New Year Holiday in Istanbul 2019

The most popular place in Turkey for the New Year is Istanbul. Over 3000 years of history, Istanbul has experienced many different events, wars, and rulers. In the oldest parts of the city, next door is ancient mosques, Roman buildings, and Byzantine churches. Istanbul worldwide is considered a city-museum, where every lane and every house keeps the secrets of history.

Istanbul in Byzantium Period

Istanbul in Byzantium Period

Many do not know that the legendary St. Sophia Cathedral, which is located in the heart of Istanbul, for a whole millennium was the most significant and large temple in the Christian world. And the Blue Mosque, which stands in front of this temple, is still one of the largest in the Islamic world. She, like the main mosque in Mecca, has four minarets. In addition to temples and mosques, palaces and ancient towers erected in the era of the Ottoman Empire are very interesting in terms of architecture.

Inside of Hagia Sophia Museum

Inside of Hagia Sophia Museum

In the city, according to the most conservative estimates, about 70 museums of the most varied themes have been opened; art, history and the military. Great popularity among children is enjoyed by the Toy Museum, which has its own puppet theater.

Istanbul Toy Museum

Istanbul Toy Museum

After a visit to museums, and they are usually open until five in the evening, you can go shopping. During the New Year holidays in local stores, the season of sales starts.
Cevahir AVM, the center of the city, is considered one of the largest shopping malls in the world. There are about 300 shops, a lot of restaurants for every budget and taste, a huge cinema and an entertainment club all this splendor is in the same building.

Grand Bazaar in Beyazid

Grand Bazaar in Beyazid

Another popular and large shopping center, the Canyon is located in the Levent area. It has about 160 shops of famous manufacturers, restaurants, and a cinema. If you are looking for more historical shopping places, you can try Grand Bazaar in Beyazid or Egyptian Mall in Eminonu.

In Istanbul, the New Year is celebrated all over the city; people gather in the Pera district and in Taksim Square, which is in the old part of Istanbul.

Istanbul: where East meets West. This city is hands down one of the most fascinating on the planet. In this video, we break down the TOP TEN must-do activities in Turkey’s vibrant capital.