The Other Spot

Istanbul was the capital of the Ottoman Empire until the revolution of Ataturk, the father of the Turkish homeland. This, like to erase all the influence of the caliphs and the official Islam hitherto practiced, move the administrative capital to Ankara. However, Ankara has only been the seat of government and other agencies, since life in Turkey, in all its facets, remains his main focus in Istanbul.

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.