Istanbul, un amalgam de lumi

Istanbulul nu se afla numai la granita a doua continente, ci si la granita a doua culturi diferite. Astfel, orasul cu peste 12 milioane de locuitori devine un spectacol, un adevarat amalgam de stiluri si de oameni.

Istanbul not only connects 2 continents, but also represents the border of two different cultures. Thus, the city, which has over 12 millions inhabitants, becomes a real spectacle, a huge mix  of styles and people.

Cum ajungi la Istanbul?/How can you get to Istanbul?

Pentru a ajunge la Istanbul din Romania, se pot folosi avionul, masina sau trenul.

1.Cu avionul, exista 3 companii aeriene care opereaza zboruri pe ruta Bucuresti-Istanbul (TAROM, Turkish Airlines si compania low-cost turceasca Pegasus Airlines). La Turkish Airlines, biletul mediu la clasa Economy dus-intors costa aproximativ 210 euro, la TAROM 130 euro, iar la Pegasus Airlines 75 euro. Zborurile operate de Turkish Airlines si de TAROM au ca destinatie aeroportul Ataturk (cel mai mare din oras), care se afla aproape de oras. Acesta este conectat prin metrou, insa metoda cea mai eficienta de a ajunge in zona turistica este taxiul (care costa 1,40TL/km, ceea ce inseamna 2,10lei/km) sau autobuzul (multe hoteluri pun la dispozitie transport de la aeroport). Zborurile operate de Pegasus Airlines ajung la aeroportul Sabiha Gokcen, care se afla la 40km de zona turistica. De asemenea, de aici, se poate ajunge in centrul orasului prin intermediul taxi-ului sau al autobuzului (metro-ul nu este disponibil sub nicio forma la Sabiha Gokcen)

2.Cu masina, se tranziteaza Bulgaria. De la Bucuresti, ruta cea mai eficienta este Bucuresti-Ruse-Razgrad-Targovishte-Yambol-Lalapasa-Edirne-Istanbul(aproximativ 8h), ceea ce inseamna aproximativ 650km. In Turcia, pentru plata autostrazii, este nevoie de un tichet HGS, care se poate achizitiona de la duty free-ul din vama (acesta este obligatoriu). Tichetul in sine costa 5TL, dar prima incarcare este obligatoriu de 30TL (deci, in total se platesc 35TL, aproximativ 53lei). Pentru ruta dus-intors Edirne-Istanbul, se vor incasa 14TL din creditul de 30TL.

3.In fiecare zi, exista un tren care merge pe ruta Bucuresti-Sofia-Istanbul, insa drumul este foarte lung(16-18h), iar biletul dus-intors costa aproximativ 120 euro. Trenul ajunge in gara Sirkeci, care se afla in mijlocul zonei turistice.

The best way to get to Istanbul is the one by plane. There are different airlines which connects Istanbul with the major airports in the world. The two Turkish companies are Turkish Airlines and the low-cost one Pegasus Airlines(operates only in Europe and the Middle East). Flights operated by Turkish Airlines arrive at Ataturk Airport, from where you can go to the touristic area by taxi or by bus (there are approximatively 10km). On the other hand, flights operated by Pegasus Airlines arrive at Sabiha Gokcen airport, which is 40km away from the touristic area. There are the same ways to get there from this airport.

Top 15 atractii turistice/ Top 15 touristic attractions:

1.Moscheea-muzeu Hagia Sophia&Cartierul Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia Museum&Sultanahmet District) 

Fosta biserica ortodoxa si fosta moschee, construita in urma cu mai mult de 1500 de ani, Moscheea Hagia Sophia este un obiectiv ce nu poate fi ratat in Istanbul. Istoria incarcata se reflecta prin amestecul de picturi musulmane si ortodoxe ce se pot observa in interiorul acesteia. Desi la exterior, arata ca o moschee normala. in interiorul cladirii, se pot admira icoane ortodoxe vechi de mai mult de 1000 de ani. In prezent, capodopera a fost transformata in muzeu si este deschisa publicului doar in scopuri turistice. Zona din jurul muzeului, cartierul Sultanahmet, dezvaluie misterele orasului si te introduce intr-un univers unic.

