The bulk of the building was completed in 537 AD but it was the third church of that name to have existed on that site. The first was built in 360 AD and lasted until 404 when it was burnt down as a result of rioting. The second incarnation was inaugurated in 415 and stood until 532 when…yes you guessed it, it died a fiery death thanks to some urban unrest. Thankfully it was third time lucky when the Justinian commissioned a much larger and more impressive basilica than had previously existed. The building was constructed out of materials drawn from various parts of the Byzantine Empire, which was at its zenith during Justinian’s reign.

The basilica had been designed to inspire awe in those who viewed it and one of the selling points was the dome. The fact that it’s shaped like a scallop shell enabled the installation of 40 windows at the base of the dome, which gives the impression that it’s floating above the nave. Over the subsequent centuries repairs had to be carried out on both the dome and the basilica, either due to mistakes made during construction or as a result of earthquakes. As you walk around the interior you are likely to be reminded of Gustav Klimt’s artwork, what with the amount of golden mosaics lining parts of the interior of the church. If you have seen Orthodox icons before you will be familiar with the style used and the religious figures featured, although various Byzantine rulers are included as well. Some of the mosaics replaced earlier ones that were removed and taken to Venice following the sack of Constantinople (Istanbul’s former name) in 1204.

Almost a 1000 years of Orthodox worship ended in 1453 when Ottoman forces broke through Constantinople’s sizeable walls and headed for the Hagia Sophia, which was thought to contain great riches. The importance of the building was recognised by Sultan Mehmed who on entering declared that henceforth it should be turned into an imperial mosque. the structure was spruced up with minarets added, although the mosaics were plastered over as a result of Islam’s prohibition on imagery depicting recognisable human and animal forms. Over time Islamic artwork was added to the interior, especially the sizeable pieces of calligraphy on the dome.

By 1931 it was no longer a mosque but on its way to being transformed into the museum. Many of the mosaics were revealed once more and the building has gained great exposure over recent decades in both TV and film. James Bond (as played by Sean Connery) was seen prowling around the Hagia Sophia’s sturdy columns in the 1963 film ‘From Russia with Love’. If it’s good enough for Bond it’s good enough for you.

The beauty of the Hagia Sophia is without comparison for many people and when you wonder around the ancient building it is easy to understand that view point.

The museum’s opening hours are between 09:00 – 16:30, except on Mondays, however if you are going during the summer season the hours are extended. If you decide not to opt for a taxi in reaching the Hagia Sophia then it’s advisable to take the tram and to get off at the Sultanahmet stop.

Amongst the most popular foods in Turkey, breads are something you’ll always get fresh. So, if you come from the western part of the world and are used to buying bread loafs from supermarkets, you are in for a treat in Turkey. There are several kinds of breads available in Turkey. For example, you get fresh breads similar to French bread in form of long and soft loafs. You also get flat and wholemeal version of pita breads that can be used for fillings, stuffing and making wraps. Similarly, you also get a thin bread that are excellent for making wraps.

Most of the Turkish sweets are made with milk, milk products like yogurts, sugar, rice and nuts. The most common nuts that are used for preparation of sweets in Turkey are hazelnut, almonds, pistachios, and coconut. Also, Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world. In Turkish sweets, usage of Arabian and green herbs is quite common, which makes these sweets healthier than many others found in the western side of Europe. Also, some of the sweets are made with honey and flowers like rose and jasmine as well.

There are several kinds of mezze that are popular in Turkey. Hummus, Baba Ganoush, cigars etc. are few noteworthy ones that you should try during your Turkey visits. You can add them to your wraps, veggies, and also meat. You can easily take a trip around the towns renting a vehicle and filling it with red diesel to continue on your food tasting quest.

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There are very few places on earth that I would call unique. Straddling two continents and with a history going over 1600 years, Istanbul would top the list. Founded by the Roman Emperor, Constantine and taken over by the Ottomans, it was the epicentre of two world empires along with two world religions.

Naturally, such a rich and cosy existence shows up in its very essence. History seeps through in its lanes and bazaars, the palaces and other monuments. Its food is also something unique. A unique mix of Balkan, Middle East and Asian influence, it is something not to be missed. Eating is an important activity here so be prepared to spend some time as you try out the different meze.

While I was in UK I stayed at the Bridgehouse Hotel, I really enjoyed the hospitality and the comfort over there, it was something you would expect from a good hotel but when it comes to Istanbul or Turkey as a whole one would wonder if the treatment would be that good or not but trust me its world class here as well.

There is quite a lot to see in Turkey given its importance for over one and a half millennium. The Mosque of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Sultan’s Old Palace and the Egyptian Obelisk are all quite fascinating and steeped in history.

