Istanbul Guide

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Contemporary Art ARTER Four floors of cutting edge visual art on İstiklal Caddesi. (p129) The Empire Project One of the many impressive commercial galleries in the city. (p131) İstanbul Modern The city’s pre-eminent art museum, with a huge permanent collection of Turkish artworks and world class temporary exhibitions. (p127) Mixer An exciting showcase of emerging artists from across Turkey. (p130) Galerı Nev One of the city’s oldest and most impressive commercial galleries. (p130) Ferry Trips Crossing the Continents Sail to Asia on a ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy or Kabataş. (p163) The Bosphorus One of the city’s signature experiences, offering magnificent museums, mansions and meals along its length. (p163) The Golden Horn Hop on and off the commuter ferry that services the city’s western districts. (p171) Princes’ Islands Escape the city and head towards these vehicle-free islands in the Sea of Marmara. (p174) For more top İstanbul spots, see the following: ¨ ¨ Eating (p29) ¨ ¨ Drinking & Nightlife (p36) ¨ ¨ Entertainment (p39) ¨ ¨ Shopping (p42) ¨ ¨ Hamams & Spas (p46)

Ottoman Mosques Süleymaniye Mosque Crown ing the Old City’s third hill, this magnificent Ottoman mosque complex is an architectural triumph. (p96) Blue Mosque Possesses more minarets and visual pizzazz than any mosque should rightly lay claim to. (p72) Atik Valide Mosque This majestic building is the most impressive of Üsküdar’s many Ottoman mosques. (p 160) Rüstem Paşa Mosque Notable for its utterly exquisite İznik tile work, which adorns both interior Designed in Ottoman baroque style, with a huge dome and unique polygonal rear courtyard. (p100) Şemsi Ahmed Paşa Mosque Pretty mosque complex with a wonderful location on the water front in Üsküdar. (p160) Views Topkapı Terraces Sequestered in the Topkapı palace complex, the sultans must have loved the views from its panoramic terraces. (p61) Galata Bridge Snapshots of local life and unbeatable views reward those walking between Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. (p101) Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque The terrace of this mosque perched atop the Old City’s fifth hill overlooks the Golden Horn. (p118) Rooftop Bars Glamorous bars and clubs on rooftops across Beyoğlu offer sensational views from their outdoor terraces. (p140) and exterior walls. (p99) Nuruosmaniye Mosque

Byzantine History Kariye Museum A concentra tion of Byzantine mosaics unrivalled here or perhaps anywhere in the world. (p114) Aya Sofya This ancient basilica has witnessed history unfold and its interior tells many stories. (p54) İstanbul Archaeology Museums The city’s largest collection of Byzantine artefacts is on display at this excellent museum. (p74) Great Palace Mosaic Museum A remarkably intact and visually arresting remnant of the Great Palace of Byzantium. (p78) Little Aya Sofya This former church is one of the most beautiful Byzantine structures in the city. (p81) Palaces & Pavilions Topkapı Palace Home to the sultans for centuries, this cluster of ornately decorated pavilions houses treasures galore. (p61) Dolmabahçe Palace This essay in decorative excess was built alongside the Bosphorus in the 19th century. (p149) Beylerbeyi Palace Nestled under the Bosphorus Bridge, this 30-room imperial holiday shack is set in pretty gardens. (p164) Küçüksu Kasrı This Ottoman hunting lodge on the shore of the Bosphorus is as pretty as a picture. (p165) Hünkâr Kasrı Built into an archway attached to the New Mosque, with an extraordinary array of İznik tiles. (p 99)

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