Istanbul - the divided city

Previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, the ancient city of Istanbul is nowadays looking steadfastly towards Europe, though the indomitable spirit of the Orient continues to imbue its very soul. This pivotal settlement has stood for millennia as both a boundary and bridge between two great realms: East and West, Europe and Asia, modernity and antiquity.

Two worlds
We should begin exploring Istanbul at one of the local restaurants called a meyhane, because a little personal fortification is always in order before setting out into a colossal metropolis that is unique in straddling two continents. The city is cleaved in twain by the Bosporus straits, which form the only shipping gateway from the oceans of the world to the nearly landlocked Black Sea. Indeed a trip to Istanbul is not complete without taking a boat ride on this extremely important waterway. Nor does the choice of route or carrier matter very much, as the scenery alone makes the journey worthwhile. You may choose a quick trip to Kad¿köy Harbour or a whole day journey all the way to Anadolu Kavagi. The Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara at the southern end of the straits are also a fine destination for a more relaxing excursion.

Tea and bargain hunting
It takes considerable strength of character to resist the urge to shop in Istanbul. There are bargains to excess, with a surfeit of overly enthusiastic vendors offering invitations to take tea and listen to their pushy sales pitches. Istiklal Caddesi, the main street of Beyoglu (the Pera of olden times), jealously guards its reputation as the city’s Number One shopping district. While the street here is still lined with shops, however, you will find that the finest businesses have nowadays moved to Bagdat Caddesi on the Asian side of the city. The best place to go for a genuine market atmosphere nevertheless remains the Grand Bazaar or Kapali Carsi. The dome of this 16th century structure gives shelter to as many as 4,000 small businesses, making it the largest covered market in Turkey.