Istanbul

It is the largest city in Turkey,also considered as the second city in population.

what is Istanbul famous for ?
There are lots of things in Istanbul make people love to go there ,Istanbul contains many beautiful attractions besides its fresh air and fashion there ,mosques and religious attractions.

Istanbul special events and Festivals
you can enjoy many festivals and events you will love to go there:
-Istanbul International Film Festival
It considered the oldest festival in Turkey and was first organized in 1982.

-International Istanbul Music Festival
This Festival held every June and July and it is a mixture of European classic music, Opera, and ballet.

-International Istanbul Opera Festival

-Istanbul International Theatre Festival
It held at the Haghia Irene Museum it contains about 9 theaters and more than 100 shows take place in this amazing festival.

-Alanya International Culture and Art Festival
It holds every year since 2001.

Istanbul Main Attractions
1- The Blue Mosque
It was a gift from Sultan Ahmet I’s grand to Istanbul,was built in1616.That beautiful Mosque was known as the blue mosque from its interior design as it contains thousands of İznik tiles.

2- Basilica Cistern
one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul, it is like a big deep hall underground supported by 12 rows and 336 columns, it used to store water supply for the Byzantine emperors.

3-Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
This amazing Museum located at Ibrahim Basha Palace,
If you love the ottoman arts that will be your favorite destination.

4-Spice Bazaar
for the ones who adore food this will be your favorite place ,you will find there nuts,herbs,fruits and spice.

5- Grand Bazaar
It is one of the biggest malls in turkey ,tourists everywhere must come and visit this huge fascinating market.
It has 11 gates and known as the world’s first shopping mall.

6-Istanbul Archaeology Museum
This amazing Museum is a collection of many great arts in Turkey.It consists of three separate sections: Ancient Orient, the main Archaeology Museum, and the Tiled Pavilion of Mohamed the Conqueror.

7-Galata Tower
It is the place where you can see Istanbul from the top, was built in 1348.

Where to stay?

There are many hotels to stay near your favorite attractions,you will find some of the luxury hotels near the blue Mosque and Taksim square.
You will find also Mid-range Hotels near Sirkeci train station, Taksim Square, and Istiklal Street.
There are budget hotels located in the heart of sultan Ahmed and the blue mosque.

Where to shop?

Istanbul has many popular malls that you can go and shopping ,you will find everything you want.
The most popular malls in Istanbul:
1-Mall of Istanbul.
Known as the biggest mall in Turkey.

2-Istinye Park
Located in the Istinye neighborhood of the Sarıyer district
Address: İstinye Bayırı Cad. No: 73, Sarıyer – Istanbul.

3-Kanyon
located in the financial district of Levent,
Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:185.

4-Akmerkez
located in Etiler
Address: Ulus Caddesi No:3, Etiler – Istanbul.

5-Trump Towers Mall

6-Istanbul Sapphire

7-City’s Nisantasi

Top things to eat

You can eat different breakfast in turkey(white bread,white cheese,with a slice of tomato).
there’s also Menemen(amazing Turkish Omelet ,onions, and peppers)
Meze:
Chili Tomato Paste
Grilled Eggplants with Yogurt
Grilled Eggplant Salad
Fried Eggplant with Tomato Sauce
Mint Yogurt Dip
Pinto Beans
Artichoke

Kuyu Kebabı / Tandır:
The kebap got its name from the cooking style, where kuyu means ‘well’. The idea is to slowly cook the whole male lamb (without the inner organs) hung in a well or specially constructed hole over a charcoal fire.

Iskender Kebap
Is a dish of meat .

Künefe
A really delicious Turkish dessert.