Istanbul, a city both ancient and modern, has a long and rich history, dating back 8,500 years. Its location on the Bosphorous peninsula has made it a bridge between Europe and Asia, and home to a culture that is influenced by both the East and West. Gulf News reader Abrar Mohsin travelled to the city and sent us these photographs.
The Hagia Sophia stands tall in this picture. The landmark is close to the Bosphorous river, which empties into the Marmara sea. The river runs right through the heart of Istanbul and is one of the world’s busiest commercial shipping channels.
One of the most recognisable structures in Turkey, Hagia Sophia was once a Greek Orthodox church, which later turned into an imperial mosque and is now a museum. Its architecture has been influenced by both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
The city features incredible architecture and has been associated with major political, religious and artistic events for more than 2,000 years. Mohsin said: “In these pictures, you get to see the diverseness of Istanbul… a city on two continents.”