Former orthodox church and also former mosque, built over 1500 years ago, Hagia Sophia Mosque represents an attraction which definetely cannot be missed in Istanbul. The complex history reflects in the islamic and also orthodox pictures which can be noticed on its interior walls. Even if it looks as an usual mosque from the outside, the inner part of the building surprises you as there are a lot of orthodox masterpieces, which are more than 1000 years old. Nowadays, Hagia Sophia has been turned into a museum and is opened to public just for touristic reasons. The area arround the museum, the Sultanahmet district, reveals the misteries of the city and introduces you into a unique universe.

2.Palatul Dolmabahce (Dolmabahce Palace) 

Situat pe malul Bosforului, palatul Dolmabahce reprezinta o capodopera arhitecturala. Inspirat din palatul Hofburg din Austria, acesta imbina stilul occidental cu cel oriental. Dolmabahce a fost atat resedinta ultimilor sultani ai Imperiului Otoman, cat si resedinta celebrului Mustafa Kemal Ataturk si chiar a actualului prim-ministru al Turciei. Frumusetea interioara a palatului va va fascina, in mod sigur.

Located right on the Bosphorus shore, Dolmabahce Palace represents an architectural masterpiece. Being inspired from the Hofburg Palace from Vienna, it combines the occidental style with the oriental one. Dolmabahce was the residence of several important people in the history of Turkey. The last sultans of the Ottoman Empire, the popular Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and even the present PM of Turkey have had Dolmabahce Palace as a residence. The beauty of the inner side of the building will absolutelt fascinate you.

3.Palatul Topkapi (Topkapi Palace)

Acest palat este opusul palatului Dolmabahce, intrucat are un stil pur islamic. Palatul Topkapi a fost resedinta sultanilor otomani din secolul al XV-lea pana la inceputul secolului al XIX-lea reprezentand punctul cheie al perioadei de glorie a imperiului. Din pacate, o mare parte din palat a suferit distrugeri grave de-a lungul istoriei si astfel, acesta a fost, in cateva parti, transformat in muzeu. Se pot admira gradinile, haremul, dar si camera sultanului, armura otomana sau terasele din care se vede intregul oras.

This palace is the opposite of Dolmabahce, as it has a purely islamic style. Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th century to the first part of the 19th century. Thus, it represents the major place of the glory period of the empire. Unfortunately, a considerable part of the palace suffered great damages along history and therefore, it has been turned into a museum in some parts. One can admire the beautiful gardens, the Harem,the sultan room, the Ottoman Armour or the balconies which gives to opportunity to have a great view over the whole city.

4.Croaziera pe Bosfor (Bosphorus Cruise)

Bosforul creeaza atmosfera incarcata a orasului, reprezentand un element esential pentru Istanbul. O croaziera de seara pe Bosfor va ofera oportunitatea de a admira palatele, moscheile si castelele ce se afla pe cele doua maluri ale stramtorii, dar si aceea de a intelege complexitatea acestui oras, unic in lume. De asemenea, puteti admira jocul de culori in care sunt luminate cele doua poduri, Bosfor si Fatih Sultan Mehmet, care conecteaza Europa de Asia.

The Bosphorus creates that unique atmosphere of the city and represents an essential element for Istanbul. An evening cruise on Bosphorus offers you the opportunity to admire the palaces, the mosques and the castles which are located on the two shores of the strait and also,  the opportunity to understand the wide complexity of this unique city. Also, you can admire the reflected colours of the two bridges, Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet, which connect Europe with Asia.

5.Muzeele Arheologice din Istanbul (The Archaeological Museums) 

Muzeele Arheologice reprezinta o expozitie fascinanta pentru iubitorii de arta si istorie, conturand influentele romane, grecesti, egiptene, persane si mai apoi otomane ale controversatului oras. Situate la doar cateva zeci de metri de parcul Gulhane si palatul Topkapi, Muzeele Arheologice devin un loc inedit pentru a-ti imbogati experienta culturala.

The archaeological museums represents a fascinanting exhibition for art and history lovers as it reveals the Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Persan and also Ottoman influences of the so complex Istanbul. Located just a few steps away from the Gulhane Park and the Topkapi Palace, the archaeological museums become a special place for one to enrich his or her cultural experience.

