A Myriad of Culture in Istanbul

Although Istanbul is predominantly Islamic, one doesn’t exactly find himself/ herself facing the traditionally strict cultural mores of its other counterparts in Middle Eastern countries. In fact, Istanbul takes pride in being called liberal, progressive and modern.

Istanbul is much like the other European cities although altogether different. It has the same regard for high art and sophisticated culture yet, as to what form this takes, it highly differs due to religious and historical considerations.

The prominent museums of Istanbul include the Pera Museum that highlights moveable works of European maters like Rembrandt, the Turkish collection of paintings at the Istanbul Modern, The Sabnci Museum that was once visited by the works of Pablo Picasso, the Istanbul Archeology Museum, the Istanbul Mosiac Museum, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and the Sadberk Hanim Museum.

The different Turkish fairs are also available for those who have a heart for a different kind of shopping experience. In the Armory Hall or Silahhane of the Palace of Yildiz, the Istanbul Antiques Fair is irregularly held every November. There is also a fixed market area for antique items, which is the Mecidiyeköy Antiques Bazaar or the Mecidiyeköy Antikacılar Çarşısı. The 16th century constructed yet, still existing Great Bazaar offers all kind of goods from antiques, books, jewelries, carpets, etc.

Other noteable palces to visit in Istanbuk include the Yedikule Castle, the Gülhane Park, the Hagia Irene, the courtyard of Topkapı Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, and the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, and the Atatürk Cultural Center. Given that Istanbul is a relatively liberal area for an Islamic country, it permits a healthy nightlife which, although less vibrant that Paris, Madrid and Amsterdam is still noteworthy. The places to go to are all in Istiklal Avenue and Nişantaşı.

For a different cultural experience, one must not allow himself/ herself to leave Istanbul without trying out the Hamam or the Bath, Turkish style. The Hamams are big structures that ccomodate for a large number of people that would like to take dips into warm waters. Example of a Hamam is the Çemberlitaş Hamamı.

Another spot that one shouldn’t miss in Istanbul is the Prens Adalari which is also known as the Prince’s Islands. They are located within the confines of Istanbul specifically at the Marmara Sea. The islands contain numerous and unique mansions that were once built for a prince of the Ottoman era. At the end of it all, Istanbul is a different Europe altogether.