Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantium – three names for the same city, redolent of its past history as capital of two mighty empires for 1600 years, and still today one of the great cities of the world. Istanbul is extraordinary, East meets West here, the only city in the world located astride two continents. Around it, the waters of the Marmara Sea mingle with those of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The famous skyline reflects its past, the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the impressive size of the Süleymaniye Mosque strain to rival the great dome of S Sophia – in turn church, mosque and museum.
But there is far more to discover in Istanbul. Written as a series of walks, this book covers much of the historic city on foot, allowing visitors to soak up its unique atmosphere along the way. And the best way to explore Istanbul is on foot – in the back streets there are still many of the characteristic old wooden houses which made the city so prone to fire. You can relax in a café or tea-house, enjoy the bustle of street life, or stroll through the colourful markets in search of a bargain. The museums, churches, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty are all covered.
Sue Rollin and Jane Streetly succeed in infusing the traveller to Istanbul with a clear sense of the different cultures and influences which make up this fascinating city. Along with this, they provide comprehensive tours, detailed maps and frank, practical advice on where to stay and what to take.