One of the great cities in the world, Istanbul is rich in religious history and contains many different religious sites. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and one of the top 15 urban areas in the world, encompasses the entire area of the Golden Horn, a natural harbor, and is situated on the Bosporus Strait. Istanbul stretches into both Europe and Asia due to its size. The city is the only metropolis in the world to span multiple continents, making it a fascinating destination for Turkey tours.
Istanbul is significant to geography because it has a long history that includes the rise and fall of some of the most well-known empires in history. Istanbul has had a number of name changes as a result of its involvement in these empires.
History
Istanbul was not a city until Greek colonists arrived in the region in the seventh century BCE, despite the fact that it may have been inhabited as early as 3000 BCE.
King Byzas led these colonists, who chose the area as their new home due to its advantageous location near the Bosporus Strait. After himself, King Byzas gave the city the name Byzantium.
Today’s Era
The numerous historical districts of Istanbul were included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985. Istanbul was also chosen by the European Union as the 2010 European Capital of Culture due to its position as a world-rising power, history, and significance to both European and global culture.
Turkey Travel Guide –
Top Places to Go in Istanbul :
- The Historic Peninsula, a triangle of land at the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, is where most tourists to Istanbul focus their attention. It is here that the Greeks and, much later, the Ottomans built their cities. Here, it’s almost possible to forget about modernity and lose yourself in a vision of the magnificence of antiquity. Visit magnificent mosques like Aya Sofya and the magnificent Topkapi Palace.
- The modern city is waiting to be explored on the hectic Istiklal Caddesi, which is only a tram and funicular ride away. Here, the average age of a passerby suddenly drops to about 25, and nearly all traces of the ancient past have made way for shops, clubs, restaurants, and bars.
- You could be excused for wondering why Turkey’s EU membership is still up for debate as you sip a beer with Istanbul’s affluent youth in the hip Asmalimescit neighborhood.
- Even so, one can only see two sides of the contemporary city. One must travel to Fatih or farther afield to Eyüp, areas of the city still dotted with relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman past, to find the pious Istanbul where the call to prayer still sends the faithful running five times per day.
Family-Friendly Activities in Istanbul –
There are lots of fun things to do with Family Friendly activities in Istanbul. The diverse collection of theme parks, some of which offer rollercoasters while others are committed to igniting their creativity, is a great place for kids to spend a fun day.
Play and construct at the Legoland Discovery Center –
The popular children’s building block toy company is opening a theme park in Istanbul where you and your children can explore a world of fun and creativity. Some of the most recognizable structures in the city were constructed using Lego bricks at the Legoland Discovery Center, which is located in the Bayrampasa suburb. Along with viewing completed Lego works of art and building your own creations, you and your children can also take part in themed rides, watch movies in a 4D theater, and other activities.
- Regular entrance is 59 lire per person at the door.
- Location: 34045 Bayrampaşa/Istanbul, Turkey, Kocatepe Mahallesi, Paşa Cd 5/5
- Open every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Enter the cockpit of an airplane at Rahmi Museum –
This one-of-a-kind museum is located near Istanbul’s Golden Horn and houses a sizable collection of antiquated Turkish items related to trade, industry, and communications. Vintage automobiles, locomotives, vintage airplanes, and even a submarine are present.
- Location: 34445 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey, Piri Paşa Mah, Hasköy Cad. No. 5
- Open: Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm
Take a ride on the coaster –
Families can experience exhilarating rides on Istanbul’s Nefeskesen roller coaster, which can reach 110 km/h in just three seconds. This is just one of the numerous rides available at Insfabul, the first and biggest amusement park in Turkey. There are numerous different activities for all ages on its expansive grounds.
- Location – Yeşilpnar Mahallesi, H. Metin Kaya Sk. No. 11, 34065 Istanbul, Turkey
- Open every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
View vintage puppets at the Istanbul Toy Museum –
The Vintage Puppet Toy Museum is housed in the neighborhood of Göztepe on the Asian side of Istanbul. The museum features more than 4,000 different toys, puppets, and miniature sets from Turkey, Europe, and other countries. With many of its components being antiques that date back centuries, it provides you and your kids with some fantastic insights into the history of toys.
- Location: Dr. Zeki Zeren Sok. No. 15 in Mer Paşa Cad., Istanbul, Turkey
- Open: Tuesday through Sunday, 9.30 am to 6 pm (Mondays closed)
Discover a T-Rex at Jurassic Park In Istanbul’s –
Jurassic Land, a dinosaur-themed attraction, you can go back in time to the time when dinosaurs ruled the planet. This indoor theme park is located in the Forum Istanbul shopping center complex in Bayrampaşa, on the city’s European side and about 15 minutes drive west of the city center. More than a dozen animatronic dinosaurs are housed there, along with a science discovery center and a gallery dedicated to paleoanthropology. The 6D cinema there offers brief but thrilling films.
- The address is Kocatepe Mahallesi, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa/Istanbul, Turkey.
- Open: Everyday, 7 am to 7:30 pm
A Ride to Princess Land –
Take a ferry to the Princes Islands, which offer tranquil retreats and charming villages lined with lovely wooden homes. Since motorized vehicles are not allowed in this area, horse-drawn carriages are a preferred method of transportation. For the entire family, rides can be enjoyable.
- Location: Heybeliada Mahallesi, Adalar No. 45, 34973 Adalar/Istanbul, Turkey, Princes’ Islands
