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    <trip id="2406" created="2009-09-15 16:37:34" creator_id="882288" creator_name="igatt" creator_status="1" default_for_user_id="" description="Istanbul and the west coast,Izmir, Ephesos and Kusadasi, ev. Bodrum " marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-09-15 17:02:50.306422" modifier_id="882288" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=41.005213,28.976912,reda%7C41.013843,28.949661,redb%7C41.016100,28.963890,redc%7C41.012980,28.983690,redd%7C41.043692,29.016352,rede%7C41.038966,29.024506,redf%7C40.861602,29.113770,redg%7C41.008430,28.977870,redh%7C41.010570,28.968140,redi%7C41.012030,28.978844,redj%7C41.036626,28.986843,redk%7C41.099405,29.074116,redl%7C38.407222,27.150278,redm%7C37.951372,27.368488,redn%7C37.858700,27.259400,redo%7C39.078908,26.850586,redp%7C37.038333,27.429167,redq%7C38.322778,26.306389,redr%7C41.008610,28.979890,reds%7C41.025700,28.974100,redt%7C41.047965,29.027338,redu&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|41.005213,28.976912|41.013843,28.949661|41.016100,28.963890|41.012980,28.983690|41.043692,29.016352|41.038966,29.024506|40.861602,29.113770|41.008430,28.977870|41.010570,28.968140|41.012030,28.978844|41.036626,28.986843|41.099405,29.074116|38.407222,27.150278|37.951372,27.368488|37.858700,27.259400|39.078908,26.850586|37.038333,27.429167|38.322778,26.306389|41.008610,28.979890|41.025700,28.974100|41.047965,29.027338" status="0" sum_locations="21" sum_votes="0" title="Turkey" triplocation_id="293675" />
    <tripitems id="6435" created="2009-09-15 16:45:35" creator_id="882288" location_id="293887" modified="2009-09-15 16:45:35" modifier_id="882288" position="1" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6429" created="2009-09-15 16:42:33" creator_id="882288" location_id="4243" modified="2009-09-15 16:42:33" modifier_id="882288" position="2" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6434" created="2009-09-15 16:45:22" creator_id="882288" location_id="293808" modified="2009-09-15 16:45:22" modifier_id="882288" position="3" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6437" created="2009-09-15 16:46:41" creator_id="882288" location_id="293810" modified="2009-09-15 16:46:41" modifier_id="882288" position="4" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6441" created="2009-09-15 16:47:23" creator_id="882288" location_id="293721" modified="2009-09-15 16:47:23" modifier_id="882288" position="5" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6438" created="2009-09-15 16:46:56" creator_id="882288" location_id="311756" modified="2009-09-15 16:46:56" modifier_id="882288" position="6" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6426" created="2009-09-15 16:39:54" creator_id="882288" location_id="17055" modified="2009-09-15 16:39:54" modifier_id="882288" position="7" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6443" created="2009-09-15 16:47:38" creator_id="882288" location_id="293873" modified="2009-09-15 16:47:38" modifier_id="882288" position="8" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6436" created="2009-09-15 16:45:52" creator_id="882288" location_id="293903" modified="2009-09-15 16:45:52" modifier_id="882288" position="9" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6444" created="2009-09-15 16:48:05" creator_id="882288" location_id="15322" modified="2009-09-15 16:48:05" modifier_id="882288" position="10" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6445" created="2009-09-15 16:48:18" creator_id="882288" location_id="293814" modified="2009-09-15 16:48:18" modifier_id="882288" position="11" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6450" created="2009-09-15 16:49:59" creator_id="882288" location_id="574859" modified="2009-09-15 16:49:59" modifier_id="882288" position="12" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6424" created="2009-09-15 16:39:05" creator_id="882288" location_id="293676" modified="2009-09-15 16:39:05" modifier_id="882288" position="13" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6425" created="2009-09-15 16:39:22" creator_id="882288" location_id="379090" modified="2009-09-15 16:39:22" modifier_id="882288" position="14" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6427" created="2009-09-15 16:40:09" creator_id="882288" location_id="293949" modified="2009-09-15 16:40:09" modifier_id="882288" position="15" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6428" created="2009-09-15 16:40:39" creator_id="882288" location_id="293675" modified="2009-09-15 16:40:39" modifier_id="882288" position="16" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
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    <tripitems id="6448" created="2009-09-15 16:49:42" creator_id="882288" location_id="293956" modified="2009-09-15 16:49:42" modifier_id="882288" position="18" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
