Ian Merhaba! Welcome to my exploration of Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents and millennia of history.
Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, is a city that has been the epicenter of empires, cultures, and historical transformations. Join me as I delve into the fascinating history of this extraordinary city.
The Early Days: Byzantium
Our historical journey begins in the 7th century BC when Greek colonists from Megara founded Byzantium. Its strategic location on the Bosporus Strait made it a coveted city for trade and warfare, setting the stage for its storied past.
The Roman and Byzantine Eras
In 330 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great transformed Byzantium into the capital of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople. This marked the beginning of the city’s golden age, where it emerged as a center of Christianity and the seat of the Byzantine Empire. The construction of the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, and the Hippodrome, a social and sporting center, were highlights of this era.
The Ottoman Conquest
In 1453, a monumental event changed the city’s fate: the Ottoman Turks, led by Sultan Mehmed II, conquered Constantinople. The city was renamed Istanbul and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans added their architectural and cultural signatures to the city, evident in landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul in the Modern Era
The fall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I led to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, with Ankara as its capital. Istanbul, however, continued to thrive as Turkey’s cultural and economic hub. Today, it beautifully melds its Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish influences.
Cultural Richness and Diversity
Istanbul’s history is not just in its monuments but in its streets, markets, and people. From the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in the world, to the vibrant neighborhoods of Galata and Balat, every corner of Istanbul tells a story.
As we walked the cobbled streets of Istanbul, we realized that this is a city where history is alive and breathing. It’s a place where you can witness the legacy of empires, the fusion of East and West, and the spirit of a civilization that has evolved, yet preserved its essence through time.
Travel Tips:
- Do not attempt to drive! This is the craziest driving I have seen anywhere in the world…
- Visit the city’s historical sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Local cuisine.. SO GOOD! Try everything! including Turkish delights, kebabs, and baklava.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. It is advised for women to bring some sort of scarf or headcovering as a sign of respect to mosques.
Istanbul is more than just a destination; it’s a living museum, a testament to human civilization’s resilience and diversity. If you’re a history enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of an ancient city, Istanbul is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Our trip:
Our trip to Istanbul was a free layover offered by Turkish Airlines. If you fly with them and you have an 8+ hour layover, they offer a free stay at a hotel with a shuttle to/fro the airport in Istanbul. Check out their website for more details.
This is not the only airline to offer extended layover accommodations, and I plan on trying them all! I highly recommend looking into it for any long flights you are planning. You get a free stay at a hotel, and can add another city to your itinerary!
We only got about 12 hours to check out Istanbul, but that was long enough to make it on the bucketlist for a future long stay. The city is vibrant and full of activity!
We didn’t know at the time but we came during Ramadan, observed by Muslims as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Ignorant of this we wondered why families were in the parks and grounds of the mosques surrounded fabulous spreads of food on large blankets, but no one was eating. We were looking for a place to eat, and found one right across the park from the Blue Mosque.
They seated us up at the rooftop dining area. Later, after realizing it was Ramadan, we recalled that no one on the lower floors was eating. So they must have this section blocked off during Ramadan muslims don’t have to watch others eat.
The rooftop was spectacular and had a great view! Once the sun went down all of the lights on the mosque lit up and there was a loud call to prayer from the minarets (maghrib, or the sunset prayer). All of the sudden everyone rejoiced and started eating. It was such a cool experience, and all of the sudden it clicked what was going on.
We only got one exciting day of exploring before we caught a plane on to Spain. But the experience whetted our appetite for wanting to come back and get a chance to really check it out!
