Viaggi/vacanze

Istanbul, una delle città più antiche della Turchia, viene chiamata anche “porta d’oriente” poiché fin dai tempi più antichi rappresenta un ponte tra l’Europa e l’Asia.
Città di filosofi e mercanti, per secoli ha rappresentato una tappa fondamentale sulla via della seta, dove viaggiavano merci, spezie e idee di mondi lontani.
Ancora oggi si vede come all’interno di Istanbul convivono tratti di entrambe le culture, separate solo geograficamente dal promontorio che attraversa la città, il suggestivo Corno d’Oro.
L’esercizio di comprensione in inglese di oggi vi propone un elenco di fatti e spunti interessanti su Istanbul, a voi il compito di leggere e tradurre.

HIGHLIGHTS in ISTANBUL

“If Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.” -- Napoleon Bonaparte

Fact 1

Historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul is the former capital of three successive empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

Fact 2

With its population of 13 million, it is the second largest city in the world.

Fact 3

It is the only city in the world situated on two continents (Europe and Asia).

Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul (HIGHLIGHTS):

1) THE BLUE MOSQUE is the most famous landmark of Istanbul.

2) THE GRAND BAZAAR, a must-see, has about 4000 shops.

3) THE EGYPTIAN or SPICE BAZAAR is a place for cooking and medicine spices.

4) THE WHIRLING DERVISHES believe whirling brings them closer to Allah. They whirl in silence, wearing white robes with felt hats.

5) A trip to Turkey demands a visit to a HAMAM, a Turkish bath.

6) TOPKAPI PALACE has a history of fascinating stories.

7) Cruise the BOSPHORUS for striking views of Istanbul.

8 ) AYA SOFYA, once considered the greatest building in the world, is also known as The Church of the Holy Wisdom.

9) SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE, the mosque of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.

10) CAMLICA HILL is one of Istanbul’s highest hills and offers a splendid view of the city.