Historical Places http://www.trifter.com/tags/Historical Places New posts about Historical Places Five Historical Palaces You Should Visit in Istanbul http://www.trifter.com/Asia-&-Pacific/Turkey/Five-Historical-Palaces-You-Should-Visit-in-Istanbul.108958 I have been living in Istanbul for more than 25 years. Naturally, I've visited all historical and touristic places in Istanbul. Istanbul has rich historical past since it became a bridge between different cultures, societies and even civilizations. It is like a bridge between Europe and Asia as well. It is also a backdoor opening through Ottoman and Bizantian Empires. Being impressed by the historical tissue of Istanbul is almost impossible. Every year, there are millions of tourists visiting Istanbul becase of it's historical importance. This article covers five historical places which impress me. Without delay, I would like to introduce you to those places.

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.

]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:00:09 PST Five Reason to Visit New Zealand http://www.trifter.com/Asia-&-Pacific/New-Zealand/Five-Reason-to-Visit-New-Zealand.47121
  • Invercagill City was voted last year as the loniliest city in the world. Even when boasting about the city being a gateway to some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery (such as Stewart Island, Fiordland, Catlins), Invercagill still holds the “Loneliest City” trophy. The city mayor tried lifting the city's profile another notch by competing in the NZ celebrity “Dancing with the stars”. I'll leave how he did in the competition up to one's own imagination.
  • The smallest capital city in the world (well that's what Wellington residents thing they are) isn't growing outwards but more like downwards. Famous for the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Wellington is known as the “middle earth”. With an earth quake fault line running through the centre of the city, the city is expanding downwards (hint: thumbwise). Wellington is also famous for it's cafe lifestyle. Every corner you turn is a cafe (need to keep residents awake in case there is a rumble/tsunami warning).
  • New Zealand's most famous world record is for creating the worlds largest tape ball weighing at a staggering 53kg and a circumference of 2.5m. It took the two students who made it 2 months to complete. Now you know what New Zealanders get up to in their free times... their whereabouts will remain anonymous for now as they are working on creating another Guinness book of records title.
  • If you want to bleach your lungs or experience the smell of sulfur, and NO, I'm not talking about few seconds, then head to Rotorua. This is the boiling mud capital of New Zealand. On first sight you might think that the vikings had landed and torched the villages. The scene is spectacular. A word of warning: bring a gas mask with you in case of emergency.
  • Lastly but not the least, there are more sheep in New Zealand than there are human beings. Apparently, the hidden theory behind all this is that the agrilab is cloning the sheep population. Few years from now, you will see a cross-breed between sheep and humans. Warning: This has nothing to do with the sheep-shagging story.
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