Impression of Istanbul 

cctv.com 10-12-2005 15:03

We start in Istanbul, the only city in the world with a foot in two different continents. It's been an extremely significant city throughout history, and today.

Heavy traffic, the continual bustle and movement of crowds, the beautiful seaside and an unchanging skyline of numerous domes and minarets for thousands of years, that is Istanbul.

Standing between Asia and Europe, Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, and the hub of the country's business and cultural life.

Situated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, and bordered to the north by the Black Sea, Istanbul's strategic position made it the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. And today, the precious relics of those past glorious days give this forward-moving and modern city a strong sense of historical significance. And it's also a mirror of Turkey.

Mehmet Olcel, culture and Information Counselor of Turkish Embassy to China, said: "Istanbul is the place where you can observe all of Turkey."

With a landscape dotted with more than 2,800 mosques within the city, some 98 percent of Turkey's people believe in Islam. And in this seaside city, the tolerant atmosphere allows people to go about their lives with ease... Religious beliefs are respected, as are individual rights.

Tour Guide Umut Seferoglu said: "I pray everyday for five times, and after the praying, I get my T-shirt, and I swim... Islamic life and modern life mixed together..."

This is a normal Friday. At this mosque built during the 18th-century, men from different corners of the city gather here to pray, facing in the direction of Mecca. For many Turkish Muslims, praying five times a day is a part of their standard routine. Twenty minutes later, prayers have ended. Everyone goes back to their normal lives, and the bustling market nearby breaks the silence.

Reporter Feng Shu said: "Located at the meeting point of Asia and Europe, Istanbul has become an commercial center between the two continents. Originally built in 15th century with only 15-20 shops, this Grand Bazaar has become a real shopping heaven with 4,400 shops. Well, of course, my favorite place in Turkey."

Shopping in Istanbul is a time-honored delight. In the labyrinth of 65 streets and passages in this Kapali Carsi-covered bazaar, a plethora of goods are available, enough to suit nearly every taste. There's a wide selection of jewelry, from traditional to modern styles, while the carpet shops display eye-catching wares with vivid colors and intricate designs. At the same time, Turkish arts and crafts, including hand-painted ceramic plates and hand-crafted copperware, are all popular choices for souvenirs and gifts.

And for sellers, getting a space this bazaar means steady and booming business.

A seller said: "This bazaar is much better, more famous than other shops."

A tour guide said: "This bazaar has a mystical atmosphere."

With Istanbul an important commercial city, the Grand Bazaar is not the only option for shoppers... Another attractive, covered bazaar of a different sort is the Misir Carsisi, or the Spice Market, located at the entrance of Golden Horn. At this market, built in the 17th-century, the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, mint and countless other spices and herbs.

Despite the different choices, the two bazaars share something in common -- most of the dealers are international. English, Japanese, and even Chinese and more are at their command. For travellers without any knowledge of the Turkish language, it's a good place to find yourself.

Geographically, Istanbul is flanked by a range of high hills to the east to the Bosphorus Strait.

Because of this unique location, most of Istanbul's streets are on sharp slopes. They're so steep, you have to be careful not to fall down when climbing up.

Any trip to Istanbul isn't complete without a ferry excursion along the Bosphorus Strait. Along its shores is a delightfully surprising mixture of the past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty, with imperial pavilions and palaces standing next to today's small fishing villages.

The Bosphorus Bridge was built in 1973. It's still one of the longest bridges in the world, and spans the water, linking European and Asian shores by road.

Under the bridge, the once-quiet village of Ortakoy, has been turned into an art gallery, a shopping destination and a bar street, a favorite place for entertainment for both tourists and locals.

Editor:Chen  Source:CCTV.com