palaces

Kensington Palace London

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:33:06 PST

KENSINGTON Palace, first adapted as a royal residence by Sir Christopher Wren in 1689, has been home to several charismatic royals. It has been the abode of William and Mary, Anne, George 1 and George II. Victoria lived there until she became Queen in 1837. It has been the home of those two royal glamour girls of the 20th Century, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales

The elegant Victorian Rooms are at the art of the palace. Visitors are able to stand in the bedroom in which Victoria was woken and told that she was now Queen.

William and Mary added the magnificent State Apartments to Kensington Palace, These rooms showcase many of William Kent's greatest works. Visitors who climb the King's Staircase can see the face of Peter the wolf Boy and a self portrait by Kent.

They are able to explore this series of state rooms, which include the Cupola Room in which Queen Victoria was christened. There are also the queen's Apartments, where Mary II was able to relax with her closet friends, including Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough.

The Orangery, once the venue for lavish court entertainments, is now a café, which serves lunches and afternoon teas There are benches available for those people who wish to bring a picnic.

Kensington palace stages many exhibitions. One of the most popular is the unique collection of photographs of Diana, Princess of Wales that were taken by her favourite photographer, Mario Testino and a stunning array of some of her most exquisite evening dresses.

The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection features a stunning display of English court dress, that has been added to by each Royal Generation from the 18th Century to the present time. Visitors can explore the replica dressmaker's workshop and the colourful tailor's shop that create an exciting background to this exhibition.

Kensington Palace has two exclusive shops that offer a wide range of books, gifts, souvenirs and postcards.

Audio guides giving first hand historic accounts and stories of the palace and its fantastic collections and exhibitions in a wide range of languages are included in the admission price.

The palace is open from 10:00 to 18:00 (last admission at 17:00 from March 1 to October 31 and 10:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 16:00 between November 1 and February 28

Further information can be obtained from 0870 9504466

Pearls of Turkey: Marmaris and Bodrum

Wed, 21 May 2008 09:13:09 PST

Turkey has many touristic places since three side of it is surrounded by sea. The north, south and west part is surrounded by Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Aegean Sea respectively. It has also an internal sea called Marmara. Because of the location, climate conditions, the hostility of people, Turkey is visited by millions of people every year. It is mostly preferred by Germans, Russians and North Europans. This article is a guide to people who want to visit Turkey for touristic purposes. Here is my favourite places in Turkey.

Marmaris:

Marmaris is one of the best touristic destinations on the Mediterranean Coast. It is located in Mugla. Tourism is the main source of income for the resident of Marmaris. Many young people go to Marmaris to work in tourism sector. They generally work in hotels.The population of Marmaris is actually 20000. However in summer season, it approaches to 400000. There are many shops, restaurants and bars in Marmaris. Marmaris also has a beautiful natural harbor which is used as Turkey's premier yachting port for Blue Voyage yacht cruises.

Bodrum:

Bodrum is another touristic city in Mugla Province. In ancient times it was known as Halicarnassus. Famous Turkish novelist, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, took the name of “fisherman of Halikarnas” from Bodrum. He had lived in Bodrum for many years before his death. Bodrum is one of the international centers of Turkey for tourism and yachting.Bodrum is rich with it's history. One of the seven wonders, Mausoleum of Mausolus, was in Bodrum in ancient times. Famous historian of ancient times Herodotus, famous Ottoman Admiral Turgut Reis, and Zeki Muren had lived in Bodrum for years.

There are many historical and sigthseeing places in Bodrum, such as Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and Turgut Reis. Due to the touristic activities in Bodrum, population of Bodrum increases from 33000 to 500000 in summer season.This means “money” for the people who lives there.

Five Historical Palaces You Should Visit in Istanbul

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:00:09 PST

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.