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Selamlık) Open except Mondays and juebes 9:00 to 15:00 6 - Dolmabahçe Palace (Harem) Open except Mondays and juebes 9:00 to 15:00 7 - Topkapi Palace except on Tuesday Open 9:00 to 17:00 8 - Harem(esta dentro de Topkapi) 9:00 to 17:00 9 - Galata Mevlevihanesi (Divan Ed.) Müzesi Abierto excepto los lunes 09:30-17:00 10- Museo Arte Islamico Abierto excepto los lunes 10:00-17:00 11 - Museo Adam Mickeiewic esta en restauracion 9:00 to 17:00 12 - La Fortaleza Rumeli Abierto excepto los miercoles 09:30-16:30 13 - Palacio Museo Yildiz Abierto excepto los lunes y juebes 9:00 to 17:00 14 - La Cisterna Yerebatan Abierto todos los días 9:00 to 17:00 Enlace sobre Turquia www.todaturquia.com Publicado por Guia de Turquia en 11:41 1 comentarios Homepage Suscribirse a: Entradas (Atom) " name=gtrans>
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Tuesday April 17, 2007
Information About Istanbul
General Information

Istanbul is the most populous city of Turkey. Although the latest statistics showed that its population was 10 million inhabitants can be said lately that reaches 12 is 41 milliones.Estambul north of Parallel (like Naples), although the istanbul weather is cooler. Two North winds make summers in this place are very nice.

This wonderful city is unique in the world to unite the two continents Asia and Europe. "The Bosphorus divides the two sides of the city.
There is a bed on the European side that separates the old part with moderna.Esta ria known as "The Golden Horn" and take the way the arm of the Bosphorus for many centuries it was a natural harbor



HISTORY

Although archaeological findings tell us that the story begins in the time we have very little paleolotica
Information on this era.Tambien is known that in the 7th century BC Greek colony was founded by Megarians in place today is called the legend Sarayburnu.Segun they sought "the land of the blind" that the oracle at Delphi had that they had to establecersen alli.Cuande front came to a place that seemed a paradise compared to there were a chief pueblo.El Megara "Byzas" says quedarsen them by seeing this wonderful place there will be blind and so is based Greek colony named "Bizacio."

Bizacio short time became an important commercial center on which to put his hands Darius of Persia, who conquered the city clarified 513 provides a aliancia pact with Rome, and while the latter exhausted by the continuous barbarian invasions, it begins sunset, the shining star of Byzantium at its best: in 324 dCCconstantino unify the two parts of the empire and 330 On 11 May the solemnly consecrated as the new capital under the name New Roma.Pero it more like Constantilopla and conosera wing culture would have to give life Serala Byzantine civilization, which dates back siglos.Costantinopla shining splendor by the Emperor Justinian, the only head of state and Church. the late eleventh century, the spiritual tension prevailing in the West, roconquistar wing with the idea of holy places in Jerusalem at the hands of infieleshabia cruzadas.En given rise to the month of April of 1204 the Christian knights took Constantinople, where they were squeando and killing for 35 anos.Luego with many difficulties, the reconquest city by the Byzantines.

In 1451 he ascended the throne on skilled and ambitious sultan Mehmet II, who always had sounded Constantinopla.El aponderase of siege began on April 5, 1453 and on the morning of May 23 the city was conquistada.Y so, the Constantinople passed the power of a sultan who was 23 years: the new city later receive the name of Istanbul, exprecion short form of the Greek "eis ten polin" meaning "to the City"

The power of the Ottoman Empire reached its apogee with Soliman the Magnificent, when the eminent architect Sinan embellished the city with magnificent mosques, palaces, bridges and fountains.

With the gradual decline of Ottoman power and the dismemberment of the empire, the city also fell, until the first turn of the century Xxasisten to the fall of the empire and the birth of the young Turkish Republic.

In 1923, Ankara becomes the new capital, but Istanbul, with its glorious monuments, is the historical and economic capital.


