CEE FEE EARNERS CONFERENCE - DLA Piper

Discover Istanbul...
Istanbul, one of the largest cities in the world, where Europe and Asia meet, a melting pot of
civilizations and cultures...
From the establishment of the Byzantine Empire in the
7th century BC to the dominance of the Ottoman Empire,
Istanbul has always played a significant role in the history of
humanity. Its ability to preserve its heritage while moving
into the future has drawn praise and admiration.
Geographically, the Bosphorus divides the city into Europe
and Asia, linked by two magnificent bridges that span the
continents.
Istanbul stands out with its historical and iconic attractions
such as the Golden Horn which divides Europe in two parts,
The Museum Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Palace of
Dolmabahçe and many more. As a reflection of its cultural
importance, the city was named the European Capital of
Culture in 2010 by the European Union.
In addition to its heritage and natural beauty, Istanbul offers
a colorful and wide range of flavors to satisfy even the most
demanding palate. Its excellent restaurants, original cuisine,
lively bars, and cosmopolitan feel add to a unique and
authentic experience for visitors.
Since the Turkish Republic was formed in 1923, Istanbul
has continued to grow from strength to strength. Today, it is
home to about 16 million people and has become one of the
most important centers of trade, tourism, urbanity, history
and culture.
What to See and Do In Istanbul?
Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia was a Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later
a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Sultanahmet.
It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine
architecture with mosaics, marble pillars and coverings.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main administrative center
of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. It was also home
to six sultans from 1856, when it was first inhabited, up until
the abolition of the Caliphate in 1924.
Galata Tower
One of the most prominent landmarks in the city on the
European Side, it was built in 1348 in connection with
the first expansion of the Genoese Colony. The Tower was
used as a fire observation tower until the 1960s, and later
restored and converted to a tourist attraction.
Blue Mosque
A triumph of harmony, proportion and elegance, the Mosque
of Sultan Ahmet (known as the Blue Mosque) which was
built in 1616 after 7 years of construction, has six minarets
and its courtyard is the biggest of all of the Ottoman
mosques.
Grand Bazaar
With its 4,400 shops, 3,000 firms, 17 inns, and 64 streets,
Grand Bazaar has been a shopper’s Mecca since the mid-
15th century and is one of the largest covered markets in
the world.
Hippodrome Square (Sultanahmet Square)
Back in Byzantium days, an emperor’s fate hung on
the outcome of a chariot race. Races were held at the
Hippodrome between the rival ‘Greens’ and ‘Blues’.
The impressive granite Obelisk of Theodosius was carved
in Egypt around 1450 BC.
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