Top Ten Sights : 
Although it is not the capital, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey as the leading industrial, commercial, historical, and cultural center. The city is also referred to as the "Soul of Turkey". Istanbul is the only major city that lies on two continents, Asia & Europe.
Here's a top ten* of must-see sights in Istanbul:
1. Dolmabahce Palace : The architect Garabet Balyan managed to combine the Oriental and Western styles and built the palace by the order of Sultan Abdul Mecid between the years of 1843-1856. The palace is lavishly decorated with luxurious furniture, crystals and carpets.
2. Topkapi Palace : It was home to all the Ottoman sultans for a period of nearly four centuries. This splendid palace is a museum now. The Treasury of the Museum of Topkapi Palace is considered one of the most celebrated treasuries in the world.
3. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) : One of Istanbul's illustrious landmark, the Hagia Sofia was a former church, mosque and now a museum. It is the most important achievement of Byzantine architecture.
4. Suleymaniye Mosque : It is the largest and most imposing mosque as being an architectural masterpiece in the city. The aesthetic supremacy of its interior and exterior and its perfect proportions have been captivating the visitors for centuries.
5. Istanbul Archeology Museum : It has one of the world's richest collection of historical artifacts and treasures. It actually consists of three museums: the Museum of Oriental Antiquities, the Archaeological Museum and the Tiled Pavilion.
6. The Grand Bazaar : The oldest and largest covered bazaar (in Turkish Kapali Carsi) in the world is situated in the heart of the city. Inside the Grand Bazaar you can enjoy shopping and find great bargains in 3,000 shops.
7. Blue Mosque : Although it is popularly known as the Blue Mosque, its real name is Sultan Ahmet Mosque. It is famous for the beautiful blue tiles and glass work ornamenting its walls.
8. Galata Tower : It was called the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese and the Megalos Pyrgos (The Great Tower) by the Byzantines. It has a modern restaurant and cafe on its upper floors with a stunning view of Istanbul.
9. Hagia Eirene (Aya Irini) : It is one of the earliest Christian churches in Istanbul. It is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Today, it is now a museum that serves mainly as a concert hall for classical music performances and musical festivals.
10. Old City Walls of Istanbul : Old Constantinople was surrounded by walls described as land walls and sea walls. These walls were considered to be the largest fortress ever constructed in the Christian era. With their numerous towers, large and small, they are a magnificent sight.
Although it is not the capital, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey as the leading industrial, commercial, historical, and cultural center. The city is also referred to as the "Soul of Turkey". Istanbul is the only major city that lies on two continents, Asia & Europe.
Here's a top ten* of must-see sights in Istanbul:
1. Dolmabahce Palace : The architect Garabet Balyan managed to combine the Oriental and Western styles and built the palace by the order of Sultan Abdul Mecid between the years of 1843-1856. The palace is lavishly decorated with luxurious furniture, crystals and carpets.
2. Topkapi Palace : It was home to all the Ottoman sultans for a period of nearly four centuries. This splendid palace is a museum now. The Treasury of the Museum of Topkapi Palace is considered one of the most celebrated treasuries in the world.
3. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) : One of Istanbul's illustrious landmark, the Hagia Sofia was a former church, mosque and now a museum. It is the most important achievement of Byzantine architecture.
4. Suleymaniye Mosque : It is the largest and most imposing mosque as being an architectural masterpiece in the city. The aesthetic supremacy of its interior and exterior and its perfect proportions have been captivating the visitors for centuries.
5. Istanbul Archeology Museum : It has one of the world's richest collection of historical artifacts and treasures. It actually consists of three museums: the Museum of Oriental Antiquities, the Archaeological Museum and the Tiled Pavilion.
6. The Grand Bazaar : The oldest and largest covered bazaar (in Turkish Kapali Carsi) in the world is situated in the heart of the city. Inside the Grand Bazaar you can enjoy shopping and find great bargains in 3,000 shops.
7. Blue Mosque : Although it is popularly known as the Blue Mosque, its real name is Sultan Ahmet Mosque. It is famous for the beautiful blue tiles and glass work ornamenting its walls.
8. Galata Tower : It was called the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese and the Megalos Pyrgos (The Great Tower) by the Byzantines. It has a modern restaurant and cafe on its upper floors with a stunning view of Istanbul.
9. Hagia Eirene (Aya Irini) : It is one of the earliest Christian churches in Istanbul. It is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Today, it is now a museum that serves mainly as a concert hall for classical music performances and musical festivals.
10. Old City Walls of Istanbul : Old Constantinople was surrounded by walls described as land walls and sea walls. These walls were considered to be the largest fortress ever constructed in the Christian era. With their numerous towers, large and small, they are a magnificent sight.
* Ranking is updated according to the poll below
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