Istanbul’s unique location at the crossroads of three continents has made it a meeting place of cultures and civilizations for thousands of years. Its rich history, diversity of architecture, delicious cuisine, romantic nightlife and beautiful beaches make this city a perfect travel destination for everyone.
The sound of the call to prayer
Every morning, the call to prayer resounds from the minarets of Istanbul’s mosques. This distinctive sound is so familiar to those who live here, yet it is so unique to the city that it is often used as a way to identify the location of a mosque.
The scent of sweet bazaar spices
The spice bazaar in Istanbul is a must-see when you travel to Turkey. In the bazaar, you can discover a variety of spices, herbs, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and other flavors made from plants. The spices are gathered from around the world and are laid out on colorful cloths. The food of Istanbul is flavoured with plenty of these aromatic spices.
The stunning architecture
The first thing that will catch your eye when you come to Istanbul is the beautiful architecture of this city. There are several historical monuments and buildings that have been built through the years by the different civilizations that have lived in this region, and they have all contributed significantly to Istanbul’s unique architectural style.
The mosques
The mosques of Istanbul are an important part of the Islamic architectural heritage of the city and of the Islamic world as a whole. The mosques of Istanbul are not only places of worship but also active centers of Islamic life. They are the focal points of the neighbourhoods in which they are located and also the destinations for pilgrimage. The mosques are places of learning, of meeting and of discussion. They provide a focal point of Islamic identity for Turks as well as for visitors from around the world.
The food
The diversity of foods is simply mind-boggling. You’ll find everything from shish kebab, döner kebab, and pastırma to lavash and baklava in the bazaars and the many restaurants. Some of the best restaurants in Istanbul specialize in a single type of food, such as meyhane (taverns) that specialize in grilled meat, or teahouses where you can try fresh herbs and vegetables.
The gorgeous Bosphorus
Istanbul is a city of contrast. The narrow streets of the historic peninsula contrast with the bustling shopping centers, the hushed mosques of the old city contrast with the bustling nightlife of the modern city, the busy traffic of the metro and the ferries of the Bosphorus contrast with the serenity of the quiet Bosphorus.
The bridges
Whether you’re passing through Istanbul or living here, chances are you’ve noticed something rather remarkable about the city’s bridges: they’re all different! While you can easily spot the styles of the historic stone and iron bridges, there are many more modern concrete and metal arches that have been built in the last few decades.
Conclusion
There are many things that make Istanbul unique, but I would venture to guess that one of the biggest things that make Istanbul special is its diversity. The city is home to people from all over the world. Not only is it home to people from other parts of Turkey, but it is also home to people from other parts of the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa, and Europe. Istanbul is a melting pot of people, cultures, and foods.