İSTANBUL

İstanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world and connects Asia and Europe. It is the second biggest city in Europe and fifth in the world considering its 12.5 million population. It served as capital for the Roman Empire between the years 330 - 395, for the East Roman Empire between 395 - 1204 and 1261 - 1453, the Latin Empire between 1204 - 1261 and finally for the Ottoman Empire between 1453 - 1922. Furthermore, it became the center of Islam from 1517 when Ottoman Empire inherited the responsibility of the Caliphate till 1924 when the Caliphate was abolished. The city has been serving as center for Greek Orthodox Patriarchate since the 4th century and it still serves as a center for other Orthodox churches. Moreover, the city is the center of Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate and İstanbul Armenian Patriarchate.

The temperature during the congress date is expected to be between 10-25 celsius degrees.

Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet is the place where sultans and their courts lived and from where Ottoman Empire was being ruled. Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet is one of the most important structures of all times. Sultanahmet Mosque, Sultanahmet is also known as Blue Mosque due to its unique blue and white tiles. Süleymaniye Mosque, Eminönü is accepted to be the most beautiful mosque in İstanbul and was built during the period of Ottoman Empire. Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet is the enormous cistern supported by 336 capitals designed in corinthian order and may be visited every day. Dolmabahçe Palace was built during 19th century and is a paragon of beauty with is coast of 600 meters just next to the Bosporus. Military Museum, Harbiye gives you an opportunity to see many military materials that Ottoman army used. It is also possible to listen to Ottoman military songs live, performed by Janissary Band everyday between 15:00 and 16:00. Grand Bazaar, Eminönü is the biggest and oldest bazaar of the world and is located at the center of İstanbul. It was started to be built in 1461. It is possible to find here all kinds of valuable products including jewelleries, golds, spices and carpets. Spice Bazaar, Eminönü is locates next to Yeni Mosque and is a door opening toeastern mysticism. All kinds of spices, from cinnamon tosaffron, can be found in this bazaar. Galata Tower was built by Genoese in 1348 and allows you to see theunique view of Golden Horn and Bosphorous. İstiklal Avenue, Taksim gives you an opportunity to experience thousands ofyears old cultural history and prosperity of İstanbul. It never sleeps with its cafés, movie theathers, book stores, restaurants and bars.