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Istanbul, more historically known as Byzantium and then later Constantinople, is a fascinating city. It straddles the Bosphorus Strait and is the only city in the world to be situated across two continents, Europe and Asia. At one time or another the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires it has been bestowed a long and rich cultural heritage.

The Ottomans certainly left their mark as the skyline is filled with the domes and minarets of mosques. Whilst the founding of modern Turkey in 1923 brought about secularisation it remains largely islamic with over 2,600 active mosques.

The more well-known mosques like the Sultanahmet Mosque (popularly called the Blue Mosque) or the Süleymaniye Mosque are magnificent. Monumental in size and ornate they typify islamic architectural design. Standing inside to look up and admire their great ceilings leaves you in humble awe.