SANTA SOFIA
Santa Sofia is considered the most important work of the time bizantina.Hoy is a museum that is visited daily by many tourists (except Monday). Iglecia was used as more than 900 anos.Desde during the conquest of Istanbul to the anus 1934 mezquita.Despues was used as the restoration of the mosaics in the Byzantine Institute Uindos States was opened as a museum.
This masterpiece was the largest in the world for many siglos.Con its square base is covered with a dome and with this size church would be today if it were the fourth largest in the world.The nobre means "Divine Wisdom.

THE STORY OF SANTA SOFIA
The Byzantine emperor Constantine in 360, had built at the center of the city, where today is the Hagia Sophia, a church with the name "Megale Ekklesia." On the ruins of the wooden building that burned to the ground during a fire on 20 June 404, a new church was built more large and strong between 404-406 by the architect Rufinos and was opened for worship on 10 October 416. The Byzantine emperor Theodosius was the patron of this second church, consisting of three ships in a basilica. This building, which may be the remains of his base, stairs and a frieze decorated with reliefs of sheep in front of the museum, was virtually destroyed by the opponents of the emperor during the Nika insurrection (victory) that began in January 532. The Emperor Justinian, who regained his throne after the Nika insurrection, between 532-537, he built the church we visit today ...

Racecourse

The hippodrome was an immense building with 480 meters long and 117.5 feet wide, an estimated capacity had a hundred thousand spectators. It was in 203 D.C. constr by Emperor Septimus Severus and later extended and renovated by Constantine The Grande.Cuando Santa Sofia was the center of religious life, the Hippodrome was the center of the civil activities. The interests and passions of the population were divided by theological controversies and bull-carts in the hipódromo.Hoy you can only see some monuments dóndel hippodrome was located. The center line or spine of the hippodrome was marked by obelisks and columns, three of these monuments are in the Sultan Ahmet Square (see picture: the red line is where the racetrack was located behind it you may see the Blue Mosque and Santa Sofia). Here are celebrating all the great events of the Byzantine era, are cheering the victorious generals and emperors and executed heretics and rebels. Also the people there expressed their descontento.Durante the Latin occupation (1204-1261) was ransacked and destroyed since the arrival of the Turks (1453) was in ruins, but later his remains were used for the construction of the mosque is just blue next.
The first is the Egyptian obelisk monument (far left in picture). This monument was built by Pharaoh Thutmose III (1549-1503 BC) to commemorate one of his campaigns in Syria and crossing the Euphrates River and erected it in the Deir el Bahri opposite the city of Thebes in Egypt. It was erected at its present site by Theodosius the Great, in 390 BC At the bottom of the monument is a stone carved marbled with some regarding Theodosius.
The second monument is the column of the Snake. The three bronze snakes were the basis of a trophy that was in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was dedicated to Apollo in gratitude for the 31 Greek cities were defeated in battle Persian Plataea (479 BC). The column was probably brought from Delphi by Constantine the Great.
The third monument is a stone pillar about 32 meters high dating from the 4th century. The monument was reversing previously gilded bronze plaques. In 1204, during an invasion, these plates were removed, melted down and coined.



