Istanbul, the Ottoman Capital
Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, bristles with activity and a unique culture which has arisen out of a melting pot of many different ethnic and cultural influences. The Roman, Ottoman, Greek, Persian and Byzantine empires have left this city with elaborate buildings interspersed by wide avenues, and a myriad of eastern and western traditions combine to turn this city into a dynamic cultural cornucopia and a thriving metropolis. Just 25km from the city centre lies the Kilyos village for those who want to relax on golden sanded beaches which stretch further than the eye can see. Turkey holidays in Istanbul is are perfect for couples who want to choose from an over-abundance of attractions and who also want nightlife overflowing with chic bars, restaurants and clubs with an exotic atmosphere.
Culture on Every Horizon
Istanbul has more historic and religious structures, art galleries, museums, performing arts and cultural heritage than anyone could fit into one trip. The architectural highlight of the city is undoubtedly the Blue Mosque; its svelte minarets, plunging domes and brilliantly tiled interior draw an incredible number of tourists and make it a great feat of eastern European civilisation. St. Irene is the largest and oldest church in Istanbul which is still standing from the Byzantine era and the Dolmabahçe Palace shows off the magnificent dwellings of the richest emperors and sultans from Ottoman and other empires.
In between these breath-taking structures lie colourful bazaars packed with traditional crafts, jewellery, clothes and aromatic Turkish food. For those intent on an extensive shopping trip, large-scale shopping centres provide up to seven floors of Turkish and foreign brands and cafés with sea views. Spas, amusement parks and even ice rinks are easily accessible to travellers. The large choice of restaurants caters for any taste, but for those who want an authentic Turkish experience, the local mezes, olive-oil drizzled kebabs and dough-based deserts such as baklava and kanafeh, all which are infused with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian influences, are served in the many Turkish restaurants, grills and taverns.
Nightlife in the Capital
At night, a wide range of dance clubs, bars, cabaret and karaoke bars, comedy clubs, rock clubs and Greek and Turkish taverns ignite the city and don’t stop until dawn. Belly-dancing is abound and the clubs and bars become open-air in the summer to give them a truly Turkish flavour. Sample the country’s traditional Raki, Salgam, Ayran and Sahlep drinks in a Turkish tavern, and if you’re interested, a nargileh (water smoking pipe).
An Affordable Trip to a Lavish City
This fascinating city with a wealth of culture and activity and more than 13 million inhabitants is a prime location for holiday-makers looking for a break in the sun with more than enough to engage them for weeks. As it is only four hours flying distance from the UK and with a climate which more than rivals that of the rest of the Mediterranean, Turkey is growing as one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations. With prices that have never been more affordable, visit lowcostholidays.com for incredible savings and book from a great range of holidays in Turkey today!