Ever considered swimming across two continents? At the right time of the year, you can also swim across the Bosporus River – from the Asian side to the European side! The bustle of its markets offers a very eastern shopping experience. It is vibrant, unique and quite intriguing. The architecture of the buildings is also something that catches the eye, reflecting the styles of the Byzentine, Turkish, Iranian and Asian regions; they are colourful and solid with sharp angles.

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For about ten years now I have travelled for work, visiting cities as diverse as Moscow, New York, Paris and Istanbul. I love my job and I love having the opportunity to explore these great parts of the world, even though I often don’t get enough free time to get to the cities as deeply as I would like.

But I am always grateful for the time that I do manage to have to act as a tourist and visit the local attractions. In Istanbul l am always immediately immersed in its history. I feel drawn back to the days when it was an ancient Greek city called Byzantium, and later to when it was Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

And of course, its glory days under the Ottoman Turks seem exotic and entrancing. One of the main attractions surviving from that time is the wonderful Topkapi Palace, from where the Ottoman caliphs ruled. Other great places to visit are the Suleymaniye Mosque and Hagia Sophia, formerly a church and a mosque, and now a museum.

As an icon of Istanbul the name Hagia Sophia is reflected in many other tourist attractions, such as the historic boutique hotel Ayasofya Hotel. I think I am a bit of an expert on hotels. Hotels in Looe in Cornwall, England. The Gleneagles Hotel near Edinburgh in Scotland, famous for its associated golf course. Top names in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, from the international chains through to humble hostels that only offer shared rooms and a coffee and doughnut for breakfast, I am the person to consult.

And I am happy to tell you that the hotels you will find in Istanbul, such as the Ayasofya, will match all your expectations. Whether you want the luxury end of the market or cheap and cheerful, you will find what you need in the city.

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If your kids love exotic bustle, then Istanbul is the place to visit. Children would get disappointed if their vacation becomes mosaic-full mosques and palaces all over. However Istanbul has some good places for your kids to visit. There is a zoo, toy museum and many other places. It would be a nice trip for your children. It is a crowded city with terrible traffic especially in the centre of the city. So you need to be extra careful while crossing the road with your kids. The other day I came across a Dot Maison homeware, a luxurious designer store. I saw some beautiful Turkish vases and bowls and was reminded of Istanbul.

Istanbul has a zoo which is out of the city, in Darica. Getting there could be a challenge. You have to use three different modes of transport. But the experience is worth it. The zoo is not huge, but there are some interesting species. The architecture is truly Turkish style with fashionable decorated fountains and box topiary. This zoo particularly focuses on birds of various kinds. Some of them are multi colored parrots, waterfowl and cockatoos.

There is also a beautiful toy museum. Kids would be thrilled to visit it. It looks like an old wooden house straight from the fairy tales. This museum was founded by poet Sunay Akin in 2005. The poet purchased an old toy shop and kept all those toys at the museum. He also got some toys from his own personal collection. During the weekends there are magic shows and puppet shows at 3 pm. Well if you want to visit Turkey as a whole, then there is a miniature where you can see the entire country in a single afternoon. Many people are not aware of the toy museum and the miniature because they are recently built. The Turks love kids so your children will be cuddled and kissed.

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One of the best things about visiting Istanbul on holiday is trying out the fantastic Turkish cuisine that you can find in most of the local restauramts. Most people in the UK think of kebabs when they are asked about Turkish food, but the menus at some of the top restaurants in Istanbul – and even some of the street cafes – are much more varied than just slabs of meat, salad and pitta bread!

 
As you might expect from Turkey’s location, our food is as much a mix of cultures and tastes as our architecture, art and people. The influences come from as far as the Balkans, Central Asia and even the Middle East. Breakfast is an important meal in Turkey, and many cafes and bars will serve the strong, bitter Turkish tea, along with sweet snacks, cheese, meat and even soup. Though if you are visiting during the warm summer months, you might prefer something more refreshing, such as menemem, a preparation of tomatoes, peppers, eggs and olive oil.
For lunch and dinner, there are various specialities that have their roots in Istanbul and there are plenty of local restaurants that serve cuisine from across the country. Try to avoid the tourist areas and eat where the locals eat, if you want to enjoy the best and most authentic Turkish meals. Meze is very popular, especially as a starter or a lunchtime snack. Order a meze and you will be brought a selection of small meals, rather like the Spanish tapas, to tuck into. Some of my favourites are dolma, vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat, and cevizli beber, a preparation of walnut, red pepper, pepper paste, onion and cumin seeds. Spicy, but delicious!

 
Eating out is an event in Turkey, so be prepared to take your time over courses. If you are travelling alone, bring a book, play awesome solitaire on your mobile or just watch the world go by while meze after meze is brought to your table for you to try.