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    <tripitems id="6458" created="2009-09-15 16:59:01" creator_id="882288" location_id="293748" modified="2009-09-15 16:59:01" modifier_id="882288" position="20" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <tripitems id="6459" created="2009-09-15 16:59:15" creator_id="882288" location_id="574633" modified="2009-09-15 16:59:15" modifier_id="882288" position="21" trip_id="2406" tripitemtype="0" />
    <triplocation name="West Coast Turkey" avg_rating="4" content_source="1" created="2008-03-28 17:08:05.417969" creator="178" hidden="0" id="293675" inherited="0" latitude="39.0789080970647" longitude="26.8505859375" ltp_level="0" merged_to="" modified="2008-03-28 17:08:05.417969" modifier="2" style="1" type="6" votes="3" zoom="6" />
    <triplocations name="Spice Bazaar (Misir)" description="The Spice Bazar has his name for his specialization is herbs &amp; spices of all kind. Enchanting visitors &amp; toursits alike with their amazing colors, this is a great place to just stroll around and discover spices you have never seen or tasted before.  Open daily with the exception of Sunday. " favorite="" full_name="Spice Bazaar (Misir), Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Spice-Bazaar-Misir" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/15322/Turkey/Istanbul/Spice-Bazaar-Misir" id="15322" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Spice Bazaar (Misir), Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0120295484538" longitude="28.9788436889648" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="5" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="The second largest spice market in the world is not to be missed!" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;The second largest spice market in the world is not to be missed!&lt;/b&gt; The Spice Bazar has his name for his specialization is herbs &amp; spices of all kind. Enchanting visitors &amp; toursits alike with their amaz..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;The second largest spice market in the world is not to be missed!&lt;/b&gt; The Spice Bazar has his name for his specialization is ..." type="27" type_id="27" type_name="shop" votes="8" zoom="12">
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    <triplocations name="Princes' Islands" description="Buyukada is the largest and the most famous of the Princes' Islands.If you are fit enough you can walk up the hills of the island to see the Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery from 6th century, Ayios Dimitrios Church, Hristos Church and Monastery, and Hamidiye Mosque built by sultan Abdulhamit II. " favorite="" full_name="Princes' Islands, Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Princes-Islands" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/17055/Turkey/Istanbul/Princes-Islands" id="17055" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Princes' Islands, Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="40.8616024798103" longitude="29.11376953125" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="5" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Buyukada is the largest and the most famous of the Princes' Islands.If you are fit enough you can walk up the hills of the island to see the Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery from 6th century, Ayios Dimi..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Buyukada is the largest and the most famous of the Princes' Islands.If you are fit enough you can walk up the hills of t..." type="10" type_id="10" type_name="island" votes="7" zoom="11">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
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    <triplocations name="West Coast Turkey" description="Sea water connoisseurs love the Aegean Sea for its little degree of salt and freshwater taste, enabling them to swim and not just to float. Since the cradle of the Classical Antiquity, Turkey’s most Western coast, the Aegean Sea and Greece have always been an organic whole – But today the European Union draws an invisible border through the sea, with many Greek islands just a few miles off the Turkish coast. To explore the ancient history (Two of the Seven Wonders of the World can be seen here!), visit MIlet, Ephesus, Bodrum, and Troy, or take a ferry to the Greek island Kos, just a little more than a swim away. Partying is big in this part of the country as well. Bodrum has been the center of attention for years, but Cesme close to Izmir is quickly catching up. For more quiet and relaxing moments, just drive along the coast and stop by at the wonderful bays with gorgeous vistas of the myriads of (Greek) islands in front of you. There are also two inhabited Turkish islands in the north, often overlooked, but a secret gem even for Turks who want to experience their country from a side they hardly know where cows still mingle on busy streets." favorite="" full_name="West Coast Turkey, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/West-Coast-Turkey" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293675/Turkey/West-Coast-Turkey" id="293675" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="West Coast Turkey, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="39.0789080970647" longitude="26.8505859375" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Turkey" rating="4" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser=" A coast fit for Princes." