Istanbul: City at a Crossroads 6-6 Gerry

Introduce1 If you want to take the shortest route between two continents, just head to the Bosporus Straits in Turkey. To the east of this razor-thin waterway lies Asia, and to the west is Europe. The city of Istanbul stands on both sides of this strait, and Bridges two very different worlds. Istanbul has long been an important crossroads between Europe and Asia. In the 13th century, Marco Polo traveled the Silk Road. and passed through the city. Foods like coffee and yogurt were introduced to Europe through Istanbul, which has always been an important trade center. As you walk around Istanbul, you'll see different cultures mixing beautifully. Standing outside a fancy clothing store on Independence Avenue, you'll think of Paris' Champs-Elysses. In the Grand Bazaar. Turks in business suits drink apple tea next to western tourists. And don't miss the underground" water reservoir, which was built by the Romans long ago. Here, classical music plays while a light show dances before your eyes. Indeed, Istanbul offers tastes of many cultures.

Introduce2 As the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Istanbul was called Constantinople, But in 1453, the Turks attacked the city and broke through its thick walls. They renamed the city and made it the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Some of the long and complex history of Istanbul can be seen in St. Sophia Church. It was built by a Roman emperor in 537 AD. After the Turks took control of the city, they replaced the Jesus icons and angels on the walls with animals and flowers. And St.Sophia Church was turned into a mosque. Today, as you admire the church's pink- domed Roman architecture, its mixed history becomes clear. Among the many Islamic decorations' on the walls, you'll see some recently uncovered golden Byzantine mosaics. In the candlelight, this vivid picture shows how different cultures crossed paths in Istanbul. Istanbul has always been a land at the crossroads. Within this city, you can visit an ancient mosque, bathe in a traditional Turkish bath house, have dinner in a French restaurant, and then dance in a disco. It's just another day in Istanbul, the city where east meets west.

Pictures This is when the sunshine Istanbul look like This is all the Istanbul look like

Reference 1 English 4U Express 2004 May 2 ia/istanbul.htm ia/istanbul.htm 3 net.net.tw/yellowbook/turky/tur5.htm

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