Istanbul is not only the largest city in Turkey, it is one of the largest cities in all of Europe. Accordingly, it offers no shortage of extraordinary places and things for those on vacation to see. One of Istanbul’s top attractions is Topkapi Palace. Built in the 15th century, this sprawling complex was once the home of the country’s ruling sultans. Today, it is one of the most visited places in Turkey and claims to hold the sword and cloak of the Prophet Muhammed, the founder of the Islamic faith. Another prime destination for visitors is the Hagia Sophia. Once both a basilica and a mosque, it is now one of Istanbul’s most popular museums. It is easily recognized by its soaring dome and towering minarets and houses one of the most spectacular collections of mosaics in the world. Despite being such a densely populated city, Istanbul is also home to many superb beaches. Both visitors and locals flock to the beaches at Bakirkoy and Sariyer, which are open for most of the year thanks to the city’s temperate climate. Those interested in learning more about Istanbul’s storied past often head to the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Its permanent collection includes more than one million artifacts from Turkish, Greek and Roman antiquity, making it one of the largest museums of its kind in the world.
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