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt; A coast fit for Princes.&lt;/b&gt; Sea water connoisseurs love the Aegean Sea for its little degree of salt and freshwater taste, enabling them to swim and not just to float. Since the cradle of the Classical A..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt; A coast fit for Princes.&lt;/b&gt; Sea water connoisseurs love the Aegean Sea for its little degree of salt and freshwater taste, ..." type="6" type_id="6" type_name="region" votes="3" zoom="6">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="İzmir" description="	Izmir is, first of all, a big metropolis and port. It serves tourists well as a transportation hub, if they want to explore the many nearby archaeological sites and beaches. But Izmir is also a worthy destination by itself, especially if you are looking for a city with a rich cultural life and a mild climate that is close to the sea." favorite="" full_name="İzmir, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Izmir" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293676/Turkey/Izmir" id="293676" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="İzmir, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="38.4072222" longitude="27.1502778" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="	A large port city by the Aegean Sea." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;	A large port city by the Aegean Sea.&lt;/b&gt; 	Izmir is, first of all, a big metropolis and port. It serves tourists well as a transportation hub, if they want to explore the many nearby archaeological sites a..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;	A large port city by the Aegean Sea.&lt;/b&gt; 	Izmir is, first of all, a big metropolis and port. It serves tourists well as a tr..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="2" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Bodrum" description="A small port city that is famous for yachting." favorite="" full_name="Bodrum, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Bodrum" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293699/Turkey/Bodrum" id="293699" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Bodrum, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="37.0383333" longitude="27.4291667" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Turkey" rating="4" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; A small port city that is famous for yachting." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; A small port city that is famous for yachting." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="8" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
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    <triplocations name="Dolmabahçe sarayi" description="This palace is one of the greatest buildings in Europe and literally filled with gold - 14 tons were used in building it!  It is set right next to the Bosphorus and a spectacular sight when seen both from the sea or land." favorite="" full_name="Dolmabahçe sarayi, Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Dolmabahce-sarayi" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293721/Turkey/Istanbul/Dolmabahce-sarayi" id="293721" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Dolmabahçe sarayi, Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0436922258884" longitude="29.0163516998291" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="4" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="This European-style palace was the head administrative building for the Ottoman Empire." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;This European-style palace was the head administrative building for the Ottoman Empire.&lt;/b&gt; This palace is one of the greatest buildings in Europe and literally filled with gold - 14 tons were used in buil..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;This European-style palace was the head administrative building for the Ottoman Empire.&lt;/b&gt; This palace is one of the greates..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="8" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Galata Tower  (Galata Kulesi)" description="The Galata Tower, which was built in 1348 by the Genoese colony in Constantinople, was the highest part of the fortification that surrounded the settlement. It rises 186 feet above the Golden Horn, with an open gallery under the pinnacle from where you have a marvelous view of the formerly European Old Town and the famous backdrop of Sultanahmet and Beyazıt. Ride up with the elevator -- on the other side of the restaurant, a flight of stairs leads to the gallery.
