| SYMPOSIUM TOURS OF ISTANBUL
Tuesday, May 13, 2003 After Lunch: Symposium Tours of Istanbul at your choice: B. Art in Istanbul C. Exploring Asia "Same City… Another Continent…" |
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS' TOURS Monday, May 12, 2003 09:30 Departure to a Half-Day Bosphorus Tour
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
The Spice Market, a part of the complex associated with Yeni Camii (the New Mosque), is another one of the Istanbul’s great covered bazaars - but one, which smells like mysteries of 1001 Nights. Cozier than the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market offers herbs and spices, dried fruits and nuts, and Turkish delight. We will continue to Grand Bazaar after the Spice Market, the labyrinth of 4000 shops that is an experience by itself. Thursday, May 15, 2003 09:30 Departure to a Half-Day Tour to Discover the Ottoman Treasures
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This
tour takes the visitor to the Historical Peninsula where Constantinople
was originally
founded on the seven hills. The highlights are located on the first hill
of the city, the ancient acropolis of Byzantium. First the Hippodrome will
be seen. This was the Roman place of the chariot races and the starting
point for the riots of the thousands. Right next to the Hippodrome stands
the Blue Mosque across St. Sophia, the two major monuments of the Islamic
and Christian world, face to face. Continue to a visit of the Blue Mosque,
renowned for its six minarets and the blue tiles. This will be followed
by a visit to the St. Sophia; originally a church, converted into a mosque,
and now a museum. This superb building wins admiration for the splendor
of its Byzantine artwork and architecture. The last point of the tour will
be the Grand Bazaar, which was built by the order of Sultan Mehmet, the
Conqueror, after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. There will be a carpet
presentation, after which it will be possible to enjoy the labyrinth of
4,000 shops in the bazaar.
Stranded
between The Orient and the Occident Istanbul holds an invaluable inheritance
in the form of historical artifacts and antiquities the city
has been the cradle of civilization and diverse culture since ancient times.
The tour will visit the City’s Archaeological Museum, founded at the end
of 19th century, placed in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace, housing
a vey rich collection of Trojan, Sidonian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine treasures.
Among the most renowned pieces of the museum, one is the magnificent Alexander
Sarcophagus found in the Royal Necropolis of Sidon besides a number of
other beautifully art worked sarcophagi. An extensive display of pottery
and the remains of King Priams’ Treasures from Troy are also in this museum.
The tour will continue to the delightful Museum of the Turkish and Islamic
Arts. The museum is located in the actual 16th century building of the
palace, which belonged to the Ottoman Grand Vezir Ibrahim Paşa. Displayed
in the museum are rare, ancient works of art from Turkish and Islamic culture;
calligraphic manuscripts, centuries old huge, hand woven rugs, beautiful
pieces of stone and wood carving and ethnographic artifacts from the rural
and urban life. 
Drive over the Intercontinental
Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Explore the magnificent
view of Istanbul while standing on the Asian continent, and then visit
the Beylerbeyi Palace. This 19th century summer residence and guesthouse
of the Ottoman Sultans is entirely made of marble and is known for its
beautiful works of art, including Oriental and European furniture, pictures
and porcelains. 
This
is a marvelous cruise on the Strait that surpasses all straits, because
with one key it opens and closes two worlds, two seas. The Bosphorus,
the strait of Istanbul is a unique, natural waterway that runs windingly
between the two continents separating Europe from Asia, and providing
the passage out of the Black Sea, into the Marmara Sea. The Bosphorus
had been the city’s reason and life giver. The cruise reveals the most
enjoyed parts of the city astride two continents. Private, waterfront
wooden villas, which originally belonged to the prominent Ottoman families,
survived a few centuries and today is a part of the unique character
of the Strait.
09:30 Departure
to a Half-Day "Secrets of Spices" Tour
The
tour will start with visit of Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence
of the Ottoman Sultans and their ruling class, which spreads over a total
area of 70.000 square meters, housing great Ottoman antiquities; The
tour will be followed by a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque which
is an awesome work of art, dating from a time when the Ottoman Empire
was at its most splendid period. This magnificent work of classical Ottoman
architecture, which plays host to both worshippers and tourists today,
is one of the most commanding features of Istanbul’s enchanting skyline.
The tour will continue by driving along the Golden Horn, this horn-shaped
estuary divides European Istanbul. One of the best natural harbors in
the world, the Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial shipping interests
were centered here. Today, lovely parks and promenades line the shores
where the setting sun casts a golden hue on the water. At Fener and Balat,
neighborhoods midway up the Golden Horn, whole streets full of old wooden
houses, churches, and synagogues date from Byzantine and Ottoman times.
The Orthodox Patriarchy resides here at Fener. Eyüp, a little further
up, reflects Ottoman architecture. Cemeteries dotted with dark cypress
trees cover the hillsides. Many pilgrims come to the Tomb of Eyüp
in the hope that their prayers will be granted.