Travel Experience to Istanbul, Türkiye (1) - Just Menong

Constantinople, the city of the ruins of Byzantium, was the first destination outside Indonesia that became my goal. However, to be honest, I never imagined I would have the experience of traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, so quickly. 2012 became the biggest encouragement when a close friend made Umrah plus Türkiye. And finally, in early 2014, my dream came true.

Constantinople

When I had the opportunity to carry out Umrah Plus, without thinking twice, I chose Turkey as another destination outside of the Umrah itinerary. The first reason is, of course, because I really want to set foot on the European continent.

But actually the most important reason is because Turkey was once the center of the Islamic caliphate. Travel experience to Istanbul, Türkiye, is a must. The place where all the glorious legacy of the Ottomans is located.

Constantinople, the city of Byzantine ruins, that morning almost touched 4°C. Cold but still full of charm. Why not? The history of his conquest was spoken by Rasulullah SAW centuries ago. Abu Qubail narrated from Abdullah bin Amr bin Ash.

Once, when we were writing by Rasulullah SAW, suddenly he was asked, "Which was defeated first, Constantinople or Rome?" He replied, "The city of Heraclius will be defeated first."

Byzantine Fortress 

The city of Heraclius in question is Constantinople. (Reported by Ahmad, Ad-Darimi, and Al-Hakim)

(Reported by Ahmad bin Hanbal Al-Musnad)

Conquest of Constantinople

The conquest of Constantinople was first carried out by Muawiyah bin Abu Sufyan in 668 AD but failed. One of the companions of Rasulullah SAW, namely Abu Ayyub Al Anshari ra, died and was buried beside the walls of Constantinople in the Golden Horn, which was later enshrined as a mosque as a form of respect for him.

This is something I may never have imagined when I first listed; the experience of traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, is not just traveling but also remembering Islamic history.

Abu Ayyub Al Ansari mosque

Tomb of Abu Ayyub Al Ansari

Is Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Sultan Muhammad Al Fatih (March 30, 1432–May 3, 1481), an Ottoman caliph who conquered the Eastern Roman Empire 8 centuries later? An expert in military, science, and mathematics, he mastered 6 languages ​​when he was 21 years old. A leader who never left obligatory prayers, tahajjud, and rawatib throughout his life.

On Friday, 6 April 1453 AD, Sultan Mehmed II, accompanied by Aaq Syamsudin (his teacher), Halil Pasha, Zaghanos Pasha, and 250,000 troops equipped with the latest technology at that time, namely cannons, attacked Constantinople.

At that time, Constantinople was surrounded by strong fortifications and impenetrable moats, while the Golden Horn Strait itself was protected by large chains so that warships of various sizes could not pass through. An extraordinary idea from Sultan Mehmed II emerged, namely the transfer of 70 warships through the hills in the Galata area so that they could enter the Golden Horn Bay, which had been attacked with chains in one night.

This tactic was later recognized by Western historians as one of the best war tactics. With the entry of warships by land, Constantine's troops could be conquered, and Constantinople was controlled by Sultan Mehmed II's troops.

Hagia Sophia

After Constantinople was conquered, the townspeople gathered at the Hagia Sophia, a church. Sultan Mehmed II gave protection to all residents, whether Muslim, Jewish, or Christian. And Hagia Sophia was converted into the Aya Sofia mosque, while other churches continued to function as usual. And the name of Constantinople was changed to Istanbul. 

Aya Sofia Museum Entrance

Istanbul is the only city in the world that is located on two continents, Asia and Europe, which are separated by the Bosphorus Strait. The city was once the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330–395), Eastern Roman Empire (395 – 1204),

The Latin Empire (1204–1261) and the Ottoman Empire (Ottoman) were located on a narrow peninsula divided into three parts, namely the Sea of ​​ Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.

Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul has many interesting places to visit. Aya Sofia, which has now been used as a museum since Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's secular government, is one of Istanbul's tourist icons. The Blue Mosque, which is located opposite the Aya Sofia Museum, is one of the main destinations for Muslim tourists. 

Come on... Where are we going for a walk?

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), which was the residence of 24 Ottoman caliphs for 4 centuries, is well worth a visit. The palace, which was built on an area of ​​almost 700,000 m², is now a museum that stores the symbols of the success of the Ottoman caliphate and the relics of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Shopping tours can be done at the Egyptian Bazaar, which was built in 1660. The naming is due to the abundance of Egyptian spices, although there are also many Turkish products and specialties that are sold in this market. Besides that, the Grand Bazaar can be used as another shopping destination. 

Egyptian Bazaar 

Natural tourism can be done by looking at the city of Istanbul on the Asian mainland from a height at Çamlıca Tepesi after previously crossing the Bosphorus Strait, which is full of beautiful views of past civilizations. Sightseeing trips through the Bosphorus Strait can also be enjoyed by ferry.

 

The beauty of Istanbul, Asia, as seen from Camlica Tepesi 

The Bosphorus Strait separates Istanbul Asia and Istanbul Europe 

Fascinated by Constantinople is not only fascinated by all the natural beauty and architecture of centuries-old civilization combined with the modernity of the 21st century. Enchanted by Constantinople is fascinated by the glory of Islam and its attachment to Islamic history, a history that Muslims sometimes escape from. 

Yeni Cami Mosque near Egyptian Bazaar 

Constantinople, the city of the ruins of Byzantium, witnessed the experience of traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, looking directly at everything related to His Majesty Rasulullah SAW. The experience of traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, became an unforgettable memory.