42 reasons to fall in love with Istanbul

All the famous winged expression of the writer Ehrenburg "To see Paris and die" could be paraphrased safely to the famous Turkish city of Istanbul and not to lose.

After all, in order to describe the beauty of the Istanbul color, it will take more than 1000 and 1 night. Having visited Istanbul once, you will leave your heart there forever!

1. Istanbul is so magnificent that you will be stunned by its beauty.

2. Literally every centimeter of Istanbul is permeated with beauty.

3. In Istanbul, you can taste Turkish cuisine and enjoy oriental sweets, such as baklava, lukum or donuts called "Women's navel".

4. Where else in the world can you see an underground reservoir, similar to a cathedral !? Only in Istanbul you will have the opportunity to visit one of the main historical attractions of the city - the Basilica Cistern Museum or the Turkish Yerebatan Shed.

5. You may have heard a lot about the Istanbul palaces of the Bosphorus, but you will not believe your ears how beautiful they are.

6. One of the best doner kebabs in the world can be tried in Istanbul and enjoy the special taste of Turkish food.

7. Istanbul has such a rich history that even in the air one can feel the "notes of antiquity".

For example, the Maiden's Tower or the Leandro Tower in a different way. It is located on a small Bosphorus islet since 1110. According to one of the legends, the Byzantine emperor built this tower for his daughter. The oracle predicted her death on her 18th birthday from a snake bite. And the troubled father decided that in the tower, surrounded on all sides by the strait, death would not threaten her. But, as the legend says, the girl died just as the Oracle had predicted.

According to another version, the young man Leander lived in the city, who every night crossed the Bosporus in order to see the lady of his heart, Heroo, the priestess of Artemis. Every evening she lit a fire on top of the tower to help Leandro. Once, the fire went out, and the young man drowned. Then the saddened Hero rushed into the water and perished. So the name Leandrova Tower appeared.

In any case, if it becomes possible, be sure to visit the Maiden Tower.

8. The city will show you amazing sights such as the Hora Monastery or in Greek, the Church of Christ the Savior in the Fields, which was built in the 5th century.

9. And, of course, one should not forget about one of the most beautiful and famous sights of Istanbul - the Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia), built in 537. Believe me, you did not see anything more magnificent in life.

10. Istanbul is a city in which the past and the present, ancient and modern, are wonderfully intertwined.

For example, only in Istanbul you can see such a number of fishermen on the Galata Bridge - the business card of the city.

11. Istanbul is an incredibly lively and dynamic city. You will be amazed at the pace of life in the streets of Istanbul, for example, in the evening in the central Taksim Square.

12. A view of a stunningly beautiful city will smash you on the spot.

13. In Istanbul, even gulls have to be majestic.

14. It is possible to plunge into an amazing atmosphere of hospitality in Istanbul cafes.

15. And enjoy there the chic taste and aroma of the hookah.

16. And also play backgammon or play ok with your friend.

17. Istanbul is a dream of cat lovers. Hardly anywhere else you will find such a number of cute wandering cats.

18. And most importantly, you will be amazed at how anxious neighbors are to stray cats residents.

19. In Istanbul there is a huge abundance of different regions, unlike each other. One of these areas is Arnavutkoy, which captivates the beauty of the houses, the view of the Bosphorus and the slowness of life.

20. Another well-known district of Istanbul is the original Fener district, famous for its ideal places for photographs, and also the location of all important Orthodox churches and structures.

21. In Fener, you can make amazing shots among cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.

22. In Istanbul, you have to visit the real "park of roses" - Gulhane Park, located near the main sights of the city. However, now in the park a huge number of different colors besides roses. And in the spring there is a real festival of tulips.

23. Spice lovers will experience real pleasure from an unlimited number of varieties of spices and herbs in Istanbul.

24. And also every tourist will be able to find food for his taste.

25. On the streets of any Turkish city you can taste the famous Turkish bagel with sesame - simite, which will not leave you indifferent.

26. And diversify your gastronomic journey through Istanbul with chilled ayran and salt.

27. And, of course, try the dishes of fresh fish right in the floating restaurants.

28. Those who want to buy and prepare seafood on their own, in Istanbul, will easily find fish markets.

29. In Istanbul, Turkish cuisine can change your eating habits forever. Be sure to try kyunefa - sherbet sweetness.

30. And, you can be sure that you will not have enough and a whole book to write down all the dishes you liked. The Turkish meal is famous for a huge variety of dishes at one meal, be prepared for it.

31. Of course, in Istanbul, do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying a real baklava, the taste of which will be remembered for a long time.

32. And, if you are a cocktail, Istanbul will steal your heart forever.

33. But the real star of Istanbul is the Bosporus Strait, striking with its beauty and immensity.

34. Also the Bosporus Strait is an important transport "highway" of the city.

35. A stunning view of the strait will be opened for you from the viewing platforms of the Rumeliikhisar fortress (Rumeli Hisary).

36. And also next to the Grand Mosque of Medzhidiye in the new Ortaköy district.

37. To the south of Istanbul you can visit the largest and most visited island among the Princes' Islands - Buyukad, washed by the Sea of ​​Marmara.

38. On the island you will feel like in a fairy tale, intoxicated by its charm and charm.

39. And you can also enjoy the wonderful views of the Bosphorus with the help of wonderful ferrymen who will take you to any point of Istanbul.

40. Indigenous people know that ferries are the best mode of transport in Istanbul. So you can safely use them.

41. Do not worry if in Istanbul you suddenly feel overwhelmed. Everyone who visits Istanbul for the first time feels this pressing feeling because of the excess of beauty.

42. But, of course, you will want to experience this feeling again, and be sure to return to Istanbul for a new portion of beauty!