Overview: Everywhere in the Turkish capital is evidence of civilizations that tried to tame it. From the Romans to the Ottomans, this tumultuous city has seen it all, and its architecture, cuisine, and customs reflect that reality. Prowl some of the Grand Bazaar's 2,000 shops and tour some of the world's great buildings--Topkapi Palace, the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the downtown Spice Market.