Istanbul Turkey

Located in the east-west of Europe , Istanbul, Turkey is a dream destination for tourists. From the architecture to the cuisine of this city that connects two continents, there is a lot of unknown history and culture hidden in it. For a break from the bustling life of this busy city, there are various tourist spots that instantly soothe the body and mind. If you travel to Turkey, you must visit this city known as Sultan Suleiman.

June to August is the peak season for visiting Istanbul and therefore you can visit this city anytime during autumn and spring as September to November and March to May. During these two times the weather is very nice and the tourist crowd is less.

Istanbul has many other monuments to visit, including the famous mosques built by the Ottomans and the Romans, as well as some ancient ruins. The more you travel, the more you will be impressed by the various forms of this city. You can visit this city in the best way if you take time like 7-8 days. Some special places for tourists are highlighted with brief description-

Suleymaniye Mosque: This mosque is notable among the largest and most beautiful mosques in Turkey. From a distance it looks like a beautiful crown on the seven hills. Many of the mosque's ancient buildings have been restored and are now being reused as part of the sprawling complex. Along with the mosque, you can see the Hammam Khana (bathhouse), the hospital and Suleymaniye's tomb.

Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia): Among some of the special monuments of Istanbul, this ancient pillar is particularly important. This building was approved by the great Byzantine emperor and was known as a church until 537. Later, in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque on the orders of the Sultan. Then in 1935, Kemal Atatürk declared this mosque as a museum for its architecture, rich history, religious importance and extraordinary beauty. This entire building is divided into three parts for tourists to visit-lower lock, upper lock gallery and outer building. The lower lock is basically the main building of this museum. The dome, the main body of a large church and the golden mosaics are special attractions for tourists. In the outer building, the bathhouse of Sultan Suleiman's wife Hurram can be seen.

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Palace ): This palace was the residence of the Sultan of the current craze serial Sultan Suleiman. The sultan and his family lived here until 1461, after which they moved to the house on the shores of the Bosphorus after his death. We are fascinated by the beauty of this palace on TV and maybe no one can understand how beautiful it is in reality. The first part of this building, which is divided into four parts, will see the parade court and a church named Aya Irani. The second part has a beautiful park to sit in which during the reign of the Sultan only the Sultan and his mother had access.

Also some pavilions, royal kitchen, grand hall room, court room and bedroom of sultans will be noticed here. And there is a special place named Harem here, for which a separate ticket is required. It is said that in this harem the Sultan could do all the adulterous things he wanted. The third part contains the Sultan's royal treasury and meeting rooms. In the fourth part various arrangements were made for the entertainment of the Sultan. Gardens, pools and terraces can be seen here. Sultan Suleiman renovated the holy Kaaba Sharif, so parts and keys of the Kaaba Sharif of that time are in the collection of the palace. In addition, here are preserved teeth of Hazrat Muhammad SAW, footprints, clothes used by Hazrat Fatima (RA) and Hazrat Hussain (RA) and swords of companions.

Basilica Cistern (Basilica Cistern): This cistern or reservoir was originally built to supply water to the Great Palace and its surrounding buildings. However, due to the lack of proper conservation, a pile of dirt once accumulated, but later in 1985, Istanbul Metropolitan cleaned this reservoir and opened it for tourists. The reservoir, built over a large area, is now considered a special tourist spot in the city.

Blue Mosque (Blue Mosque): This building is one of the special buildings in Istanbul. This mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I whose tomb is located on the north side of this mosque. The dome and six minarets of this mosque are worth the attention of tourists. Blue color patterned tiles add a different level of beauty to this mosque.

Pera Museum (Pera Museum): Located in the Swiss Bristol Hotel, this museum is an example of Turkish art. On the second floor of this museum, various art works of Turkish artists are fascinating to the tourists. Many pictures from the private collections of Turkish artists Suna and Ian Kyras are featured here. Basically, these paintings were painted between the 17th and 20th centuries. And the other floors here usually have temporary exhibitions. The museum is open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday to 10 pm, Friday and Sunday from noon to 6 pm. Adjacent to this museum is the Istanbul Research Institute which houses the research library and temporary exhibition space.

Grand Bazaar: This colorful and busy bazaar has been known as the heart of Istanbul for hundreds of years. Built in 1461 on the orders of the Sultan, this bazaar started as a small warehouse and now has expanded to include many shops and restaurants in the vicinity. Walking through the main entrance road here, one will notice several panthshalas of ancient times where one can see the fine work of the artisans. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm but no entry is allowed after 6 pm. So you can visit this market anytime before 6 o'clock.

The Bosphorus Strait (The Bosphorus Strait ): This strait divides Turkey into Asia and Europe. Many people mistake it for a river. Although once a river, it is now known as the Bosphorus Strait. This strait is essentially a narrow sea channel that joins the Marmara and Black Seas. There are several places to visit on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait. And it will be better if you go around the places with a boat. Several old wooden villas with hotels, parks, gardens and restaurants will be noticed on both sides. During the summer, the Bosphorus strait is more pleasant to visit.

Dolmabahce Palace: This historical palace was built of wood in the past, but after 1800, the architecture has turned into a beautiful palace. There are 16 different buildings. The beautiful architecture of the gardens and buildings here is worth the attention of tourists.

You can also visit Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue, Galata Square, Hippodrome Square, Serpentine Column in Istanbul.

You can fly from Bangladesh to Istanbul, Turkey on Saudi Arabian, Turkish or Qatar airlines. After getting off at Istanbul's Kemal Atatürk International Airport, you can take a taxi from the airport to your destination.

Flight from Bangladesh to Istanbul will cost 38,000-52,000 Tk. However, the ticket must be booked a few months in advance, otherwise the cost will be very high. And staying in Istanbul for 7 days and 6 nights and visiting the tourist spots will cost around 1,20000-1,50000 taka per person. Traveling in groups of several miles will reduce the cost.

E-Visa is available for Istanbul. In that case, a Schengen visa or a valid US visa will be required. And for those who do not have a residence permit, proof of return flight ticket and hotel booking must be provided. The cost may be Rs 9,000-10,000. Payment can be made online if you have Master Card or Visa card. And the visa will come in the return e-mail, it has to be downloaded and printed. Generally, a visa cannot stay in Turkey for more than 30 days from the 180-day period.

A number of hotels, guesthouses and flats are available for rent in Istanbul's Sultanate, Taksim area and Beyoglu. Such as Green Life Apart Hotel, Hotel Seraglio, Aba Hotel Istanbul, Galata Meling, Da Westix Hotel & Spa, Bella Vista Hostel, Grand Margarita Hostel, Arkem Hotel 2, Taksim City Hostel, Grand Hotel de Pera, Asare Hotel, Ruam Hotels. Two people can stay in one room between 3,500-4,500 taka.

Istanbul is known as a food paradise for foodies. Food prices here are also quite low, and being a Muslim country, you have to worry about halal food. Taksim Square and Istiklal Street have several good quality restaurants. And you can eat different types of food at the Turkish buffet restaurant here. Don't forget to try various kebabs, baklava and Turkish delights in between meals. And since the main food of Turks is kebab, bread and salad, you can eat these three things more or less everywhere. And along the road you will find numerous kebab, tea and coffee shops. Don't miss the chance to have tea here at the Grand Bazaar.

Grand bazaar, Chevahir shopping mall, Mall of Istanbul are here for shopping. For example, you can buy Turkish clothes, Turkish carpets, souvenirs, soaps, Turkish lamps, Turkish tea, and Chinese clay tea leaves. And you can go to Spice Market to buy spices. Here you will find different types of spices.

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