The Blue Mosque

Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, was built during the XIV Ottoman sultan Ahmet I, between 1603 and 1617. It is the largest and most magnificent mosque in İstanbul. It was built by the disciple of architect Mimar Sinan, Mehmet Ağa. Its construction began in 1609, ended in 1616. The mosque was built along with a madrasa, Koranic school, a haven, a place for the sale of handicrafts, a Kervansaray, accommodation for camels, a fountain and a külliye, a complex social and religious.
The Sultan Ahmet ascended the throne at age fourteen and ruled with great popular acceptance until the twenty-eight, died just weeks after the mosque was inaugurated lafu. Külliye is buried in his own mosque.
The architect of the mosque, Mehmet Ağa Sedefkar earned the nickname, the marquetry. The place chosen for the construction of the mosque was the center of the city, former site of a Roman hippodrome. One of the reasons for their choice was that it was near the Topkapı Palace. The care they showed in the choice of location reflects the dedication that they put back in choosing construction materials and decoration of the mosque. The 21,043 tiles used in its construction were made in the workshops of the palace carpets of hundreds of square meters were woven on the looms crystals imperial oil lamps were brought from abroad.
There are five doors to enter the courtyard outside the mosque. The front yard, which is accessed by stairs, has five entries. On the north side, below the inner courtyard, the sources of ablutions. In the center of the courtyard is a magnificent şardivan, ablutions fountain of hexagonal shape with six granite columns forming the colonnade, seven to one side and eight other are built thirty small domes. On the southeast side of the palace was built a ramp so that the Sultan could get to their flag. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is the only one of İstanbul and Turkey that has six minarets, which gives a special value between the Ottoman mosques.
All four corner minarets has three balconies each, the patio only have two. According to legend, the Sultan Ahmet I asked the architect a mosque with minarets of gold, but due to the high cost it chose to increase the number to six.
The architect Mehmet Ağa with his work could not give another new concept to the Ottoman mosque architecture but on the other hand, its interior decoration and rich coating, with more than 20,000 tiles, left in the shadow of the former Ottoman mosques. It is known as the Blue Mosque by the bright blue and green mosaics that decorate the top and the domes of the mosque. If investigásemos the development of art from the Middle Ages observe the connection between art and religion. While the arts supported by religious institutions is to a large extent, the others were stalled because the financial resources necessary for the development of art in the hands of religious bodies, whether Muslims or Christians. For example, as the church allowed to represent images, statues and music for the choir, painting, sculpture and music have evolved dramatically.

In contrast, in the Muslim religion by not allowing the representation of images, not using any instrument or singing for prayers, just these arts were developed. On the other hand, gave more importance to arts such as calligraphy, stained glass crafts, carvings in wood and stone interior and exterior spaces, pottery, art that did not evolve much in the Christian world.
The building seen from outside gives an elegant impression is not expected of their large size. The central dome and half domes have a unique and elegant interior of the Blue Mosque you harmony. All corners and edges are rounded to create a more harmonious image. The pillars inside the building are a group whose heaviness is skillfully softened.
In the mosque there is a total of 260 windows. The crystals used in his time, unfortunately, have not been able to today. The dome, 23.5 m in diameter, culminating at 43 m and rests on four arches and four scallops flat, the holding four large fluted columns of 5 m in diameter at half height divided by a ring. The black stone placed in the mihrab was brought Kaaba, the Muslim holy city. Next to the mihrab is the minbar, a sort of pulpit, a beautiful example of Ottoman sculpture, which served to give sermons.
The Muezzin mahfili, which is opposite the mini-bar, is a copy of Mecca. On the left is the Imperial Hünkar mahfili or gallery, a place where he prayed the Sultan.
The calligraphy that surround and decorate the dome, the semi-domes and columns containing Koranic verses and sentences of the Prophet Muhammad. The valuable carpets of various colors that covered the floor of the mosque until recently have been changed by other carpets of lesser value.
Except Kibla wall in the other walls are opened three galleries devoted to the use of women and religious gatherings. To the northeast of the mosque lies the great multitude, mausoleum square with a courtyard in front, built by Sultan son of Sultan Osman II.


Soliman Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque one of the masterpieces of Istanbul and was built between 1550-1557 AD by Sultan Suleyman I - "Suleyman the Magnificent." Sultan Suleyman was the richest and most powerful Ottoman Empire. This Sultan is remembered for the Turks not by his title of grand, but as the Sultan who undertook more leyes.Él introduced through his empire many constructions, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (which was part of the Ottoman Empire in 1516) and building many Inside the mosque monuments their size and simplicity impresses: Iznik tiles and colored glass bring harmony to a place of prayer and silence. Four columns support the massive solid mosque: one from Baalbek, another from Alexandria and two former palaces bizantinos.Las paintings inside the mosque are old, dating from the nineteenth century and were renovated recently.
The architect of the mosque, Sinan, is known as "the architect who works without using a plane." Sinan lived between 1490 and 1588, was the principal architect of five sultans and built during his long career, some 50 years, about 400 works. He was born into a family of non-Muslim, at age 22 came to the palace and converted and after serving for 19 years as Janissary began working as an architect. It is said that in the first three years of the construction of the Süleymaniye mosque excavated approximately 3000 people and built a rock base of 6 to 7 m deep. Total expenditure for the construction of the mosque were about 60 180 "Akce" (Ottoman currency), corresponding to currently about $ 60 million USD. Other works being undertaken by the architect Sinan built the mosque while stretched its construction. The sultan, who was very angry about this delay, repeatedly called attention to the architect. Finally, the opening day of the Sultan Mosque, to show his happiness and to express their affection to the architect Sinan gave him the honor of opening the door of the mosque with a golden key.

