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Hippodrome
The ancient Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and the centre of
Byzantine civic life, stands in the area that is now in front of
the Blue Mosque, and now part of Sultanahmet. Of the ornaments which
once decorated it, only three remain: The Obelisk of Theodosius,
the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Remains
of the curved end of the Hippodrome wall can be seen on the southwest
side of the three.
Today, the square forms the
centre of Istanbul’s historical, cultural and tourist life,
and the surrounding wooden houses – especially the 18th century
ones on Sogukcesme Sokak – were recently restored giving them
a new lease of life as small hotels.
Theodosius Obelisk
Theodosius Obelisk is originally an Egyptian piece of art erected
in 1547 BC and originally 60m tall, but only the upper third of
it survived the shipment from Egypt, brought to Istanbul by Emperor
Theodosius in 390. Made from pink granite, its pictures and hieroglyphs
depict the victories of Thutmos III, and reliefs of members of his
family can be seen on the base.
Gotlar Column
This ancient monument remains unchanged since the Roman Period,
and lies at the entrance of Gulhane Park, the external garden of
Topkapi Palace. Erected in the third or fourth century, it composes
of a 15m high marble monolith on a high platform. The column head
is adorned with an eagle, typical of Corinthian method. It is also
known as Gots Column, due to the inscriptions which mention the
victory against the Gots.
Çemberlitas (Constantine Obelisk)
Also known as Cemberlistas obelisk, this burnt column of masonry
was erected by Constantine the Great in 330 AD, in celebration of
the dedication of the capital city of the Roman Empire. It was placed
in the middle of an oval square on the city’s second hill,
in the area now known as Cemberlitas, and was burnt during the great
fire of 1779 which destroyed much of the area.
Yilanli Obelisk (Burmali Obelisk)
Also known as Burmanli Obelisk, it was imported from the Apollo
Temple in Delphi, to Istanbul during the fourth century and is one
of the oldest monuments in the city. The original one was constructed
in 409 BC, and made from melting and moulding the guns of the Persian
Army, after their defeat to the United Greeks.
Beyazit Square
When constructed in 393 AD during the reign of Emperor Theodosius,
it was the biggest square in the city. Originally named as Form
Tauri, die to the bronze bull heads in the victory cases in the
middle, today only a few marble blocks and columns remain, on which
the statue of the Emperor rises. At the north end was the first
palace constructed by Fatih, and is now Istanbul University. The
monumental gate at the university’s entrance, and the fire
tower, date back to the 19th century.
The square which decorates
the 15th century Beyazit Mosque (the oldest surviving imperial mosque
in the city) lies adjacent to the crowded Kapali Carsi (Covered
Market).
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Sultanahmet Fountain (III. Ahmet
Fountain)
Also known as Ahmet III Fountain, it lies in front of Bab-I Humayun,
the gate of Topkapi Palace. Considered an artistic masterpiece, it
is intricately decorated with wooden eaves, masonry and bronze calligraphy.
It is altogether different to the period’s more classical, modest
style, and became a unique example of an elegant, rich beauty.
Üsküdar III. Ahmet Fountain
Situated in the main square by the pier in Uskudar, it was constructed
in 1728. This four sided fountain has a wooden ceiling, and is considered
an architectural masterpiece because of its calligraphy, masonry and
poetic art.
German Fountain
Contructed in Germany to mark German Emperor Wilhelm II’s second
visit to Istanbul, it was imported and officially opened on January
1 1901, lying in Sultanahmet Square. The fountain’s three domes
are decorated with gold mosaics.
Tophane Fountain
Located in Tophane Maydani, Mahmut I’s senior architect, Mehmet
Aga was appoint to construct this in 1732. |
| Islands, Yildiz Park, Emirgan Grove,
Gülhane Park, Bosporus, Strait, Belgrad Forest, Atatürk
Forest, Çamlica, Tasdelen, Beykoz Meadow, Karakulak, Polonezköy,
Küçük and Büyükçekmece Lakes, Kumburgaz,
Kilyos, Piyerloti Coffee House and Sile are the recreations that should
be seen. |
Camp - Caravan
There are sites available in Silivri, Buyukcekmece, Kucukcekmece,
Florya, Atakoy, Bakirkoy, Kilyos and Sile.
Hunt Tourism
The main areas for hunting are Bakirkoy, Catalca, Beykoz and Sile.
Foreigners can only hunt in parties organised by Turkish travel agencies
which have been authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs. These agencies provide all information concerning seasons,
authorised zones, permits, weapons and ammunition. A list of agencies
can be obtained from the Union of Travel Agencies (TURSAB).
Around Kucukcekmece there are rare ducks and wild geese. Alibeykoy
Dam lake also has ducks and geese, and in the hunting areas of Belgrade
Forest around Kemerburgaz there are wild boar, foxes, rare jackals
and wolves. In the dense forest areas, woodcock, pheasants and wild
pigeons are found.
Catalca is the best hunting area
in the city, and Yalikoy is a pheasant production area. Binkilic and
its surroundings have wild boar, woodcock wild pigeon, rabbits and
foxes. In the higher regions of the Istranca Mountains, it is possible
to catch a rare sighting of a wolf in the dense forest. Quail and
freckle-partridge hunting can be done in the open expanses of the
plains, or between the southern areas of the forests.
Water buffalo, which get separated
from their herds and become wild within the forest, and now rarely
seen, may be hunted with the permission of the Borough Master. Calm
waters and municipal lakes are good areas for hunting ducks and wild
geese, as well as small rivers and lakes.
In the southern, provincial areas
of the city, quails, stoke doves, freckle partridges, rabbits and
foxes are hunted. Further north in the forests are wild boar and woodcocks.
The Sinekly region has been determined as a pheasant protection area.
In the northeast part of Beykoz,
woodcocks, rabbits and foxes are hunted, as well as the rare mountain
partridge. Around Omerli Dam lake there are ducks and geese for hunting,
and the dense forest areas have wild boar.
The Asian side is the best hunting
ground in the city, and the forests on the Black Sea coast, especially
around Sile, are good for wild boar and woodcock. During migration
season, its surrounding river and small lakes, Rez and Riva, have
wild geese and wild ducks.
Yachting
Istanbul is a popular starting point for yachting, and sailors can
reach the Black Sea harbours, Istanbul Straits and Marinas via the
European channel system, and the Rhine and Tuna with the European
internal seas from the North Sea, and may reach Turkish Mediterranean
coasts and marinas. The beautiful bays of the islands and the Bosphorus,
especially around the two bridges which joins the two continents,
are also preferred routes.
Golf
There are two golf courses in the city with licenses from the Ministry
of Tourism:
Klassis Golf and Country Club
Address:
Seymen Koyu, 34930 Silivri, Istanbul
Kemer Golf and Country Club
Address: Goktur Koyu Uzun Kemer
Mevkii, Kemerburgaz, Istanbul.
Congress Centers
Istanbul is one of the most dense cities of Turkey in connection with
congress tourism due to its position, history and natural beauties
as well as richness of transportation possibilities. |
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Kesit
Travel Agency
Caglayan Mah. 2007 Sok. No: 7 TR-07230 Antalya /
Turkey
Tel: + 90 - 242 - 323 90 09 - Fax: +90-242 - 323 96
66
E-mail :
info@kesit.com
Licence Nr : 3528
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