Culture in Istanbul

Basilica Cistern columns

Medusa heads, carp in water, James Bond lighting.

Galata Tower sunset climb

The Genoese tower over the Golden Horn.

Hagia Sophia dome gaze

1,500 years of empires overhead. Visit both levels slowly.

Topkapi harem rooms

Tile overload, Bosphorus terraces, extra ticket worth it.

Whirling dervish ceremony

Sema ritual in the Hodjapasha hall.