Topkapi Palace


PALACIOEl The original name of the palace is the Saray-i-I Cedide Amireíí, but the people called "Topkapi Saray" by the big guns that were before the entrada.Topkapi, is a palace located in Istanbul, is considered a of the most beautiful creations of Turkish architecture, and one of the greatest works of its kind Muslim, was the residence of the sultans from the fifteenth century until the end of XIX.Está located in the broad plain that stretches from St. Sophia to the sea, consists of a set of buildings, pavilions and kiosks installed inside a walled area which occupies an area of 700,000 meters cuadrados.Después of the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmet II, lived for a time in a palace quite small in Beyazit near the Grand Bazaar, in the year 1459, ordered built on the ruins of a Roman city, the buildings would be the roots of the Topkapi Palace. Mehmed II, established his court in the palace in 1465. The first palace was completed in 1472, the same year is called Cinili kiosk in the gardens of the palace, there is an elegant building erected on a podium and with a facade of blue and black tiles, including inscriptions. Topkapi is surrounded by walls, you enter the campus by seven great gates, the main one located on the east wall. It comprises several buildings built around four courtyards, which is entered through large portals in this space were the couch, where they worked the grand viziers (prime ministers) and other officials, the palace school for Ottoman officials and other private spaces like the palace kitchens, bathrooms, treasures, and the imperial wardrobe harén.En the third courtyard, is a building surrounded by porticos which has only one chamber, where the Sultan held official hearings. In the fourth courtyard building the Sultans made their kiosks or homes, these buildings are small pavilions that the Sultan reserved for personal use and are of Iranian origin. There was fifth courtyard garden was later turned into público.En centuries, all enriched the sultans palace with new construction until 1853, when they left after several extensions and fire, the court moved to the palace palace Dolmabahçe.El Topkapi is now in good condition and is one of the most admired monuments of Istanbul
THE MUSEODespués the establishment of the Turkish republic in 1923, Topkapi Palace was renovated and transformed into a museum, since it is one of the most visited sites in Istanbul. Since Topkapi is great, only some sections are open to the public. They can see objects of gold decorated with precious stones (thrones, cup of tea knives, forks and spoons, home, jewelry, and various objects made of gold) , pieces made of silver, ceramics, miniatures, cloth and Islamic sacred objects.


Underground Cistern
The main entrance of the tank Yerebatan, which is the largest of the 60 tanks which were built in İstanbul during the Byzantine era, is located across from the museum of Hagia Sophia.
As there was enough fresh water into the walls surrounding the city, for centuries brought from the springs and rivers from Belgrade Forest, about 25 miles away.
During the siege, the enemy destroyed the aqueducts or poisoning the water, so they were forced to deposit the water in these tanks and thus use it if necessary.
Underground Cistern, built in AD 532 in a few months, was the place where he deposited the water brought through the aqueduct of Valens. It was used until the fourteenth century and restored in the mid-nineteenth century, as had long been used (in the Ottoman era.)
To construct it, using different types of stone and Roman columns from different periods.
It consists of 336 columns in 12 rows of 28 each, located at 4 meters from each other. La Cisterna looks like a forest of columns. It occupies an area of 10,000 square kilometers and has a capacity of approximately 80,000 cubic meters. After restorations in 1987, were reopened to tourism. Today, you can get to the bottom of the tank once only visited by boat. Classical music and light show complete their mystical atmosphere. In the left corner of the tank, we find two columns whose bases carved with classical Ovolo rest on two mysterious head of Medusa.