" favorite="" full_name="Galata Tower  (Galata Kulesi), Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Galata-Tower-Galata-Kulesi" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293748/Turkey/Istanbul/Galata-Tower-Galata-Kulesi" id="293748" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Galata Tower  (Galata Kulesi), Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0257" longitude="28.9741" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="	A beautiful tower and popular landmark, the Galata tower is 14th century architecture." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;	A beautiful tower and popular landmark, the Galata tower is 14th century architecture.&lt;/b&gt; The Galata Tower, which was built in 1348 by the Genoese colony in Constantinople, was the highest part of the fo..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;	A beautiful tower and popular landmark, the Galata tower is 14th century architecture.&lt;/b&gt; The Galata Tower, which was built..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="7" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Süleymaniye Camii" description="Süleymaniye competes with the Blue Mosque for the title of the largest, most beautiful, and grandest mosque of the city. Sultanahmet, as the Blue Mosque is properly called, is larger and better known, but aficionados consider Süleymaniye to be the most outstanding ecclesiastical architectural treasures of the city. Viewed from Topkapı, it sits behind the Grand Bazaar above the Golden Horn. If you look from the Galata Tower at the old part of town, it is still the dominating figure in the city's silhouette.
" favorite="" full_name="Süleymaniye Camii, Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Suleymaniye-Camii" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293808/Turkey/Istanbul/Suleymaniye-Camii" id="293808" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Süleymaniye Camii, Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0161" longitude="28.96389" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="4" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="A beautiful mosque built in the Ottoman Empire." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;A beautiful mosque built in the Ottoman Empire.&lt;/b&gt; Süleymaniye competes with the Blue Mosque for the title of the largest, most beautiful, and grandest mosque of the city. Sultanahmet, as the Blue Mosque ..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;A beautiful mosque built in the Ottoman Empire.&lt;/b&gt; Süleymaniye competes with the Blue Mosque for the title of the largest, m..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="10" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Topkapi Palace" description="Topkapı Palace was the center of the Ottoman Empire for more than four centuries. The sultan, the political and religious head of the Muslims, and his harem lived here, business conducted, the head of the Ottoman bureaucracy trained, and the elite corps of the sultan, the Janissaries, accommodated. Sultan Mehmet II, conquerer of Constantinople, spurned the old palace of the Byzantine emperors; just a few years after his victory, Topkapı Palace was built. He selected the most exposed part of the city for it, the tip of the peninsula, where Constantinople had been built, buffeted on one side by the Sea of Marmara and on the other by the Golden Horn. Even though the palace is very large – at times, more than 5,000 people lived there – it somehow avoids an overly monumental impression. There are one- or two-story buildings throughout which captivate more in their filigree architecture than in their majestic force – visitors think it’s like a camp turned to stone. Even though many changes have been made over the centuries, the basic structure of the palace has not been changed to this day. A highlight of any visit is the halls on the right side of the yard. Beautiful dresses, rare weapons, and precious treasures of the Ottoman empire are exhibited there. Festive clothes, famous swords of the sultans and treasures like jeweled panaches, the famous Topkapı dagger, and the 86-carat spoon diamond – the worldy splendor of the Ottomans is on display here. Directly opposite, on the other side of the yard, are religious treasures, among them relics like the proverbial hair of the beard of the prophet, a footprint of Mohammed, and parts of the gates of the Kaaba in Mecca. The Koran is recited during visiting hours. The last, so-called fourth yard, is not an enclosed area but a large garden, where several pavilions served the rest and relaxation of the Sultans. On the right side, a part of the palace has been converted to a café with a wonderful view of the entry into the Bosporus, the quarters of the Genovian and the Asian part of İstanbul -- here you can recover from your exhausting palace tour.
