When it comes to charisma, Istanbul is a perfect example. This charismatic city displays an impressive architecture, wonderful buildings and monuments, an interesting culture, strong religious convictions, and a fascinating history.

If I had to describe Istanbul in a few words, I would say energy, shopping and of course unique mosques. In my opinion, these mosques are a perfect representation of the Muslim culture. These imposing religious edifices urge the believers to prayer five times a day. I cannot even imagine how Istanbul would look without its impressive mosques. It might sound unbelievable but Istanbul hosts almost 3000 mosques. I will only talk about five of them which are in my opinion the most significant and also the ones I liked the most.

1.The Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii is the most famous mosque in Istanbul. Built between 1606- 1616, this imposing mosque has an amazing interior design. It is decorated with tiny blue tiles and this is the reason why Sultan Ahmet’s Mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque. Famous in the entire country, this mosque is considered Turkey’s National Mosque.

2.Situated right next to the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet Square, the Hagia Sophia is another great architectural monument in Istanbul. Originally built as a Christian church between 532- 537, this imposing building was transformed into a mosque and later on it became a museum. The blend between the Byzantine culture and the Ottoman culture makes this monument special. The beautiful columns, the marble doors and the chandeliers make the interior of this mosque really impressive.

3.The Yeni Mosque or the New Mosque is the amazing mosque that seems to guard the Bosphorus. Situated near Galata Bridge, in Eminonu District, this building has a beautifully decorated interior. I advise you to take a lot of pictures here, especially at night when the lights that embellish the mosque are on. The construction of this place was a difficult process. It began in 1597 and it was completed in 1663. This thing happened because the mosque was destroyed several times during the construction process.

4.The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul. Built on a high hill between 1550 -1557, the Suleymanyie Camii is my favorite mosque. It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful and impressive mosque in Istanbul. Painted in a pleasant shade of red, the interior of this mosque looks fabulous. The green spaces that surround the edifice and the abundance of colors, shapes and effects that embellish the interior were the things I liked the most about this place.

5.The Ortakoy Mosque or Buyuk Mecidiye Camii is the one that seems to border the waters of the Bosphorus. Situated near Ortakoy Square, in Besiktas District, this imposing mosque is a symbol of the Baroque architecture. Built between 1854 and 1856, it is the newest mosque of the ones I have already mentioned. Another important aspect related to the Ortakoy Mosque is its strategic position which will give you the chance to admire beautiful landscapes on the Bosphorus.

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It goes without saying that I looked up these places on the internet before planning my trips. This is exactly what I did before visiting Istanbul. I visited Istanbul twice and during my second visit there I added a lovely rooftop terrace to my trip itinerary. I’m talking about the rooftop terrace of the Seven Hills Restaurant which is part of the hotel with the same name. Situated in Tevkifhane Street, No. 8, Sultanahmet District, this rooftop terrace is located in the heart of Istanbul just a few steps away from the two of the most beautiful mosques in the city.

The terrace of the restaurant offers you the chance to admire splendid views of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. It’s a great experience to enjoy a drink or a meal while you admire these beautiful mosques. The beautiful morning when I got to this place is still so vivid in my mind. I remember I chose one of the best tables on the terrace and I enjoyed a great view of the two mosques and the surrounding area. Beautifully decorated with colorful flowers and plants, this terrace is the perfect place to relax and serve a delicious meal.

Even though Seven Hills Restaurant attracts many tourists thanks to its position, the restaurant is also known for its delicious food. When it comes to food, you can choose from a variety of dishes because the restaurant serves a lot of Turkish and Mediterranean specialties. All things considered, make sure you will not miss this place in case you get to Istanbul. Seven Hills Restaurant is waiting for you to enjoy a meal and an amazing panorama on its gorgeous terrace.

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This fabulous city displays an impressive architecture with imposing buildings and monuments. You will be delighted by the lovely combination between its architectural style, the abundance of green areas and the amazing opening to the sea. Every season is perfect to create beautiful memories in this stunning city. I advise you to choose spring or early summer to visit this city, in order to enjoy its greatness which is portrayed by the beauty of all those green spaces decorated with a lot of blooming flowers. Did you know that the tulip is the symbol of Istanbul? It will be an incredible experience to admire this city embellished with tulips.

Turkey’s heart, as it is called, is the perfect place if you want to relax in a hospitable and friendly city, to explore a new city, to spend pleasant moments at the seaside, to try a special cruise, to shop or to discover the Muslim culture. It is amazing how many things you can do in this city! I could say that a piece of my heart is still there. If you have never thought of visiting Istanbul, believe me there are a lot of reasons you should do it. Here are a few reasons which in my opinion are the most meaningful and compelling:

1. The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmet’s Mosque is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Istanbul. This magnificent mosque has a fabulous interior, specially designed with blue tiles. This is the reason why it was also called the Blue Mosque.

2. The Hagia Sophia is an imposing monument whose beauty is displayed by the unique combination between the influences of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Its greatness is given by the blend between these two different cultures and by the fact that it was firstly a church and then a mosque.

3. The Topkapi Palace is an impressive museum which hides exceptionally designed rooms, beautiful gardens and an exhibition of different collections such as: the porcelain collection, the weapons collection, the art objects collection, the costumes collection, the jewelry collection, the clocks collection, the paintings collection and many other types of collections. This amazing palace is the largest and the oldest palace in the world.

4. The Basilica Cistern is a spectacular covered cistern which was built to supply water for the nearby palaces. The interior architecture is incredibly beautiful due to the illuminated columns which create a very special atmosphere.
5. The Galata Tower, one of the highest and the oldest towers in Istanbul, is the perfect place in case you want a great view of the old city.

6. The Dolmabahce Palace, one of the most stunning palaces in the world, is defined by opulence, luxury and greatness. Its beauty is given by an imposing architecture which is thrown out into relief by style, elegance and refinement.

7. The Taksim Square is a beautiful place where you can admire: the Independence Monument, the Ataturk Cultural Center, the Galatasaray Square, the Flower Courtyard, St. Antoine Church, Santa Maria Church, the Armenian Churches and other interesting places.
8. The Ortakoy Mosque is a symbol of the Baroque architecture and one of the most famous and beautiful places on the Bosphorus. Its location is ideal to admire the wonderful landscapes on the Bosphorus.

9. The largest mosque in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque, is in my opinion the most beautiful and impressive. It is a delight to admire its fabulous interior design which displays an abundance of colors, shapes and effects.

10. A cruise on the Bosphorus is a great experience which gives you the opportunity to travel between two continents. Istanbul is the only city in the world that lies on two continents: Europe and Asia.

12. The Yeni Mosque or the New Mosque is also a beautiful mosque with outstanding decorations, located near the sea. It is an exceptional place where you can take amazing pictures especially at night, because the Yeni Mosque is decorated with a lot of lights.

13. The Turkish Bazaars will offer you an unforgettable shopping experience. The most important are the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar. You will have the chance to buy quality stuff at very good prices.

14. The Turkish Cuisine is diversified and it is based on vegetables, meat and different types of sauces and desserts. The Turks have the best kebap and walnut pie.

I could go on talking about the beauty of this city and about why you should visit it, but the best way to actually understand what I am talking about is to discover Istanbul yourself.

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