WHAT THE TOURISTS HAVE TO DO WHILE IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the largest city in the nation of Turkey. It was the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. As a result, there are many wonderful historic sites and museums for the tourist to visit in this magnificent city.
One of the most popular destinations in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia. This building with the immense dome was the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity until the fall of the Byzantine Empire. At that time, the church was converted into a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia is a museum filled with beautiful mosaics and fantastic architecture.
The Topkapi Palace was built by Sultan Mehmed II when he conquered Constantinople for the Ottoman Empire. This magnificently adorned palace is now a museum and one of the most frequently visited sites in Istanbul.
Another great museum for the tourist to visit is the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. This museum contains relics from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. It is one of the largest museums in the world, so the tourist should plan on reserving enough time in his schedule to see all the wonders this museum holds.
These are just a few of the many historic sites in Istanbul. The traveler could spend days thoroughly exploring all that this city has to offer.