" favorite="" full_name="Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Topkapi-Palace" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293810/Turkey/Istanbul/Topkapi-Palace" id="293810" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.01298" longitude="28.98369" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="5" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="Visit the Ottoman Sultans' Original Home" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;Visit the Ottoman Sultans' Original Home.&lt;/b&gt; Topkapı Palace was the center of the Ottoman Empire for more than four centuries. The sultan, the political and religious head of the Muslims, and his harem liv..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;Visit the Ottoman Sultans' Original Home.&lt;/b&gt; Topkapı Palace was the center of the Ottoman Empire for more than four centuries..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="12" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Taksim Square" description="	One of the amazing things to do on Taksim Square is people watching. In the evenings, it's a meeting point before starting one's expeditions into Istanbul's nightlife; during the day, myriads of shoppers pass here to enter the famous shopping street Istiklar. It's also a travel hub, since one of Istanbul's few subway stops is located here." favorite="" full_name="Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Taksim-Square" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293814/Turkey/Istanbul/Taksim-Square" id="293814" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.036626" longitude="28.986843" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="5" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="Located in the sprawling neighborhood of Beyoglu, this square is the entrance point for day- and nighttime activities" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;Located in the sprawling neighborhood of Beyoglu, this square is the entrance point for day- and nighttime activities.&lt;/b&gt; 	One of the amazing things to do on Taksim Square is people watching. In the evenin..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;Located in the sprawling neighborhood of Beyoglu, this square is the entrance point for day- and nighttime activities.&lt;/b&gt; 	On..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="7" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Yerebatan Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı )" description="The Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Yerebatan Sarayı) is also called Basilica Cistern. It's part of an ancient cistern system that are still lying underneath Istanbul. This one is the largest one, and located right next to another famous sight, the Hagia Sophia which is a museum today." favorite="" full_name="Yerebatan Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı ), Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Yerebatan-Cistern-Yerebatan-Sarayi-" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293873/Turkey/Istanbul/Yerebatan-Cistern-Yerebatan-Sarayi-" id="293873" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Yerebatan Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı ), Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.00843" longitude="28.97787" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="An underground labyrinth of columns: the city's largest cistern - amazing!!!" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;An underground labyrinth of columns: the city's largest cistern - amazing!!!&lt;/b&gt; The Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Yerebatan Sarayı) is also called Basilica Cistern. It's part of an ancient cistern system that are st..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;An underground labyrinth of columns: the city's largest cistern - amazing!!!&lt;/b&gt; The Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Yerebatan Sarayı) is ..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="8" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)" description="At first sight it is the most impressive mosque of the city. Three stories tall, the domes rise to the skies; no other Islamic place of worship except the Holy Mosque in Mecca has six minarets. To atone for this sacrilege, the Turkish authorities happily paid for an additional minaret to be built in Mecca. The so-called Blue Mosque was built by a student of the master architect Sinan at the beginning of the 17th century and tore a deep hole into the treasury. The expenses were, however, worth it -- for future generations. The front courts of the mosque, which was built across from the Hagia Sophia, impress by their size. On the inside, blue tiles, a red carpet, and enormous candleholders hanging down from the dome dominate. From some of the 260 windows -- many of which are colorfully glazed – you look on the Sea of Marmara or onto a pretty mosque garden. The Ottoman ecclesiastical architecture had, however, attained its peak with the Blue Mosque. In the 300 years to follow, there would be no other master builder who could compare himself to Sinan. The Blue Mosque is a must when visiting Istanbul. Because of its popularity, it is thronged with all kinds of leaders, dealers, and smugglers, which has somewhat removed the character of a mosque with a practicing community. Nevertheless, great recitations from the Koran take place on important holidays like the birth of the prophet or first revelation. In summer nights an impressive light show takes place. Tourists enter the mosque by a separate entrance, non-Muslim women are not required to cover their heads. Sultanahmet Meydanı
" favorite="" full_name="Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Blue-Mosque-Sultanahmet-Camii" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293887/Turkey/Istanbul/Blue-Mosque-Sultanahmet-Camii" id="293887" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0052126354875" longitude="28.9769124984741" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="3" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="A favorite of believers and tourists alike" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;A favorite of believers and tourists alike.&lt;/b&gt; At first sight it is the most impressive mosque of the city. Three stories tall, the domes rise to the skies; no other Islamic place of worship except the Hol..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;A favorite of believers and tourists alike.&lt;/b&gt; At first sight it is the most impressive mosque of the city. Three stories tal..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="15" zoom="17">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)" description="The Grand Bazaar feels like a gigantic labyrinth: Endless alleys crossing each other, and only a few of them leading outside the market. With 10,000 vendors, it's hard to come out empty-handed, although making up your mind what and where to buy will take good eyes - and good negotiation skills!
