Istanbul - A Distinctive Mixture Of Asian And European Cultural Traditions
Istanbul serves as an important gateway between Europe and Asia and is heavily influenced by both. As the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is an important cultural and financial hub. Istanbul was once the might city of Constantinople, and it was vastly important even then. This long history as well as its location between Asia and Europe make it a truly interesting place to visit. If you have plans that take you to this city, remember that you will need a passport first. If you need to replace stolen, lost, or damaged passports, online passport services can make it incredibly easy.
Get Your Passport Online
You'll find that getting your passport online comes with plenty of perks. The biggest one is probably that it's simply convenient. You don't have to drive anywhere or rush in before the post office closes. Instead, you can log in online whenever you like and apply for expedited passport cards,renewals, replacements and more at any hour. Another huge benefit is being able to get a passport within any time frame. It just takes a few minutes to fill out the application, and this includes choosing a delivery date, anywhere from two weeks to a day. Lastly, the process is rendered much less stressful with the help of trained passport specialists.
The Old City District
The Old City district is where you'll find much of the ancient Constantinople. You'll find many of the historical attractions here, including the world-famous Hagia Sofia. This huge basilica was constructed in the 6th century and has been a witness to many changes in Istanbul's history. For over a millennium, it was the largest enclosed space on Earth. Famous for its stunning ancient mosaics and intricate details, the Hagia Sofia is gorgeous,inside and out. There are many more beautiful mosques in the area, such as the Blue Mosque, but spot that is a little different is the Basilica Cistern,an underground area constructed in the 500's to supply water to the city should it come under siege.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum
For more information on the history of the city, visit the popular Istanbul Archaeology Museum. This museum was the first Turkish museum, and it's gradually grown into one of the biggest in the world. Over a million artifacts and items are on display, with most from the Romans, the Greeks, and the Byzantines. One of the most famous exhibits is the sarcophagi, particularly the Alexander Sarcophagus, as well as a piece of the Babylonian wall.
The Turkish Bath
One thing Turkey is famous for is the Turkish bath, or the hamam. Similar to a sauna, Turkish baths can also come with a massage. Another Turkish tradition is the nargile, which is essentially a hookah. If you get the change, be sure to experience these cultural staples.
Istanbul is a city that is positively overflowing with history, but it also has the typical city heartbeat. This, along with it's unique Euro-Asian personality, create a city that has no equal. Don't forget your passport if you are traveling there, and if you need damaged U.S. passports replaced,head online. The expedited U.S. passport cards, name changes, and more can also be done on these sites.
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