Millions of Ukrainians have already left for Europe, and many are still awaiting evacuation. These people were pulled out of the usual situation, they are often separated from their loved ones, feel constant stress and anxiety. But it is impossible to stay in this state for a long time - the consequences for the psyche will be catastrophic. Therefore, based on the advice of psychologists in such situations, VisitUkraine has gathered opportunities for people who have now sought refuge in Turkey to improve their psycho-emotional state in the form of free entertainment.

We will talk about the most powerful tourist hub in the country: Istanbul. And we guarantee that even if you are acquianted with the city, you will still learn a lot of new and interesting things.

Modern Istanbul is a huge and very diverse metropolis, which combines a turbulent past with a lot of historical monuments and a bright present, traditionally seasoned with the generous southern sun and the hospitality of the Turks.

Excursions

Freetour.com in Istanbul. There are two excursions: sightseeing one- with the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and other attractions, and the second - quite unusual one, which will allow you to admire the views of Istanbul from the observation deck and explore Taksim Square and the surrounding area, with its Flower Passage, fish market and other attractions. Both tours are designed for 2.5 hours and are held daily.

GuruWalk in Istanbul. There are several options for this resource: Galata and Taksim districts, the Old Town, city tour, Yildiz Park and others. 2-2.5 years each.

BigBoy Travel. Old Town Istanbul Walking Tour. This is probably the best choice to get to know the city for the first time: in 2 hours you will see all its main sights.

Museums

Museum of Sculpture and Painting (Sinanpaşa, Dolmabahçe Cad. Akatlar Durağı, Beşiktaş). The history of this museum began in 1937 - it was one of the first in Turkey. The exhibition consists entirely of works by local artists. Working days: Mon-Sat, 10:00 - 16:30

Istanbul Modern (Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi. Liman İşletmeleri, Sahasi Antrepo 4, Karaköy). A private museum that focuses on works of contemporary art not only by Turkish but also by foreign artists. Free admission on Thursdays.

Pera (Meşrutiyet Caddesi 65, 34443 Tepebaşi, Beyoğlu). There are also works by artists from around the world, 19-21 centuries. The museum is quite young - it was founded in 2005. In addition, special exhibitions with works by prominent artists (Miro, Warhol, Picasso, Frida Kahlo and others) are often held here. You can visit for free on Fridays from 18:00 to 22:00.

Archaeological Museum (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzesi). The unique scientific and educational exhibition complex consists of three sections-buildings: the Museum of Archeology, the Museum of the Ancient East and the Tiled Kiosk Estate (1472). In the latter you will see examples of famous Turkish ceramics and tiles (15th - 19th centuries). In total, the complex has more than 700 thousand exhibits.

Museum of Islamic and Turkish Art. It is located in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha, Grand Vizier (Fatih district). Works of art from the Seljuk, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Safid dynasties are presented, as well as ritual items preserved from the tombs and lodges of dervishes and mosques. The museum is divided into 7 sections: Ceramics and Glass, Woodwork, Art of Metal, Art of Stone, Ethnography, Carpets and Calligraphy.

Carpet Museum (Halı Müzesi). The museum has been operating since 1979 on the territory of the Sultanahmet Mosque complex (Hyunkar Kasri building). The collection is divided into three sections: Central and Eastern Anatolia, the Beylikler period and the Ottoman period. The oldest exhibit is 800 years old. In addition to local carpets, you can see ancient ones, donated by mosques of other countries (Caucasian, Persian and Ushachi).

Istanbul Naval Museum. History of navigation and conquests of one of the most powerful dominators in the seas - the Ottoman Empire. The exhibition does not end with the end of this era, but reaches the present. 20,000 exhibits, with parts of ships, models, accessories from ships, boats in full equipment, and on the walls - paintings illustrating the most important landmarks of Turkey. There are even the remains of Ataturk's private yacht! The top floor was given to weapons used in the navy and the uniform of sailors.

Toy Museum (İstanbul Oyuncak Müzesi). Be sure to come here with the kids when you are in the Goztepe area. You will see the collection of poet Sunaya Akin, who traveled for 20 years and collected toys around the world. It is just huge, very interesting and bright, the oldest exhibit is a French toy violin, made about 1817.

Parks

Yildiz. It is located in the center of the city and surrounds the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. From here there is a beautiful view of the Bosphorus, and in general it is very beautiful and green.

Gulhane. This park is part of the Topkapi Palace Complex. We strongly advise you not to miss the flowering of tulips in it! And here is a lake with caves and a waterfall.

Geztepe. There are just wonderful flower beds with roses, but it`s not so green, which should be considered if the day turns out to be hot. In general, it is extremely cozy and beautiful.

Observation decks

Chamlidge Hill. This is the highest point of the Asian part of the city.

Pierre Loti Hill. This observation deck is in the European part of Istanbul.

Ulus Park. From here it is best to admire the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace and the Asian coast of the city.

Other attractions of Istanbul

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue, At Meydanı, 7, Fatih). One of the largest and probably the most beautiful mosques. What's inside, what's outside, it's just fabulous! It got its second name due to the color of the exterior.

Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Mah., Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar cad. 1, Fatih). Second one in popularity, but not in beauty.

Zeyrek Mosque (Ibadethane Sokak, Fatih). It used to be an Orthodox monastery. Now the building is pleasing the eye with its festive light pink color and quite original decoration.

Balat district. Historically, Jews have settled here - all the color is available.

Galata Bridge. This two-level bridge, built in 1994, spans the Golden Horn Bay. A kind of geographical border between Asia and Europe.

Market. It is difficult to feel all the color of the East without visiting it! This means the largest one in Istanbul - the Grand Bazaar. The second market, no less interesting is Egyptian one.