ISTANBUL

A melting pot of cultures, Istanbul is also the secret and unofficial capital of Turkey. After almost two thousand years of rule, Roman emperors and Ottoman sultans left behind impressive buildings that today's visitors can discover on their forays through the metropolis. The world-famous domes and towers of Istanbul soar into the sky like a fairy tale and mysterious. The strait that cuts through the city on the Bosphorus forms the natural border between Europe and Asia. However, as the economic center of the Turkish Republic, Istanbul is more than just a city steeped in history, with a never-ending chain of cargo and passenger ships on the Bosphorus and an endless stream of cars adventurously weaving their way through the streets. A few kilometers away from the hustle and bustle, wide forests ensure peace and relaxation and long beaches for bathing pleasure. The range of museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars and sights seems inexhaustible - Istanbul remains one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

ISLANDS

Ferries and fast sea buses bring city-weary locals and tourists to one of the nine islands in just over an hour.

Perfect for those who want to switch off far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Time seems to have stood still on the islands. Wooden villas and horse-drawn carriages characterize the landscape. Private car traffic is not allowed here and so it is that the island resembles an oasis of calm. A comfortable horse-drawn carriage ride along the Uferstrasse is highly recommended.

ISTIKLAL STREET (TAKSIM)

Full, fuller, fullest - is probably the best way to describe this famous street in the city. The pedestrian zone with its nostalgic tram forms the pulsating center of Istanbul.

Except in the morning, before the shops open their doors, there is always a large crowd here. Organized sympathetic chaos reigns here, plain and simple. Right in the middle of it the ringing of the tram going up and down, which runs through the entire district of Beyoglu and so everyone jumps up who doesn't want to walk anymore. Beyoglu is the epitome of Westernization and anyone who wants to go to the movies or shop ends up here.

SULTANAHMET

This historic part of the city, the center of power since Byzantine rule, is a "must see" for any visitor.

The Imperial Sultan Ahmet or Blue Mosque faces the Hagia Sophia, which with its six minarets is the city's most impressive mosque. A few steps away is the Topkapi Palace, also an extraordinary building complex. The imperial palace of Constantine once stood here, but fell into disrepair with the collapse of the empire. After the Turkish conquest, Mehmet II first chose what is now the university campus as the site for his palace before then deciding to have Topkapi Palace rebuilt. Until 1855, when Abdülmecit preferred to move to the new, magnificent palace of Dolmabahce, modeled after the lavish western residences.

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