Istanbul in your pocket [antikvár]

INTRODUCTIONByzantium Constantinople istanbul: the Queen of Cities and capital of, it could be said, two of the most enduring empires the world has ever seen, with an event-filled history dating back 26 centuries. The Byzantine and Ottoman empires were not only politically and militarily mighty, they were also highly cultured, and their art and architecture uniquely innovative. With a pedigree such as this, the city today can be thought of as an open-air museum celebrating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman prowess and extravagance. It remains a city of superlatives. Its protective land walls are the most formidable ever built. The 6C Haghia Sophia (Ayasofya) remained the largest church in Christendom for 700 years. Its surviving late Byzantine mosaics are the most exquisite to be found anywhere. And even its latter-day rugs and chandeliers rank among the largest in the world. Yet Istanbul is much more than just an exceptional collection of buildings and fine furnishings from bygone times. Today, it remains the spiritual and industrial capital of the Republic of Turkey (Ankara is now the political capital). And its swelling population includes a rich blend of ethnic minorities, including Armenians, Greeks, Poles and Jews.At times it is noisy, overcrowded and polluted. So do not expect staid parks and spotless sidewalks, although these are becoming more frequent. Instead, be adventurous, and let yourself go with the flow. You are sure to be captivated.A bustling open-air market, with the Galata Tower in the background.