It is in the heart of the Old Town. Each visitor, entering it for the first time through one of its 17 gates, will inevitably get lost in the many lanes and will be glad to recover eventually at one of the tea houses. The ancient shopping mall stretches from the Nuruosmaniye up to the Beyazıt Mosque over an area of approximately 34,000 ft. and offers everything a tourist could want -- from carpets and jewels to leather clothing. The market is traditionally organized according to individual trades; each handicraft has its own area. Nowadays, goods are mainly sold and not manufactured anymore, even if there are still individual coppersmiths and cutters. Nevertheless the basic structure has been retained. The Old Bedesten (a masonry structure for storage and safekeeping) is located in the center. Here you can buy old silver jewels and original Russian or Greek icons. This oldest part of the bazaar was built by Mehmet II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople. In the following hundred years, the other areas were added gradually. A particularly interesting corner is the book bazaar (Sahaflar) next to the Beyazıt Mosque. If you leave the bazaar through one of the gates facing the Golden Horn, you can walk to the sea through the craftsmans' quarter of Tahtakale.
" favorite="" full_name="Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Grand-Bazaar-Kapali-Carsi" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293903/Turkey/Istanbul/Grand-Bazaar-Kapali-Carsi" id="293903" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.01057" longitude="28.96814" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="5" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="	Bargain away! More than 10,000 vendors and an endless corridor of shopping opportunities." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;	Bargain away! More than 10,000 vendors and an endless corridor of shopping opportunities.&lt;/b&gt; The Grand Bazaar feels like a gigantic labyrinth: Endless alleys crossing each other, and only a few of them l..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;	Bargain away! More than 10,000 vendors and an endless corridor of shopping opportunities.&lt;/b&gt; The Grand Bazaar feels like a ..." type="27" type_id="27" type_name="shop" votes="12" zoom="15">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)" description="The Hagia Sophia, &quot;church of the Holy Wisdom,&quot; squats over the Old Town of İstanbul like a toad with a highly curved back and thick legs. With its reddish shimmering brickwork and the four minarets dating from Ottoman times, the 1400-year-old building was still one of the distinctive features of Istanbul and is a landmark of the city to this day. The largest church of Christianity of the ancient world doesn’t look like much from the outside but offers a completely different picture to visitors as soon as they enter the nave: instead of massive and compact, the powerful dome seems to float high above, a terrestrial mirror of the sky.
" favorite="" full_name="Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Ayasofya-Hagia-Sophia" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293946/Turkey/Istanbul/Ayasofya-Hagia-Sophia" id="293946" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.00861" longitude="28.97989" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="An ornate mosque turned into a museum, known for its large domed ceiling." teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;An ornate mosque turned into a museum, known for its large domed ceiling.&lt;/b&gt; The Hagia Sophia, &quot;church of the Holy Wisdom,&quot; squats over the Old Town of İstanbul like a toad with a highly curved back and t..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;An ornate mosque turned into a museum, known for its large domed ceiling.&lt;/b&gt; The Hagia Sophia, &quot;church of the Holy Wisdom,&quot; ..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="6" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Kuşadası" description="Apart from Bodrum and Marmaris is Kuşadası (50 000 inhabitants., 80 km from İzmir) is one of the tourist centers of the Aegean Sea. Despite many concrete fortresses Kuşadası has a lot to offer: sports and leisure facilities, hotels of all sizes and quality, a modern marina, very good pubs and a varied nightlife. Not to forget the ancient attractions: goals such as Ephesus, Miletus Pamukkale or are from here good job. Kazim Usta (Balıkçı Limani, tel: 0256/614 12 26, € €) is the fish restaurant from Kuşadası and is right on the harbor. A giant box, but very comfortable and ideally located is KoruMar hotel by the sea (272 bedrooms, Gazi Begendi Mevkii, PK 18, tel 0256/618 15 30, fax 618 11 10, www.korumar.com.tr, € € €). Must be recommended is a trip to the 8 km east village Sirince with its picturesque houses on the hillside (buses from the bus station). Information: Liman Cad. 13, tel 0256/614 11 03, fax 614 62 95, www.kusadasi.net" favorite="" full_name="Kuşadası, The West Coast, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/The-West-Coast/Kusadasi" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293949/Turkey/The-West-Coast/Kusadasi" id="293949" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Kuşadası, The West Coast, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="37.8587" longitude="27.2594" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="A popular destination in Turkey" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;A popular destination in Turkey.