Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul

Turkey
Size: 301,381 square miles
Population: 58,580,000
Capital: Ankara

Istanbul began as a small commercial settlement at the opening to the Black Sea. Founded by a Greek colonizer named Byzas and called Byzantium. Nearly 1,000 years later, Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople. During his reign three great structures dominated the city: the Imperial Palace, the Church of Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome.

Eventually the Ottoman Empire took over the area. The sultans built the opulent Topkapi palace and converted Hagia Sophia to a mosque. At the site of the former Imperial palace is the Blue Mosque, identified by its six minarets. Work began on this structure in 1609. Though the Hippodrome no longer is standing it is today the site of an Egyptian obelisk.

A great place to stay is the Hotel Spectra. Views from the rooftop restaurant include the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.