6.Moscheea Albastra (The Blue Mosque)

Moscheea Albastra reprezinta o capodopera arhitecturala a religiei musulmane si centrul islamismului din Turcia.

The Blue Mosque represents an architectural masterpiece of musulman religion and the centre of Turkish Islam.

7.Zgarie-norul Sapphire (The view from Sapphire) 

Chiar daca acesta este un obiectiv turistic putin cunoscut, cel mai inalt zgarie-nor din Turcia, care are o inaltime de 235 de metri, reprezinta o oportunitate unica de a vedea imensul oras. Oriunde ai privi, Istanbulul nu se mai termina, ci se intinde in zare pe dealurile situate de o parte si de alta a stramtorii Bosfor sau langa Marea Marmara si Marea Neagra. Apusul din Sapphire este o ocazie unica in Istanbul. In ciuda faptului ca se afla la 10km de centrul istoric, acesta este conectat usor prin metrou. De la statia de pe noul pod, se ia metroul M2 pana la statia Levent 4. .Intrarea in zgarie nor se face direct din metrou.

Even if this is a less known touristic attraction, the tallest skyscraper in Turkey, which is 235 metres high, represents a unique opportunity to have a view over the huge city. Wherever you would look, Istanbul doesn’t finish. The very different buildings spread over the hills on the both sides of the Bosphorus strait and also on the shore of the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea.  The sunset from Sapphire would be a unique moment during your travel to Istanbul. Despite the fact that it is located 10km away from the historical centre, Sapphire is easily connected with it by underground. From the station on the new bridge, you can take the M2 underground train to the station Levent 4. .The entry into the skyscraper can be accesed directly from the underground station.

8.Strada Istiklal&Taksim 

Strada Independentei (Istiklal) uimeste atat prin aglomeratia permanenta, cat si prin atmosfera unica pe care o detine. Tramvaiul istoric Galatasaray, primul din Europa, traverseaza strada pietonala, conectand cartierul Tunel de piata Taksim, locul in care strada Istiklal se termina. Acolo, se poate admira statuia lui Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, ridicata in urma obtinerii independentei in anul 1923. Din Taksim, se poate cobori in Besiktas, privelistea asupra podului Bosfor fiind una inedita.

The Independence Avenue (Istiklal) surprises by the permanent agglomeration, but also by the unique atmoshpere it has. The historical tram Galatasaray, the first in Europe, connects Tunel with Taksim square, crossing the Istiklal Street. In the Taksim Square, there is the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Statue, which was built in order to mark the independece of Turkey, gained in 1923. From Taksim, one can go down to Besiktas, admiring the astonishing Bosphorus Bridge.

9.Cisterna Yerebatan (Yerebatan Cistern/Basilica Cistern)

Cisterna Yerebatan reprezinta o galerie subterana, folosita in vremea in care Istanbulul era controlat de romani, ca sursa de aprovizionare cu apa a orasului. Atmosfera locului este misterioasa. Intrarea in cisterna se afla la doar cativa pasi de moscheea Hagia Sophia.

Yerebatan Cistern represents a subterran gallery used as a water supply for the city when it was led by the Romans. The atmosphere is very mysterious. The entry of the touristic attraction is located just a few steps away from the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

10.Buyuk Camlica 

Dealul Buyuk Camlica, situat pe partea asiatica a orasului, este cel mai inalt din Istanbul. De aici, se poate admira intregul oras, intr-o atmosfera unica. Langa punctul de observatie, se afla un parc, in care va puteti relaxa intr-o zi insorita de vara. Din pacate, nu se poate ajunge aici decat prin intermediul excursiilor organizate cu autobuzul sau cu taxiul, intrucat obiectivul se afla la 10km de centrul turistic, iar conexiunea prin barca/metrou/tramvai este imposibila.

Buyuk Camlica Hill, located on the Asian side of the city, is the tallest in Istanbul. From here, one can admire the whole city. Right next to the observation bridge, there is a park, where you can happily relax in a sunny summer afternoon. Unfortunately, the place is reachable just by bus (I wouldn’t recommend public bus, so it would be better to have an organised trip from your hotel..) or by taxi as it is 10km away from the historical centre, and the transfer by boat/underground/tram is not possible.