&lt;/b&gt; Apart from Bodrum and Marmaris is Kuşadası (50 000 inhabitants., 80 km from İzmir) is one of the tourist centers of the Aegean Sea. Despite many concrete fortresses Kuşa..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;A popular destination in Turkey.&lt;/b&gt; Apart from Bodrum and Marmaris is Kuşadası (50 000 inhabitants., 80 km from İzmir) is one..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="4" zoom="12">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Çeşme" description="Bathing resort (pop. 65,000) at the tip of the peninsula of the same name with a large offering of hotels, restaurants, leisure facilities and many beaches.	Çeşme, meaning &quot;fountain&quot; or &quot;spring&quot; in Turkish, is a nice and pleasant vacation destination. It was always popular as a weekend escape for residents of Izmir, but in recent years it established a reputation as party town. Some people even claim that it has passed Bodrum, for many years the Turkish synonym for nightlife. If you are not in the party mood: Enjoy dinner in one of the authentic little fish restaurants or just relax on one of the beautiful beaches." favorite="" full_name="Çeşme, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Cesme" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/293956/Turkey/Cesme" id="293956" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Çeşme, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="38.3227778" longitude="26.3063889" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="Peninsula with many leisure facilities  . 	Pleasant seaside resort town, which also has a reputation as a party hotspot" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;Peninsula with many leisure facilities  . 	Pleasant seaside resort town, which also has a reputation as a party hotspot.&lt;/b&gt; Bathing resort (pop. 65,000) at the tip of the peninsula of the same name with a ..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;Peninsula with many leisure facilities  . 	Pleasant seaside resort town, which also has a reputation as a party hotspot.&lt;/b&gt; B..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="3" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Bosphorus" description="The Bosporus is a narrow straight that separates the European part of Turkey with the large Asian landmass. Over the centuries, it has seen events of historical significance, and mythology: It is claimed that the Bosphorus is the source of Noah's flood and the legend of Noah's Ark. Today, it's mainly a place to enjoy life. Indulge in one of the plenty seaside bars and restaurants, or just stroll along it's shore.
" favorite="" full_name="Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Bosphorus" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/311756/Turkey/Istanbul/Bosphorus" id="311756" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0389664535254" longitude="29.0245056152344" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="5" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="The liquid that makes this city groovy" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;The liquid that makes this city groovy.&lt;/b&gt; The Bosporus is a narrow straight that separates the European part of Turkey with the large Asian landmass. Over the centuries, it has seen events of historical s..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;The liquid that makes this city groovy.&lt;/b&gt; The Bosporus is a narrow straight that separates the European part of Turkey with ..." type="17" type_id="17" type_name="body of water" votes="8" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Selçuk" description="" favorite="" full_name="Selçuk, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Selcuk" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/379090/Turkey/Selcuk" id="379090" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Selçuk, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="37.951371965992" longitude="27.3684883117676" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; " teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; " type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="1" zoom="10">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Istanbul" description="The old Constantinople, seat of the Ottoman Empire, starts in Europe and finishes in Asia, across the Bosphorus. But even a first glimpse of the 1500-year-old