The road to Constantinople leads through Istanbul Airport, because the most beautiful old city of Constantinople was renamed Istanbul in 1930. In the Christian world it is still called as before, but in the everyday life of Russians from ancient times it is called Constantinople.
Instructions
Step 1
A feature of modern Constantinople, that is, Istanbul, is its unique location. Nowhere in the world is there such a city that is located in two parts of the world. One part of the city is in Asia, the other is in Europe. This is a unique city. There was a mixture of peoples and languages. The city is literally overflowing with historical monuments of all times. Many date back to the time of the Byzantine Empire, when Constantinople was its main city.
Step 2
Getting to Istanbul today is not a problem. Regular Turkish Airlines flights fly from large cities of Russia, and charters, of which there are really many, from federal centers. Ataturk airport welcomes foreign guests, from which there is a lot of transport to all parts of the country. There is also a railway connection, as well as a metro through the city and even funiculars.
Step 3
Of course, the pearl of Istanbul is the famous Hagia Sophia, also known as Hagia Sophia. Throughout its long history of existence, it was both an Orthodox and Catholic cathedral, as well as an Islamic temple. Finally, the fate of Hagia Sophia was determined - a historical museum with a rich supply of exhibits is now located here. Taxis can be reached from the airport and major hotels, but it is not cheap, but you can also use the metro. By the way, it is famous far beyond the borders of the country, and even the capital of Turkey, Ankara, has nothing like Istanbul.
Step 4
Another famous historical monument of Istanbul is the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets. According to legend, one of the sultans ordered to build a mosque, which in its splendor was supposed to surpass the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia. This is how the Blue Mosque with six minarets was built. This caused a murmur among the elders of Mecca, the holy city of Muslims, where the annual Hajj of Muslims around the world is performed. The mosque in Mecca had only five minarets, which, according to the Islamic clergy, diminished the importance of the mosque. Then it was decided to attach two more minarets to the mosque.
Step 5
The cisterns and aqueducts of ancient Constantinople are interesting. The most ancient aqueduct that supplied water to the region of Constantinople, the Golden Horn, has survived. The construction of the aqueduct was completed during the rule of the Byzantine Empire. At the same time, four water tanks were opened, which were used by all the townspeople. Those who have arrived in the city for the first time are better off seeing these sights on a sightseeing tour. Travel companies direct buses directly to hotels, and therefore you do not even have to book a seat.
Step 6
The most ancient Christian church, which was built during the reign of Constantine, is the Church of St. Irene. This church was subject to numerous destruction and fires. It was restored, and now it is a model of the classical basilica, built in the form of a cross. According to unconfirmed historical data, there is a sarcophagus with the remains of the founder of the church, Constantine, in the narthex of the church.
Step 7
The knights of the crusade ravaged and plundered Constantinople. The famous "quadriga" statue of four bronze horses was taken away, and now the statue is located in Venice, and has been decorating St. Paul's Cathedral for centuries.
Step 8
There is another airport in Istanbul, it is called Asian - Sabiha Gokcen. it is located 70 km from Ataturk, but it takes at least 2 hours to move between them, so plan your trip correctly if you are going to fly further from Turkey.
