ISTANBUL

BLUE MOSQUE

The Blue Mosque is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because ofblue 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.

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

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 HagiaSophia 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 ofthe cultural fabric of the city in both ancient and

modern times.

LocationIzmir 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.

IZMIR CITY

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.

History

The city is one of the oldest settlements of the Mediterranean basin

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.

became the capital city of Turkey in October 13,1923.

State Art and Sculpture Museum

State Art and Sculpture Museum