Bosphorus


It is one of the world's most strategic channels, bosphore is the strait joining the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara from northwest to southwest long, 730-3300m (800-3600 yards) wide, 30-120m (the 100-395ft) deep.
Bosphorus comes from a Thracian word of unknown origin, interpreted in Greek as meaning "The passage of the cow, for the legend that speaks of, one of the lovers of Zeus, who swims through the sea here as a cow chased constantly by flies sent by Hera.
Known in Turkish as Bogazici (the Strait), connect the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles (in Canakkale), separates Europe and Asia. It is a valley before it was drowned by the sea at the end of the Tertiary period. This is a very busy strait with many ships and oil tankers, as well as local fishing boats and passenger.
Current flows north to south, but there is a subsurface countercurrent Marmara Sea to the Black Sea and different currents that are created by underground rivers make navigation dangerous to the novice.
There are two suspension bridges on this stretch: The first is the Bosphorus between Beylerbeyi and Ortaköy, opened in 1973, is named after Bogazici Bridge, is 1074m (1175yards) long, and the second between Anadolu and Rumeli Hisari Hisari, opened in 1988, bridge is called as Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is 1090m (1192yd) long.
The banks that reach heights of 200m, are lined with palaces, ruins, villages, and gardens, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of landscape in Turkey. The best way to see the Bosphorus in all its beauty is to take a trip in one of the coastal vessels, so you can also admire many of the old wooden houses from the Ottoman period (called as Yali in Turkish).
Some of the palaces, buildings or neighborhoods on the Bosphorus are interesting: The military academy Kuleli Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Palace, the neighborhoods Besiktas, Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek, the Fortress of Rumeli, Tarabya, Yeniköy, Istinye, Sariyer, Uskudar (Scutari), Kanlica, Beykoz, the strength of Anatolia, and the palace of Beylerbeyi
Where does "Bosphorus"

In ancient Greek, Bosphorus means "step of the cow," an odd name that goes back to mythology and evokes an episode of the emotional life of Zeus.Un tumultuous day, the god falls in love with Io, Argos and young native priestess his wife Hera.Durante a dream, she hears Zeus ordered withheld from them on the shores of Lake Lerna (Peloponnesus).

Encantada and restless at the same time, Io is entrusted to his father and this query the oracles of Dodona and Delfos.La answer is clear, unambiguous: Io should join Jove.

Theine The meeting place, but always suspicious Hera, aware of the adventure lovers. When Zeus transformed Io into a sweet calf, white and swears jamais Hera to love that could have animal.Hera doubt the sincerity of her husband and requires zeus becerra.Cumplida presented him with the demand, Hera makes the calf in the custody of Argos, the temple giant eyes.

Hermes the messenger of Olympus, killed at the request of Zeus.Furiosa Argos, Hera decides to chase the calf and to that end sent a gadfly that harasses fierce without cesar.Para escape the incessant insect bites, beef flees canter by west coast of Greece, giving your name so of the Ionian Sea (Ionia), head north, then east, and goes to order into Asia Minor, crossed the Straits, taking the name of .... Bosphorus


Golden Horn

The Halic (Golden Horn) is a horn-shaped estuary that divides European Istanbul. Considered one of the best natural harbors in the world, we focused the Byzantine and Ottoman fleet and commercial shipping interests. Today, its shores are full of lovely parks and promenades. At sunset, the water glistens with golden color.
At Fener and Balat, an avenue close up by the Golden Horn, there are streets full of old houses, wooden churches and synagogues dating from Byzantine and Ottoman times. Herein lies the Orthodox Patriarch. A little further up, in Eyüp, reflecting the Ottoman style of vernacular architecture. The hillsides are dotted with dark cypress cemeteries. Here is always very busy due to the pilgrims going to the tomb of Eyüp, hoping to see their wishes fulfilled. Pierre Loti Café, at the top of the hill overlooking the site, is a great place to enjoy the tranquility of the view.

