Top 10 Sights to See in Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest and the most historical city in Turkey. The name "Istanbul" comes from the Greek phrase "eis ten polin" used by Constantinople's inhabitants, and which meant "in the city". The city is sometimes 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 attractions in Istanbul, Turkey:

1. Topkapi Palace. Topkapi Palace, which means "Cannongate Palace",

is the old palace-city of the sultans. Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans for a duration of nearly four centuries. This astounding palace is museum now. The Treasury of the Museum of Topkapi Palace is determined one of the most sublime treasuries in the world.

2. Blue Mosque. It is called "Sultan Ahmet Mosque" which means "Mosque of Sultan Ahmet". It is sublime for the beautiful blue tiles and glasswork ornaMenting its walls.

3. Dolmabahçe Palace. It is a palace in what is called Turkish Renaissance style built by Abdul Mecid in 1854, which was the main home of the Sultans until 1918 and is now a museum. The palace is lavishly decorated with luxurious furniture, crystals and carpets.

4. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). One of Istanbul's sublime landmark, the Hagia Sofia was a previous church, mosque and now a museum. It is the most important achieveMent of Byzantine architecture.

5. Istanbul Archaeology Museum. It has one of the world's richest collection of historical artifacts and treasures. It surely consists of three museums: the Museum of Oriental Antiquities, the Archaeological Museum and the Tiled Pavillion.

6. Hagia Eirene. It is one of the earliest Christian churches in Istanbul. It is settled in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Today, it is now a museum that serves generally as a concert hall for classical music performances and musical festivals.

7. Galata Tower. It was called "Jesus Tower" by the Genoese and "Great Bastion" by the Byzantine. This is one of the city's most magnificent landmarks whose huge, cone-capped form dominates the skyline. It has a modern bistro and cafe on its upper floors. From there you will glimpse a striking view of Istanbul.

8. The Grand Bazaar. It is named "Kapalicarsi", or "covered bazaar". It is made up of streets of discrete shops sheltered by roofs and domes. Inside the Grand Bazaar you can enjoy shopping and find great bargains in 5,000 shops.

9. Suleymaniye Mosque. It is one of the most remarkable of the imperial mosque complexes in the city. It is built 450 years ago by the architect, Mimar Sinan for Suleyman the Magnificent , the most remarkable Ottoman sultan. The interior, dominated by its great dome with minaret towers, is sublime for its impressive design.

10. Old City walls of Istanbul. Old Constantinople was surrounded by walls described as land walls and sea walls. These walls were determined to be the largest fortress ever constructed in the Christian era. With their numerous towers, large and small, they are a magnificent sight.

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