Istanbul Holidays Take You to Magnificent Attractions

A transcontinental city considered as a bridge between the European and Asian continents, Istanbul has been attracting a large number of visitors since centuries. It was known as Constantinople and Byzantium at different periods of time in history until it came to be called by its present name during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is the cultural and economic centre of Turkey and was named the ‘European Capital of Culture’ by the European Union in the year 2010. While getting around in this majestic city during your holidays, you’ll get to witness many amazing historic structures that stand testimony to its glorious past.

Winter season from December to February is the wettest and coldest time of the year in this city. However, you can enjoy cheap holidays to Istanbul during winter with most of the hotels offering some irresistible deals on accommodations. From March to May, the city experiences its summer and is a good time to enjoy outdoor activities like sightseeing with lesser rains. The climate becomes much hotter between June and August and there are lesser chances of getting attractive bargains on room rates as this time of the year brings a lot of tourists. The best time to be in the city is from the month of September to November, when the climate is extremely pleasant and hotel accommodations are much cheaper.

One of the prominent attractions in this part of Turkey is Aya Sofya. Although a church was built during the reign of Constantius II in 360 AD, it was built as a larger and more magnificent basilica in 536 AD on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian. It was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman rule in the 15^th century. Aya Sofya was converted into a museum by the first president of Turkey in 1935. During your Istanbul holidays, you can explore this historic structure, which is visited by millions of tourists annually.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as ‘The Blue Mosque’ is another fascinating attraction worth visiting during your cheap Istanbul holidays. It was constructed during the early 17^th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. It is considered as one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture and gets its name from the distinct blue colour of its domes and interior walls. You can make your sightseeing trip worth cherishing by taking a stroll in the gardens located between the mosque and Aya Sofya.

You’d be delighted to visit the Topkapi Palace, which was built in the 15^th century under the rule of Sultan Mehmed II and was modified several times by the later sultans. It was initially called the ‘Yeni Saray’ or the new palace, but got its current name during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I. The word ‘Topkapi’ literally translates as ‘Cannon Gate’ in the Turkish language. One of the main highlights of this palace is the Harem, where the wives and children of the sultans were housed. You would also come across the vast palace kitchens and courts while exploring the large palace complex.

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Created on Mar 31st 2018 07:00. Viewed 482 times.

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