Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul, Turkey is one of the oldest cities in the world. The earliest known settlement of the area dates to 1000 B.C., the time of King David in Jerusalem and a few years after the Trojan War. A city was built on the Asian shore in 700 B.C. by Greek colonists while the Byzantines settled on the European shore. In the 6th century the city was conquered by the Persians, followed by Athens. It was incorporated into the Roman Empire, then became a Christian stronghold during the Middle Ages, known as Constantinople, until conquered by Moslems in the 15th century.
With all this history behind it, you might think that Istanbul is stuck in the past, but the city has become a haven for all things modern; in fact, its new nickname is "World's Hippest City". The historic buildings and mosques mix with the new art galleries, museums and clubs to make this one of the most exciting destinations in the world and the Istanbul hotels are part of the excitement.
On the historic side, the Blue Mosque is one of the most famous and fabulous landmarks to visit, as is the Topkapi Palace, home to the sultan's luxurious lifestyles and the Grand Bazaar, the world's most famous shopping centre. The Hagia Sophia is Istanbul's most famous monument and it mimics the city's history. Built by Emporer Justinian in 537 on the sight of Byzantium's acropolis, it was one of the most beautiful churches in Christendom, as well as one of the most important, until Mehmet the Conqueror turned it into a mosque in 1453. It was converted to a museum in 1934 and is one of the most amazing buildings in the world.
For the more modern take on Istanbul, there are many clubs and restaurants that provide good food and entertainment. There are gypsy bands, discos and wine bars, first class restaurants and hip hop venues, something for everyone. Andon, for instance, has a rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the Bosphorus, a wine bar featuring soloists, a disco on the ground floor, as well as Istanbul sanat music on the third floor and fasil music on the fourth floor. Istanbul hotels are as special and varied as the city itself. Many give the visitor a historic feel, such as the Bosphorus Palace Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, while others strive for a more modern approach like the Central Palace and the Marmara Taksim. Still others, for example Ibrahim Pasa Oteli, straddle the two extremes, old and new, just like Istanbul.
Roo Sadegi is an online travel writer based in London's East End, although he spends much of his time travelling around Europe's travel hotspots.
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