Istanbul embraces two continents with one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe. The former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul today honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to a modern future. The museums, churches, palaces, grand mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beaty seem innumerable...
Istanbul as a Destination
The eye gazes sleepily across the seductive blue sweep of the Bosporus: One country - two continents.
As diverse as night and day, the only thing they have in common is the miraculous mirage that is Istanbul -a hotchpotch skyline of sensually shaped mosques, minarets and skyscrapers scattered across seven hills.
Istanbul is rapidly becoming one of the most popular international congress and exhibition destinations as a result of the increasing demand for suitable facilities. Istanbul is a city competing professionally to fulfill the demands.
Istanbul is the real Turkish delight, a mixture of old and new where east meets west. The city is an exciting combination of the splendors of the Ottoman past and the modern amenities of a wide variety of international deluxe 5-star hotels.
Guaranteed to make your meeting, conference or incentive a memorable success, Istanbul is the gateway to the rest of Turkey - definitely a paradise preserved.
A City of Harmony in a Country of Variety
The cultural diversity of Istanbul defines exaggeration. A Roman city converted into Christianity. It was also the seat of Islamic caliphate that preserved the patriarchate of Christian orthodoxy. It has been a refuge for Jews fleeing Spain in the XV. Century and for those seeking asylum in 1930s. Belonging to 3 different religions and speaking 10 different languages, 26 ethnics groups live in Istanbul in harmony.
International Meetings in a Safe and Lively City
Istanbul is a metropolitan city with an advanced security planning and experience. The city has an astonishingly low record of crime according to Interpol statistics. General security is common in public places such as shopping centers and hotels and visitors should be prepared for security and/or identity checks at such place
Entertainment
Istanbul is one of those metropolitans of the world that never sleeps. Thousands of restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs offer a vigorous variety of entertainment for all tastes.
Shoppers’ Paradise
Istanbul is the shoppers’ paradise for carpets, leather goods, gold bargains and fashion. 4,000 shops under one roof make the fascinating Covered Bazaar with an irresistible location for eager shoppers, while the modern shopping malls make life easier for those on a tight schedule.
Value for Money
Prices in Istanbul, whether for shopping, dining or accommodation, are internationally competitive and attractive for all congress participants regardless of their nationality.
Gateway to Enchanting Tours
Istanbul is an ideal starting point to explore the fascinating Turkish landscapes, blue waters of the Mediterranean and archaeological sites on a pre or post tour. Everything is only in an hour’s flight from Istanbul.
Unique Venues for Events
Istanbul’s imperial past has left a legacy of magnificent palaces and mansions throughout the city. Some of these are available for banquets, cultural and other special events. A memorable evening would be a three hour cruise on the Bosporus with a five star catering.
Ottoman Period
The preparation for a conquest of İstanbul, which served as the capital of religions and cultures actually started a year ago. While Fortress of Rumelia was being constructed in 1452 in aim of controlling the Bosporus, huge canons were cast to be used in the siege. The armed forces were doubled in number. While hectic preparations were being made on land, a very powerful navy force comprised of 16 galleys was formed for the attacks from the sea.
Dining in Istanbul
İstanbul incorporates the finest example of traditional and international cuisines. Turkish cuisine reached a peak of sophistication with the cuisine of the Ottoman place, where skilled and experienced cook created an imperial cuisine with finest ingredients. The addition of delicious vegetables and herbs from the coastal regions of the Mediterranean in particular, and the flavor of alive oil led to the emergence of mezes, or hors d’oeuvres ,which are an integral feature of Turkish cuisine
As well as Turkish cuisine in all of its diversity , İstanbul has a large number of excellent restaurants specializing in French, İtalian, Mexican, İndian, Far Eastern and other world cuisines.
