INTRIGUING Istanbul

HISTORY, ART AND ARCHITECTURE SHINE BRIGHT IN THIS EXOTIC TURKISH CITY

Liam Neeson says the sensorial experiences in Istanbul made him fall for this magical Turkish “gateway from the West to the East” that straddles the Bosphorus Strait and lies in both Europe and Asia. “There are 4,000 mosques in the city [and] some are just stunning,” he notes. “The call to prayer happens five times a day, and for the first week it drives you crazy, and then it just gets into your spirit and it’s the most beautiful thing.”

Once known as Constantinople, Istanbul’s ancient roots are always on full display, which enthralls the actor. “You see it in the streets there. You see foundation stones that were laid by, not just the Romans… the Romans were only 2,000 years ago, but generations thousands of years [before them],” says Liam, 65. “It is such a rich, incredible historical culture, and you feel it.” — Aaron Rasmussen