2. BLUE MOSQUE
The Blue Mosque is an historical mosque in Istanbul.
The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of
blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.
Besides being tourist attraction, it's also a active mosque,
so it's closed to non worshippers for a half hour or so
during the five daily prayers.
There are three entrances to the mosque interior.
The wealthy and colorful vista inside created by the
paintings, tiles and stained glass complements
the exterior view.
3. GRAND BAZAR
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest covered
markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops,
and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
It is well known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics,
carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops.
A dozen restaurants in the bazaar allow you to
have lunch in the midst of your shopping.
Besides the shops, it gives home to two mosques,
two Turkish baths, fountains, multiple restaurants
and cafés
4. HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM
The only Church of Holy Wisdom which was not damaged
is Hagia Sophia. There are two other churches, but
both were completely destroyed.
The architecture for the exterior and interior of Hagia
Sophia was highly inspired from the style of the Sultan
Ahmed Mosque and Blue Mosque.
Research, repair and restoration work continues to this
day and the Hagia Sophia is now an important site
for tourism in Istanbul. It is a place that has been part of
the cultural fabric of the city in both ancient and
modern times.
5. IZMIR CITY
Location
Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey,
after Istanbul and Ankara and 2nd largest sea port. The
city of İzmir is composed of several metropolitan districts.
6. Name Origin
• This ancient city was known as Smyrna until
the Turkish Postal Service Law of 28 March
1930 made "İzmir" the internationally
recognized name.
7. History
The city is one of the oldest settlements of
the Mediterranean basin
8. Culture
İzmir prides itself with its busy schedule of trade
fairs, exhibitions and congresses.
The annual International İzmir Festival, which begins in mid-
June and continues until mid-July, has been organized since
1987. During the festival, many world-class performers such
as soloists and dance companies, rock and jazz groups have
given recitals and performances at various venues in the city
A visit to Izmir can not be complete without spending a few
hours wandering round the Market Area of Kemer Alti. This is
a bustling Bazaar where literally anything can be purchased.
Night life in Izmir is lively and getting livelier all the time, you
can find many modern Disco's and Night Clubs around all
running till early morning.