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No trip to Istanbul would be complete with a few hours – at least – spent wandering around the vibrant, exotic and intriguing attraction that is the Grand Bazaar. This is where you get a real feel for the eastern roots of Turkey, in amongst the westernization of Istanbul and the Turkish people. You can feel at times that things haven’t changed much here for centuries – apart from the electronic items on the stalls and the adverts for payg mobile broadband.
It’s one if the largest and most popular covered markets in the whole world, covering 58 streets and featuring over 4,000 shops and stalls, selling everything from traditional crafts and spices to tacky Istanbul souvenirs and DVDs. With up to half a million visitors a day, be prepared to battle your way through massive crowds to get through the bazaar – and watch out for pickpockets who make a habit of targeting distracted Western tourists!
Don’t worry if you normally hate shopping as wandering around the Grand Bazaar is definitely not about the goods for sale. It’s the heart of Istanbul and the easiest place to see how the Istanbul residents live. The building itself features some stunning architecture, fountains and even works of art on the walls. A far cry from our modern soulless shopping malls! It can be easy to forget the time as you explore the winding streets; I often find myself walking in circles, coming across the same stalls two or even three times, before I figure out where I’m going wrong! Sometimes I think it would be a good idea to drop breadcrumbs to make sure I could find my way out, but part the of fun of exploring the Grand Bazaar is getting impossibly lost amongst all that fabulous colour and noise.

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I’ve written about touring Afghanistan on a motorcycle, seeing Ireland on horseback and travelling all around Europe in a campervan, but have you ever considered Turkey by lorry? The HGV is a much underrated mode of transport for the intrepid traveller – they are generally quite comfortable, slow enough that you don’t need to worry about speed limits, and have enough boot space to bring ALL your possessions! All you need to worry about is passing your HGV test and buying lorry insurance.

You will need to procure a lorry. Several of the more famous brands – Iveco, Volvo, Scania etc – offer “entry level” models which are perfect for a tour of Turkey. They tend to be reliable and comparatively cheap – often under £50,000 for a brand new one. In the cab, ensure there’s ample room for soft drinks (perhaps specify a cooling bag or a fridge) as well as a fan mounted on the dashboard. When buying the lorry, ask if they will abbreviate your name on a numberplate so that other road users will be able to see your call-sign.

Purchase a CB radio and ensure you are competent with it. If you are a man, you may choose whichever call-sign best suits your personality. If you are a woman, it is generally accepted that your call-sign will involve the words “Lolita”, “fairy” or “pink” at some point. (Remember: lorry driving is an excellent way to attract a mate.)

Aside from the practical aspects and the potential for 27 MHz flirting, lorry driving is a great way to meet new people.

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By visiting Istanbul you can visit Europe and Asia at the same time. In fact, you can cross the Bosphorus that cuts the city in two, one on the European side, and the other on the Asia side. If you go at the right time of the year then you are able to even swim across the Bosphorus, it’s one of the few places in the world where you are able to actually swim between two continents. Think about how hard that would be to do anywhere else in the world. You could swim from Gibraltar to Morocco — but it’s a long way, and immigrants regularly struggle to make it the whole way, even in boats. Or you could try to head from Yemen to Somalia across the Gulf of Aden. Between two of the least safe countries in the world. I wouldn’t advise that either.

When you’re in Istanbul, taking a city holiday, you need not think that you’ll be stuck in the urban sprawl throughout your whole stay. In fact there are many excellent beaches that are fairly nearby. Many public buses can take you directly to these beaches, but note that the best of them are privately owned. They aren’t so expensive to require you to be a stock-market wizard, thanks to Galvan Research, or anything. But there are also many public beaches, some in beautiful harbour locations.

Note though, if you are going to swim, that some of the currents around the Istanbul coast are dangerous, and only very cautious swimmers should attempt to swim far out to sea. There are also ferries that can take you out to the islands around Istanbul. If you’re feeling really adventurous you could even hitchike.

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A walking tour of the bazaars in Istanbul can take as little as 30 minutes or even the whole day depending on whether you want to just take in the vibrancy of the people, the lingering smell of Turkish Tea, or the colorful array of assorted spices. Walking through Grand Bazaar you can head towards Carsi Caddesi which is a hub of activity for both shoppers and retailers to purchase bulk commodities. You will find anything and everything here but may find it difficult to navigate your way around with everyone vying for space.

Moving on further you will reach Longmarket Street with shops selling turned wood, kitchen items, clothing, and the works. To break the monotony of the retail extravaganza you can make a stop at Rustem Pasha Mosque. A marvel of architecture, which is a little off the more frequently treaded path, you will be amazed to see the inside adorned with colored tiles unmatchable in beauty to any in Istanbul.

Finally, you can land up at the ferry at the end of your market journey and take a ride to another continent sailing over the Bosphorus.

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