Museums

Archaeological Museum

Open every day except Mondays.
Located within the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, the
archaeological museums include two different sections: the Museum of Antiquities, where the famous sarcophagus of Alexander among the treasures of Greek, Byzantine and Roman and Ancient Orient Museum, which displays objects from the civilizations Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hatti and Hittite.
Turkish Ceramics Museum (46)
Open every day except Mondays.
Located in Cinili Kosko, originally built as `Kosk 'or pavilion by Mehmet the Conqueror in the fifteenth century, the museum contains objects İznik beautiful sixteenth-century pottery and examples of Seljuk and Ottoman tiles.
St. Irene Museum
Open daily except Monday, entry only permitted with special permission.
Like the Saint Sophia Museum, was originally a church. In fact, it is considered the first church built in İstanbul
. Constantine in the fourth century and Justinian later had ordered its restoration. Supposedly, the building stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
Open every day except Mondays.
The dark stone building that houses the museum was built in 1524 by İbrahim Paşa, grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, as his residence. It was the largest private residence ever built in the Ottoman Empire. At present, contains a superb collection of ceramics, metalwork, miniatures, calligraphy, textiles, wooden objects, as well as some of the oldest carpets in the world.
Turkish Carpet Museum
Open every day except Sunday and Monday.
Following the street from the Ibrahim Pasha Palace is this interesting museum contains exquisite antique carpets and kilims from all around Turkey.
Mosaic Museum
Open daily except Tuesdays
Canned `in situ 'the extraordinary mosaic floors the V and VI, which are the Grand Palace of the Byzantine emperors. The key feature of these mosaics is the absence of religious themes and the synthesis between Hellenic character mythological themes and aspects of everyday life.

Aviation Museum
Open every day except Mondays.
Is a retrospective of the development of aviation in Turkey.
Military Museum
Open every day except Monday and Tuesday.
Inside, laying out broad tents used by the Ottoman armies and weapons and war equipment. The Takımı Mehter, ottoman military band played martial music between 15:00 h. Ottoman and 16:00 h.
Atatürk Museum
Open every day except Saturdays and Sundays
It is the house where Atatürk lived in Şişli, where they face personal effects.

Naval Museum

Open every day except Mondays and Thursdays
Located in the district of Beşiktaş, exhibits large skiffs in which the sultans spanning the Bosphorus, as well as many interesting objects of Ottoman naval history.
Museum of Fine
Open every day except Monday and Tuesday.
Situated in Beşiktaş, houses important collections of Turkish and European paintings from the late nineteenth century to today.
City Museum
Open every day except Thursday.
Near the gardens of Yıldız Palace, the museum preserves and documents the history of İstanbul since the conquest of the Ottomans.

Scenic Historic Costumes Museum
Open every day except Tuesday.
Also located in Yıldız Palace, is on display inside the changing room used in the representations of the Palace Theatre throughout its history.

Museum Rahmi Koç Industry

Open every day except Mondays.
It is in the area Hasköy, on the shore of Golden Horn, this historic building, whose ancient name was Lengerhane, was built for smelting iron. The museum shows a perspective of development of industrial technology.
Sadberk Hanım Museum

Open every day except Wednesday.
Following the Bosphorus in the picturesque suburb of Büyükdere, is this charming museum housed in two wooden houses of the nineteenth century. A private museum, which originally exposed objects Turkish decorative arts, and has been expanded with a new collection of archaeological finds.
Cartoon Museum
Open daily from 9:00 pm 18:00 pm
If you want to have fun, you can visit this museum located in the building Ağa Madrasa Gazanfer XVI century, in the district of Fatih.


Prices and schedules of museums


PRICES
İSTANBUL
1 -
Archaeological Museum
5.00
2 -
Santa Sofia
10.00
3 -
Chora
10.00
4 -
Mosaic Museum
5.00
5 -
Dolmabahçe Palace (Selamlık)
15.00
6 -
Dolmabahçe Palace (Hatem)
10.00
7 -
Topkapi Palace
10.00
8 -Harem (this in Topkapi)9:00 to 17:009 -Galata Mevlevihanesi (Divan Ed.) Open except Mondays Müzesi9:30 to 17:0010 -Islamic Art Museum Open except Mondays10:00 to 17:0011 -Adam was Mickeiewic Museum restoration9:00 to 17:0012 -Rumeli Fortress except Wednesday Open9:30 to 16:3013 -Yildiz Palace Museum Open except Mondays and juebes9:00 to 17:0014 -La Cisterna Yerebatan Open daily9:00 to 17:00Turkey
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