Connecting the continents of Asia and Europe and being the only metropolis in the world with in this regard, Istanbul has a unique cultural diversity due to this quality. Istanbul, which has hosted many different civilizations such as Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans from the past to the present, has a magnificent history worthy of the magnificence of the city. Thanks to this historical background, Istanbul also brings together different religions, cultures, and other structures such as palaces, mosques, churches, and museums.
CULTURE
Connecting the continents of Asia and Europe and being the only metropolis in the world with in this regard, Istanbul has a unique cultural diversity due to this quality. Istanbul, which has hosted many different civilizations such as Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans from the past to the present, has a magnificent history worthy of the magnificence of the city. Thanks to this historical background, Istanbul also brings together different religions, cultures, and other structures such as palaces, mosques, churches, and museums. Reflecting Istanbul’s cultural past and serving first as a church, then a mosque, and now as a museum, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which is the only six-minaret mosque in the world, have an essential place in the art world in terms of their architecture and grandeur. The historical sites of Istanbul, which have a history dating back to several ages and cultures and host unique works, are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
SHOPPING
In addition to its unique cultural diversity, Istanbul also fascinates with the shopping opportunities it offers. With its shopping centers and colorful bazaars, Istanbul offers shopping-lovers an unforgettable shopping experience. Revealing the historical texture of the city in terms of architecture, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world. Thousands of products from bags to souvenirs, from carpets to jewelry, and many other things are exhibited and offered for sale in the Grand Bazaar. Spice Bazaar, another historical covered bazaar of Istanbul, is renowned for herbal products, dried fruits, and spice shops.
Istanbul is the center of shopping experience with its big shopping centers as well as its historical bazaars. Large shopping malls such as Zorlu Center, which features the leading brands of fashion, Istinye Park, which has made a name for itself with innovations brought into the shopping concept, and Mall of Istanbul, which is Turkey’s largest shopping, entertainment, and living center, make Istanbul a city of choice for shopping.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Turkish cuisine is among the three richest cuisines in the world due to its unique and traditional delicacies. Being the heir of the Ottoman culture, influenced by dozens of great cultures, the rich Turkish cuisine has emerged with hundreds of years of accumulation, making its mark as the cuisine of skilled hands.
Even though the first delicacies that come to mind in Turkish cuisine are kebabs, meat dishes, meatballs, and doner kebabs; vegetables and legumes are the indispensable tastes of the cuisine as well. Eggplant ragout, eggplants with minced meat, lahmacun, and sauteed meat, as well as ravioli, raw meatballs, stuffed meatballs, and olive oil with leaf wrap, are among the best-known flavors of the cuisine. If you do not have a dessert with milk such as rice pudding or chocolate pudding, or a dessert with syrup such as baklava or kunefe, the dinner is not finished. Finally, a cup of tea or Turkish coffee that you have right after the meal is a sine qua non tradition. In every corner of Istanbul, you can find a taste of Turkish cuisine that suits your budget.
NIGHT LIFE
Istanbul is also famous for its lively nightlife. It is possible to find entertainment for all tastes in venues spread all over the city, spearheaded by Beyoglu, Besiktas, Ortakoy, and Kadikoy. From jazz to classical, from rock to electronics, all kinds of music meet with music lovers in Istanbul’s nightlife.
Suada Club, which is one of the most privileged venues in the world with its unique location in the Bosphorus, hosts events and celebrations with its various restaurants. 360 Istanbul, with its breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, is the highlight of the nightlife of entertainment lovers with DJ performances and live shows. Featuring many more venues, such as Babylon, a center of national and international music culture, and Dorock XL with its huge indoor live concert area, Istanbul is the heart of entertainment.
