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Editors note: This is a guest post by Ricky Durrance.
Stepping foot into certain areas of the Turkish city of Istanbul can be a bit like stepping back in time. Ancient churches, mosques, statues and ruins line many areas of the city, drawing in tourists from all over the world. Yet just a few meters away are equally impressive but wholly different sights which have helped turn Istanbul into a 21st century city which is taking the tourist industry by storm – fashionable bars and first class hotels rub shoulders with the old effortlessly, which together have created a city that embraces ancient culture and modern day cosmopolitanism like no other.
With cheap holidays in turkey growing in popularity, even a short visit to Istanbul will explain how this has become possible.
Old Istanbul Favourites
For a few reasons, Turkey has always been seen as an exotic destination for travellers. With its position as the furthest east of all ‘European’ destinations and its strong commitment to Islam, there are sights, sounds and smells here that have fascinated travellers for centuries – the place where east and west finally meet and seem to congeal together. The Church of St Saviour in Chora is a truly marvelous example of Byzantine architecture and houses mosaics and frescoes which have few rivals in terms of importance and splendor.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the city’s main attractions and epitomizes everything about the old world side of Istanbul. Over five thousand stalls are there to be explored and this is where the art of haggling can be perfected – if you choose not to, expect to pay over the odds and insult the vendor at the same time! Bargaining is a form of theater almost and it will be considered rude to not at least try.
New Istanbul Hang-Outs
You would be forgiven for thinking that everyone in Istanbul spends their time haggling, practicing religion and going about their daily business dressed in traditional Muslim attire. But within a few minutes of arriving in Istanbul you will see that this is not the case and areas of the city are just as modern and western in appearance as anywhere else.
The Ortakoy district is one of the liveliest areas where clubs, bars and restaurants line the streets, packed with the young and energetic youth of the city as well as a good mixture of tourists. The new generation are very liberal minded despite the vast majority describing themselves as Muslim. There are numerous rooftop bars and 5 star hotels where the rich and sometimes famous can be seen taking in the delights of Istanbul.
Two Worlds Collide
There are few places in the world where brand new sky-high hotels rub shoulders with minarets over 500 years old, but Istanbul is not your average city. With cheap holidays abroad coming in all forms these days, if you want to experience an ancient world that could not be further from anything you have seen before whilst also having the option to eat, drink, party and relax as well as you could wish, consider a trip to Istanbul.
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