Städtereise im Orient: Istanbul, Amman & Kairo

About the destination: Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

About the destination: Amman, regarded by some as the cultural hub of the Middle East, is the capital city of Jordan. Located on a hilly region between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley, Amman is now a modern and cosmopolitan city filled with state-of-the-art buildings, hotels, upscale restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. However, traces of the city's rich history can be seen everywhere. The city's core is the Citadel, home to Roman and Ammonite ruins. From the Citadel's peak, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city's hills. While the city we see today may not be very old, the Citadel's hill holds evidence of the city's ancient past as Greek Philadelphia. An intriguing Archaeological museum worth a visit is also located here. Nearby, you'll find the Roman theatre and several museums showcasing fascinating collections of mosaics, jewelry, and costumes. A stroll around the city will lead you to mosques, a surprising array of churches, markets, and shops. Amman is a bustling city where modernity and tradition exist harmoniously. Furthermore, Amman serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. From Amman, it's easy to reach destinations like Jerash, Ajlun, Pella, the Dead Sea, and the Desert Castles.

About the destination: Cairo, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East, is the capital of Egypt. Cairo has been a center of great importance to many civilizations, cultures, and religions. From Pharaonic and Greco-Roman to Ottoman and European, and encompassing Jewish, Christian, and Islamic influences, each of its identities has left a strong imprint on Cairo, making it one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The Giza Plateau, which includes the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, is the only remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the country's most famous tourist attraction. The sheer mass of the pyramids is awe-inspiring. Islamic Cairo, the center of historic Cairo, is best explored on foot. Located east of downtown, it is full of charming little mosques and water fountains. The most important sites to visit are the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el Khalili, the main bazaar, some historic mosques, and displays of medieval architecture, as well as some of Cairo's Turkish baths or Hammams. No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing the Egyptian Museum. With its exotic atmosphere, chaotic traffic, thousands of minarets, noise, and charming people, Cairo is a fascinating city. Few cities in the world surpass Cairo in the number of monuments or architectural styles. Cairo is not an ordinary city; Cairo is a whole world.