Istanbul, once a city that aroused the curiosities of travellers as the centre of the world, is a metropolis where Eastern and Western civilizations meet. In the city, the contemporary western way of life exists together with the traditional. Modern buildings and art forms appear side by side with classical Turkish, Byzantine and Roman masterpieces. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, owing largely to its status as the most active trade, import and export, industrial, entertainment and educational centre of the country. The climate in Istanbul is mild and the landscape, with sea and land intermingling in delicate harmony, is beautiful.

Anyone who has come to Turkey must have heard about Sultanahmet, one of the most popular districts of Turkey full of historical remains...

In 1985-1986 Sultanahmet area was taken in hand by the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association, which has restored many old sections of Istanbul, and revitalised in the service of present-day tourism and cultural life. The buildings in the street, which begins with the house owned by the Directorate of the Pious Foundations immediately adjacent to the Imperial Gate were converted into a row of guesthouses. The Roman cistern was restored and opened to the public as a taverna in the Roman style.

Click to read the restoration stories of
» Ayasofya Pensions, Yesil Ev, Konuk Evi and Sarnic...

You'll also find images belonging to the old times of these buildings...