BYZANTINE HERITAGE
Hagia Sophia: The Church of "Divine Wisdom". This
masterpiece of Byzantine architecture was built by Justinian
in the 6th century as a church and being converted into a
mosque by the Ottomans. Today it serves as a museum with the
unique examples of two religions together.
Underground Cistern: This unique building dates back
to the 6th century and built as a water reservoir.
Containing, 336 colums and capitals of earlier temples, dim
lights and chamber music in the back ground it has a
mysterious atmosphere.
Hippodrome: Constructed for the Roman chariot races. It was
the centre for civil events witnessed many victories and
riots. Beautified by the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine
and the Constantine Columns.
Chora Museum: A small church with the best remaining
examples of frescoes and impressive mosaics in hand today;
Indications of a new Byzantine art movement parallel to
Italian Renaissance started by Giotto.
Archaeological Museum: A very fine collection of old
Greek and Eastern Roman antiquity together with a unique
exhibition of sarcophagi from Middle East and Asia Minor.
OTTOMAN HERITAGE Blue Mosque: A name given by the visitors fascinated
with the blue effects of 25.000 tiles used in interior
decoration of the mosque.
Topkapi Palace: Main residence for 25 Ottoman Sultans
for almost 400 years. Today this outstanding example of
Ottoman Palace architecture and a very famous museum hosts
one of the world's biggest China collection together with
the treasury of Ottoman Sultans.
Dolmabahce Palace: In the 19th century a new place
was built for the Sultans, a very strong influence of
European Architecture and interior design adopted to the
Ottoman life styles. It has a reach collection of Bohemian
and Baccarat Crystals, Sevre porcelains and 19th and 20th
century paintings.
Süleymaniye Mosque: A 16th century masterpiece
constructed by the greatest Ottoman architect for the
greatest Otoman Sultan.
Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art: The home of Grand
Vezir Ibrahim Pasha, is a museum today housing art examples
of Turkish and Islamic cultures and a very important carpet
collection. The Etnograpic section gives a chance to view
nomadic background of the Turks. A cozy garden with the
breath taking view of the Blue Mosque.
Rumeli Fortress: Built before the conquest of
Constantinople by the Otomans with an intention to control
the Bosphorus. Constructions were completed as short as 4
months and 19 days. Today the nicest view of the Bosphorus
could be seen from this well preserved Castle.
INTERNATIONAL
TOURISM
As an international center of tourism, Istanbul is a natural
choice for large scale conferences. Some of the main
convention centers in the city are the Istanbul Convention
and Exhibition Center (ICEC), TÜYAP, Atatürk Cultural Center
and the Hilton Convention Centre. ICEC is a centrally
located facility within walking distance to Istanbul's main
shopping district as well as 16 major hotels offering 3,400
guest rooms and meeting spaces. In addition to these
conference facilities, there are many diverse and uniquely
beatiful hotels able to meet the needs of booth large and
small meeting groups, making Istanbul the perfect location
to bring together business people from various regions of
the world. Experience the exciting mixture that is Istanbul,
the city where East meets West, the bridge between Europe
and Asia a thriving metropolis of 12 million people - exotic
yet distinctly western. Istanbul is the only city in the
world built on two continents, standing on the shores of the
Bosphorus, where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with the
Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Here, on this splendid
site, Istanbul guards the precious relics of three empires
of which she was the former capital (Roman, Byzantine and
Ottoman) Istanbul is not only historic. The magnificent city
offers a plethora of activity and museums, churches palaces,
great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem
inexhaustible. Istanbul will reward you with the comforts of
home while offering sights, sounds and smells that carry you
swiftly to another culture, another time.
Conference Centers
Number of
Meeting Halls
Total Capacity
Maximum capacity of
the Largest Hall
Exhibition Space in
sq. m.
Istanbul Convention & Exhibition
Ctr.
21
4900
2000
3000
Tuyap
3
1600
1000
16000
World Trade Center
2
5000
-
52000
Ataturk Cultural Center
4
1307
1062
-
Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
1
860
860
-
Abdi Ipekci Sport Center
1
10500
10500
-
Military Museum Cultural Center
5
1257
513
2462
Open Air Theater
1
4000
4000
-
Muhsin Ertugrul Theater
1
550
550
259
Hilton Convention Center
2
4230
1640
-
Hotels
Number
of Hotels
Number
of Bedrooms
Total
Number of Beds
Maximum
Capacity of
the Largest
Meeting Room
*****
19
6289
13374
1640
****
38
4548
9126
650
***
53
3947
7603
100
THEME EVENTS:
Fishing on the Bosphorus & Blacksea: It is an
interesting interactive event to share the enthusiasm of
local fisherman.
Photo Rally: It is one of the way to explore the
city, learn and compete at the same time.
Discover Istanbul on Foot or by Public Transport: A
competition and fun way of exploring different corners of
the city.
Canoeing: For the ones who like some excitement.
Golf: In half an hour time you can find yourself in a
golf course.
Belgrade Forrest Trophy: Out in nature near to the
city Jeep Trophies of various difficulty levels are
organized by experts.
Picnic & Games: Picnic out in nature with games
conducted by animators and lots of fun.
Treasure Hunt: For this team game, no city could be a
better choice than exotic Istanbul.
Rafting: Within two and a half hours drive out of
Istanbul, an adventurous rafting can be experienced.
Shopping Contest; A list of shopping and a limited
money is what each group has. In a labirent like Grand
Covered Bazaar with so many experienced salesman, let's see
how successful each group is.
Welcome Concert in St. Irene: 4th century church
building, a unique atmosphere for opening ceremonies and
best acoustic for classical music concerts.
THEME PARTIES: Surfing on the Beyoglu Bars: Find the right ones
among 200 bars in the area, to get your game free beer and
certificates to win the competition. You need a good team
work and experience on map reading.
Sultans Party: Ottoman style decoration and food from
the ancient street seller's, musicians and the belly
dancers, in short a perfect atmosphere and settings of 200
years past.
Cocktail and Dinner at the Sea: Bosphorus is an
important advantage for Istanbul to set up different Theme
Parties.
A) On the Boat along Bosphorus; Very elegant way of
discovering the beauties of Asian & European banks of
Bosphorus by a cocktail party and a dinner on private boat.
B) Private Party on a Car Ferry; Dinner, show and
disco on the typical Bosphorus Car Ferries for larger number
of guests.
C) Dining on the Fishing Boats; Catering 4-5 pax with
a chef on each boat. Very tasty sea food and other local
specialities are cooked and served to the guests. A very
exciting and colourful experience nicely aluminated.
Turkish Bath: It is a great experience to spend
couple of hours in 16th century Turkish bath, washing,
massage and belly dance lessons. On the final a great kebab
meal.
Gardens of the museums; Cocktail Parties in the
gardens of Archaeological Museum decorated with statues and
ancient works of art.
Palaces, Pavilion's & Gardens: Unforgettable dinner
in one of the many gardens or palaces of Istanbul. This
romantic night is accompanied with music of violins and the
taste of wine.
Byzantine Night: In an appropriate setting and
costumes, a theatrical atmosphere, wining &dining.
Gypsy Night: Turkish meze's and specialities
accompanied with Gypsy musicians, dancers and fun. A special
setting and gypsies accessories.
Fly for Dining in Mediterranean: Fly out of Istanbul
for unforgettable sea food dinner and music down by the
south coast of Turkey and fly back to Istanbul after
midnight brandies and cigars on the flight.