mosques and Sultan palaces tells you it’s something completely different. Many visits are centered around Istanbul’s most famous attractions in touristy Sultanahmet. Here you can visit the Hagia Sophia (a massive church-turned-mosque-turned-museum filled with 9th-century mosaics), the always bustling 17th-century Blue Mosque, and the ornate 15th-century Topkapi Palace, home to sultans (and their harems). Then you can cleanse your pores at one of the several longstanding Hammams - Turkish baths (not for the shy). A short walk from Topkapi Palace is the Bazaar District, where it's fun to get lost in the maze of spice and rug sellers, a tradition dating to Byzantine times. To find Istanbul’s modern heart, cross the Golden Horn Bay just north to hilly Beyoglu, where Istanbul lets loose. From modern Taksim Square – several business hotels are nearby – the mile-long pedestrian-only Istiklal Street gets filled with a mind-numbing array of locals in headscarves or leather jackets, stopping in wild fish restaurants and gritty alley bars. A fine day trip is a ferry to Uskudar, where Asia begins." favorite="" full_name="Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/4243/Turkey/Istanbul" id="4243" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0138429552247" longitude="28.9496612548828" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Turkey" rating="5" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="A city of many names, times, colors - and even two continents" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;A city of many names, times, colors - and even two continents.&lt;/b&gt; The old Constantinople, seat of the Ottoman Empire, starts in Europe and finishes in Asia, across the Bosphorus. But even a first glimpse o..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;A city of many names, times, colors - and even two continents.&lt;/b&gt; The old Constantinople, seat of the Ottoman Empire, starts ..." type="7" type_id="7" type_name="city / town" votes="85" zoom="13">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Ortaköy Square" description="Here lies the center of Ortaköy and maybe even the secret focal point of Istanbul according to many Istanbul lovers. A marvellous mosque set right on the Bosphorus sets the stage of a very lively nightlife scene. And during the day it's quiet and peaceful - a perfect place to relax." favorite="" full_name="Ortaköy Square, Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Ortakoy-Square" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/574633/Turkey/Istanbul/Ortakoy-Square" id="574633" inherited="0" is_poi="1" item_name="Ortaköy Square, Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0479645499144" longitude="29.0273380279541" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="A square along the Bosphorus fitting every taste and hour of the day" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;A square along the Bosphorus fitting every taste and hour of the day.&lt;/b&gt; Here lies the center of Ortaköy and maybe even the secret focal point of Istanbul according to many Istanbul lovers. A marvellous mo..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;A square along the Bosphorus fitting every taste and hour of the day.&lt;/b&gt; Here lies the center of Ortaköy and maybe even the s..." type="13" type_id="13" type_name="sight" votes="5" zoom="16">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
    <triplocations name="Kanlıca (Boğaz)" description="The former village on the Asian Bosporusseite overlooking the water is for its yogurt and mocha widely known. Kanlıca and the neighboring Çengelköy were their rural character largely preserved - only on summer weekends it is by the many tourists quite full. From Eminönü regularly ferries to Kanlıca (Bogaz) ab." favorite="" full_name="Kanlıca (Boğaz), Istanbul, Turkey" googled_path="Turkey/Istanbul/Kanlica-Bogaz" hidden="0" href="http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/574859/Turkey/Istanbul/Kanlica-Bogaz" id="574859" inherited="0" is_poi="0" item_name="Kanlıca (Boğaz), Istanbul, Turkey" language="ENG" latitude="41.0994048396065" longitude="29.0741157531738" ltp_level="0" parents_name="Istanbul, Turkey" rating="0" recommended="" status_description="4" status_name="1" status_tags="0" status_teaser="2" teaser="Idyllic village on the outskirts of Istanbul" teaser_or_description="&lt;b&gt;Idyllic village on the outskirts of Istanbul.&lt;/b&gt; The former village on the Asian Bosporusseite overlooking the water is for its yogurt and mocha widely known. Kanlıca and the neighboring Çengelköy were the..." teaser_or_description_short="&lt;b&gt;Idyllic village on the outskirts of Istanbul.&lt;/b&gt; The former village on the Asian Bosporusseite overlooking the water is for i..." type="8" type_id="8" type_name="village" votes="3" zoom="14">
      <description_content_meta></description_content_meta>
    </triplocations>
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