Where East meets West

As visitors watch smart shoppers flit between the galleries and boutiques around Beyoglu’s main thoroughfare, or sip cocktails in the swish bars along the Bosphorus, they could be forgiven for thinking they were in one of the swanky capitals of Western Europe.

The mysticism of the East with the comforts of the West

But a short distance away in Fener or Balat, where headscarved picnickers while away the weekends in mosque gardens; or in the recesses of the timeless Grand Bazaar, where old men sip glasses of dark tea, tourists find themselves intoxicated with the wonders of the East.

With the city split by the Bosphorus Strait – part of it lies in Europe and the other part in Asia – and a skyline dominated by palaces, minarets, and skyscrapers, Istanbul is truly the point where East meets West.

As the centre of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, Istanbul has a rich heritage. But it also is a very vibrant, modern city, with a young population open to foreign influences, but creative enoughto be the catalyst for changethemselves.

All the people of Istanbul – young and old – have a real appreciation for their roots. New bands and DJs may be forging their own modern Turkish identity, but everyone still enjoys a night of traditional fasıl music.

Expect plenty of singing and dancing – on the tables as well as the dance floor – in the baglama bars and meyhanes.

Istanbul’s rich heritage is evident in its well-preserved historic buildings and monuments. The pavilions of Topkapi Palace, hub of the Ottoman Empire, are filled with imperial treasures.

And there is much more to see, including the small Church of St Saviour in Chora, home to some of the best-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescos in existence; and the architecturally outstanding mosques – including theawe-inspiring Blue Mosque – are open to all.

Shopaholics, meanwhile, cannot miss the Grand Bazaar – which put Istanbul on the map of the world’s greatest shopping destinations – or the elegant boutiques of Nisantasi, which is helping the city to stay there.

Clothing aside, Istanbul is famous for rugs, leather goods and jewellery – it is unlikely that you will be able to visit the Grand Bazaar without purchasing at least one of these items.

Perhaps more than any city on earth, Istanbul combines the mysticism of the East with the comforts of the West.

The famous Blue Mosque