Despite this failure to transfer the reference from one to another Turkish city, meet the intent of Ataturk (which you can view images across the city) is essential to know the reality of the country and to interpret the state of being of the people there know. Mustapha Kemal Ataturk separated religion from the state and established a secular constitution.
All this has caused the present Turkish population traits unknown in the Muslim world. You will see women fully dressed in the West, often accompanied by other veiled from head to toe. Alcohol, except in establishments near the mosques, is tolerated but its price is high, and even made a couple of good beer brands.

Sultanahmet Square is often the first visit of the tourist in Istanbul. And it certainly never forget. Neat gardens surrounded by beautiful buildings. On one side, the Sultanahmet Mosque, known worldwide as the Blue Mosque which owes its name to the color that is visible on the inside due to their windows and, on the other side, Hagia Sophia, one of world’s most recognizable monuments. Built as a basilica during the Byzantine Empire, later passing to function as a mosque and is today a museum not to be missed on your visit to the city. One of those magical moments that occur in life is to hear the chant of the muezzin in the square, perhaps quietly taking tea at the cafe located in the walls of Hagia Sophia.

Next to them, a little surprise, Yerebatan Saray Cistern. With its innumerable columns of water supplied to the Palace and is one of the attractions imprescindibles.Y or near the Topkapi. Forget about making a quick visit. The Palace is overwhelming, with dozens of rooms, the most striking of which make the old harem.

But much more than Istanbul Sultanahmet. In fact, a bewildering city in one visit, we need many days to go through the whole. Still, there are several visits to be made no excuses.

The Mosque of Soleiman is one of them. It is the largest of all the city and elva majestically on a hill that compose Istanbul. In addition, the road to reach it becomes a pleasant walk, apart from the slopes, of course, where we can discover the authentic life of Istanbul, more than tourists.

Crossing the bridge, in the Galata district must not forget to climb the tower that bears the same name. It has one of the best views from around the world, with the string of minarets that stand above the Bosporus. Up to Taksim, the business district, is a good experience. Especially for the more biased can see that has nothing to envy to the Gran Via in Madrid or any other European capital. It breathes modernity, with some stores in the forefront.

And crossing the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace arrived. Official seat of government after the fall of the sultans, is an example of Ottoman architecture. Spectacular Hall of Mirrors, where we identify hundreds of times.

Not to mention the wonderful journey that can be done by boat on the Bosphorus and leads us right to the Black Sea, passing the famous Leaning Tower of Leander, a small island in the middle of the channel.

If there is a landmark building in this city is, without doubt, Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine-style sanctuary, now a mosque, church, pray, pray museum. Hagia Sophia is the most sacred and impressive work of this style of construction. This great masterpiece of the Byzantine era was built in the year 537 as a Church. For nearly 900 years it was, until the conquest of Turkey became a mosque for another 481 years, until 1935, Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, reformed making it what it is today: a museum.

This colossal building stands on a huge green lawn, but its beauty lies in its interior, where the calm we breathe we can enjoy its square plan covered with a large central dome 56 meters in height and two half-domes. Aya Sofia is a milestone in the history of architecture, because it was the first building that has been done with a square base, besides being the fourth largest covered area in the world after St. Paul’s in London, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Duomo of Milan. Inside are worth admiring the mosaics made from colored glass or transparent sheets of gold, with those once, in the Byzantine period were represented biblical scenes.

The soil completely covered with oriental rugs in different shapes and colors, impressive columns supporting the dome, the carvings on the walls and the air we breathe, give it that touch almost mystical Aya Sofia makes the Temple of Wisdom Divine “. And is that Aya Sofia (Santa Sofia) is one of three titles devoted to God: Aya Sofia (Divine Wisdom), Aya Irene (stillness, peace) and Aya Dinamis (sacred power).

It was the Emperor Constantine in 360, who ordered to build a large church in the same places today where St. Sophia: the Eklesia Megale. But it suffered a fire that ignited in the year 404. In its place, Rufinos built another that opened in the year 416 under the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius. However, during the Nika insurrection in the year 532, the opponents of the imperial system, this new temple was also destroyed. Just 5 years later and by the Emperor Justinian, was inaugurated today is Hagia Sophia.

It was the emperor, in 360, who ordered to build a large church in the same places today where St. Sophia: the Eklesia Megale. But it suffered a fire that ignited in the year 404. In its place, Rufinos built another that opened in the year 416 under the orders of the Byzantine emperor. However, during the Nika insurrection in the year 532, the opponents of the imperial system, this new temple was also destroyed. Just 5 years later and by the Emperor, was inaugurated today is.