Topkapi Palace

City of Minarets

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September 1st 2008
Istanbul was a real surprise, especially after a few weeks in India. Istanbul is large, busy, modern and wealthy. It felt strange to see modern cars again; luxury German brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi and VW. And clean, the streets were so clean. People dress smartly, yet conservatively and the shoes (especially the men) are smart pointy Italian leather shoes. Elegant spires of mosque minarets ad ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara » Istanbul

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Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopt... ... read more