Medipol Mega University Hospital Istanbul

About the city

Located on the shores of Bosphorus, Istanbul is the largest and highly developed city in Turkey. It is the center of industrial, commercial and cultural life, which attracts many tourists from all over the world annually. The rich history of the city, which has repeatedly been the capital of majestic empires, is now preserved in unique sights. The city perfectly combines modern buildings and ancient architecture that creates a unique flavor, which can only be found here.

The symbol of the city is the Blue Mosque, which won the glory of a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmet I. Upon the completion of the construction, it made a sensation in the Muslim world not only because of its size and magnificent architecture, but also because it had six minarets (like the Great Mosque of Mecca). The mosque was called blue for tens of thousands of blue tiles in the interior, which create an interesting spatial effect. This building is one of the most outstanding masterpieces of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul.

No less popular place, which attracts thousands of tourists, is the Hagia Sophia. It is a majestic Christian temple that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. This is a magnificent masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, which is now a museum. This building has been one of the largest and most magnificent in the world for ten centuries. After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the cathedral was converted into the Hagia Sophia mosque. In 1935, it was proclaimed as a museum by Atatürk. The interior of the cathedral is famous for its amazing golden mosaics, huge naves and domes. At the entrance one can see a brilliant mosaic of Christ. The apse is decorated with mosaics of the Savior and the Virgin. Above the apse, the archangels Michael and Gabriel were depicted. One can also see beautiful mosaics under the dome and in the upper galleries.

The guests of the city should also visit the Topkapı Palace. The palace is a magnificent building of the XV century, which was built by Mehmed the Conqueror almost on the banks of the Bosphorus. Topkapi Palace is famous for its luxurious interiors and courtyards with rich complex paintings. Its most popular places are the harem, the second courtyard with extensive kitchens and the Imperial Council Chamber, the third courtyard with personal rooms of the Sultan, a treasury and a sacred room with the relics of the Prophet Muhammad.

Another significant place in Istanbul is the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace. The palace complex of the XIX century in the style of the Turkish Renaissance became the main residence of the Sultans instead of the Topkapı Palace. The building has a luxurious interior, which combines Rococo, Baroque, neoclassical and Ottoman elements. Many rooms of the palace are richly decorated with gold, furnished with chic furniture, while their ceilings are decorated with frescoes and giant crystal chandeliers.

Istanbul is a very multifaceted city with a unique historical heritage, modern skyscrapers and architectural structures, huge shopping centers, colorful eastern markets, cozy cafes, restaurants, bars and luxurious clubs.