Learn Turkish in Istanbul, Turkey

It has kept precious and spectacular testimonies to this in the form of built, painted and written treasures. Visiting Istanbul is going on a journey through age-old, rich and incredibly varied cultures. With such sights as the fabulous Hagia Sophia, a holy place with a legendary dome which has become a museum, the Blue Mosque and its stunning volume of blue mosaics, the Hippodrome, long ago a stadium for 100,000 people in the centre of Byzantine Constantinople, Topkapi Palace and its transcultural treasures, the Basilica Cistern, this immense underground water reservoir supported by columns imported from throughout Ancient Europe and finally, the Golden Horn, a natural port developed in the Byzantine era…Istanbul shows you its prestigious past with legitimate pride. But its present is also to be discovered! The bazaars and the Turkish baths intoxicate you with scents and vapours, the shopping districts are welcoming and the inhabitants are so warm and friendly. When night falls, the city unveils a life of frenetic enjoyment where music and local gastronomy form the winning pair. From Taksim Square, go on the discovery of trendy, racy and nonconformist Istanbul. Pass by boat from one riverbank of the city to another so as not to miss out on any of the opportunities to party! Taste little bites of spiced flavours served in a Lounge of futuristic decor or savour a multicoloured cocktail in a fashionable nightclub. You think you’re in New York or in Paris ? Wrong – it’s Istanbul which leads you with fervour into its cosmopolitan night. Between past and present, this city, with its 12 million inhabitants, is always fascinating, never monochrome and truly endearing ! In 2010, Istanbul is the European Capital of Culture! Called « culture club » by a British newspaper, which highlights the incredible wealth of cultural goods, the city will put forward its unique style, its history and the very rich contemporary intellectual life. The prestigious international architects Rem Koolhaas, Norman Foster and Renzo Piano have been chosen to transform the popular district of Yenikapi around a new archeological park exhibiting the discoveries of the ancient port of Eleutherios. Fine arts will be emphasised by means of twenty travelling exhibitions that will travel as far as the most outlying sectors of the metropolis. In total, 520 artistic projects will be presented during the year, including a U2 concert and the “From Byzantium to Istanbul” exhibition. Return to introduction...