11. Marele Bazar (The Great Bazaar) 

Cea mai mare piata publica din lume, Marele Bazar. reprezinta, fara indoiala, cel mai animat loc din cel mai animat oras din Orientul Mijlociu. Galeriile imense sunt ca un labirint fara iesire. De la bijuterii, haine si pana la mancare, se poate gasi orice in Marele Bazar. Totusi, motivul pentru care acesta este atat de jos in clasament in ciuda popularitatii sale mari este faptul ca Bazar-ul poate deveni foarte iritant, mai ales pentru cei cu prejudecati vestice.

The biggest public market in the world, the Great Bazaar, represents, doubtlessly, the most animated place in the most animated city in the Middle East. The huge galleries seem like a labirinth without an exit. From jewellery, clothes to food, you can find anything you want here. However, the reason why this is so low in the top despite its popularity is the fact that the Bazaar can become very annoying, especially for those who have western prejudices.

12.Moscheea Suleymaniye (Suleymaniye Mosque)

Moscheea Suleymaniye reprezinta cea mai mare constructie de acest tip din Istanbul. Construita pentru sultanul Soliman I, moscheea este primul reprezentant al stilului lui Mimar Sinan, care a fost apoi imprumutat in toate celelalte moschei (Moscheea Albastra a fost oarecum inspirata din stilul acestei moschei). Bogatia arhitecturala a constructiei este fascinanta. De asemenea, langa aceasta, se gasesc mormantul Roxelanei si al sultanului Soliman. Din pacate, moscheea se afla intr-o zona destul de nepotrivita pentru turisti. Chiar daca este situata la doar 1,5km de moscheea Hagia Sophia, locatia este destul de ciudata.

Suleymanite Mosque represents the largest mosque in Istanbul. Built for the sultan Soliman the First, the mosque was the first one with Mimar Sinan’s style, which has been taken by most of the mosques built since then. (Even the Blue Mosque is inspired from the Mimar Sinan’s style). The architectural richness of the building is fascinating. Also, near it, one can find the graves of Roxelana and Soliman. Unfortunately, the mosque is located in an area quite unsuitable for tourists. Even if it is located just 1,5km (aproximatively 1 mile) away from Hagia Sophia, the location is quite strange.

13.Muzeul Rahmi Koc (Rahmi Koc Museum)

Muzeul Rahmi Koc ilustreaza istoria evolutiilor in stiinta in Turcia. Situat pe malul golfului Cornul de Aur, muzeul cuprinde galerii diverse si de asemenea, un submarin, in care se poate intra cu programare. Din nou, singura metoda eficienta de a ajunge este taxi-ul.

Rahmi Koc Museum illustrated the history of the progress in science in Turkey. Located on the shore of the Golden Horn bay, the museum includes various galleries and also a submarine where one can enter. Again, the only way to reach the attraction is the taxi…

14.Muzeul Istanbul Modern (Istanbul Modern Museum) 

Muzeul cuprinde galerii de arta orientala si occidentala moderna, reprezentand astfel un obiectiv ce nu poate fi ratat pentru pasionatii de arta. Locatia sa, la doar 1,5km de centrul istoric, exact pe linia de tramvai T1, faciliteaza o eventuala vizita.

The museum includes galleries of both oriental and occidental modern art, representing a touristic attraction which cannot be missed by art lovers. Its location, only 1,5km away from the histori centre (approximatively 1 mile), exactly on the T1 tram line, makes a visit even easier.

15.Cetatea Rumeliana&Cartierul Bebek (Rumelian Fortress&Bebek District) 

Fortareata amplasata pe dealul european, din cartierul Bebek, a fost construita pentru a apara fostul Constantinopol in vremea romanilor. Acum, locatia sa in pitorescul district Bebek, intre cele doua poduri pe Bosfor, in mijlocul unei paduri linistite, creeaza un ambient de poveste pentru a privi un alt Istanbul decat cel din centrul istoric.

The fortress situated on the European hill in Bebek was built in order to defend the former Constantinople when it was led by Romans. Nowadays, its location in the picturesque district Bebek , between the two bridges above Bosphorus, in the middle of a quiet forest creates a fairytale atmosphere to look at another Istanbul than the one you see in the historic centre.