Adora Hotel

11/08/2014

BEYLERBEYI PALACE

Beylerbeyi, where the Asian pillar of the Bosphorus Bridge sits, is a pleasant district that has been reserved for palaces since the Byzantine era. Beylerbeyi Palace was built by Sultan Abdulmecid between 1861-1865 on the site of another wooden mansion. The exterior and interior decoration is a blend of Eastern, Turkish and Western motifs. The three-storied building is divided into two sections, the harem (for women) and the selamlık (for men), and has 26 rooms and 6 halls. The original furniture, carpets, curtains and other fixtures have been preserved in good condition.

The decorations of the facade on the seaside, the well-kept gardens, the hall with a pool in the central section, and the spiral staircase are some of the eye-catching features of the palace.

At the back of the building there is a large pool, as well as the terraces and the stables, the latter very good examples of their kind. Previously, the main road that was used until the 1970's passed through a tunnel beneath the palace garden. Two small pavilions on the quay served recreational purposes. The palace was also used to accommodate visiting state dignitaries. This palace-museum is open to visitors throughout the year. — Beylerbeyi Sarayı'da.

10/08/2014

Nice quests..

04/08/2014

THE PRINCESS ISLANDS

The group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara is known as the Princes' Islands and is only an hour away from the city. There are regular boat services to four of the islands from the entrance of the Golden Horn and Kabatas. Pier.

In Byzantine times a number of monasteries were built here, and the islands served both as summer resorts and a place for exiles. Copper was mined in Heybeli Ada. On this island, in the courtyard of the Naval Academy there is a small church dedicated to the Virgin. This is the last Byzantine structure in the city.

The steamboats that started serving the islands in the early 19th century facilitated access to the islands, and the population started to increase rapidly when schools and hotels were built.

The four larger islands grouped close to each other are covered with summer residences, villas and pine groves, and are famous for their beaches and picnic areas. The islands are crowded between May and late September, but deserted in other times. The residential areas have developed mostly around the piers and those sides of the islands facing the city. The only means of transport on the islands are horse-drawn phaetons. During the summer season, and particularly on holidays, the bays and beaches attract private yachts and motorboats.

There are no settlements on the conical shaped Hayirsiz Ada, the first island seen from the ferryboat, nor on the next one, the flat Yassi Ada. The boat first stops at Kmah Ada, famous for its open beaches and the little cove at the rear. On this island the horse carriages are for transporting goods only, and not for passenger transport. There is a small, modern mosque on the shore and some beautiful old mansions.

Burgaz, with its rocky beaches, comes after Kmah. The premiere sailing and water sports club on the islands is here. The house of Salt Faik Abasiyanik, the famous writer, who lived on the island has been converted into a museum, and in Kalpazan Kaya, a place he used to visit often, there is now a cafe where one can watch a marvelous sunset.

Between Burgaz and Heybeli there is the private Kasik (Spoon) island, so-called because of its shape.

Approaching Heybeli Ada, there are two large buildings that catch the eye. One is the Naval Academy, situated between the twin hills of the island, and the second is the Greek Orthodox High School, set on top of the other hill in the middle of pine groves, which is closed today. Another building of the Naval Academy is located near the pier. On the other side of the pier the shore is lined with restaurants and cafes. On the rear of the island there is a beautiful cove, and on the side overlooking Kaşık island a public beach, the facilities of the marine sports club, and the famous Degirmen picnic area.

There are special paths for hiking over the hills and through the pine groves, offering beautiful vistas. Heybeli is relatively lively even in the winter months because of the schools and the sanatorium facilities here. The Halki Palas Hotel, dating back to mid-19th century, is open the year round. It was renovated and modernized in 1995.

The largest and the most famous of the islands is Buyukada. It takes two hours to go around the island in a phaeton, but the half-tour of the island, which takes only one hour, is more interesting.

The Yoriik All public beach is in a wonderful cove on the side overlooking the Heybeli. Next to it is the Dil promontory, a favorite spot for picnickers. In contrast to the heavily populated residential areas near the pier, the southern part of the island is quite desolate. Boats often visit the coves on this side.

On the higher slopes of the island, there is an old dilapidated hotel from the 19th century, perhaps the largest wooden structure in the world, which is trying to remain standing until the day when it will be restored. The area around the pier is colorful and bustling with the restaurants, cafes and shops situated here. There are four hotels that cater for guests in the summer months.

The next island is Sedef, which is inhabited, and the beach there is open to those coming from the outside.

The beautiful houses, well-kept gardens and the extraordinary views of the islands make an unforgettable impression on visitors

01/08/2014

THE GERMAN FOUNTAIN

The German Fountain is located in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of the German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898. The fountain's plans were drawn by the architect Spitta and was constructed by the architect Schoele. The German architect Carlitzik and the Italian architect Joseph Anthony also worked on this project.

It was officially opened January 27, 1901, on the birthday of German Emperor Wilhelm II. It was built in Germany, then transported piece by piece and reassembled in its current site in 1900. The Neo-Renaissance style of fountain's octagonal dome features eight marble columns, and the dome's interior is covered with golden mosaics. The Neo-Renaissance style of the octagonal fountain stands on a high floor with a staircase of eight stairs, seven brass faucets and, covering its reservoir, there is a dome which has eight porphyry columns. The exterior bronze green dome, which stands these over eight porphyry columns, and the dome's interior surface are decorated with golden mosaics as well as with Abdülhamid II's tughra and Wilhelm II's symbol.

The archs between the columns showcase the deep-rooted friendship between Turkey and Germany, and being situated in Sultanahmet Square, the artistic value of the fountain is further brought out.

11/07/2014

SULTANAHMET CAMİİ-BLUE MOSQUE
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice. Besides still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.

Besides being tourist attraction, it's also a active mosque, so it's closed to non worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers.

Best way to see great architecture of the Blue Mosque is to approach it from the Hippodrome. (West side of the mosque) As if you are non-Muslim visitor, you also have to use same direction to enter the Mosque.

— Sultanahmet'te.

08/07/2014