The restaurant scene is booming, neighbourhoods are being transformed and at the same time, Istanbul offers world renowned ancient architecture and museums, food fit for a sultan and enough sights and activities for a lifetime of visits.

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We were also dazzled by the dynamic "dancing" facade of the Kiefer Technic showroom and this towering greenery-lined pyramid caught our eye with its modern take on ancient Mayan architecture.

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Living conditions in these are basic at best - a one-room family-house with a tiny shed-like kitchen-conversion and often no private toilet - but it is this unusual mix of ancient aristocratic architecture and current-day, salt-of-the-earth locals that gives the hutong alleys their unique character.

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With the capriccios, combining real and imaginary places, ancient and modern architecture in one picture, Guardi is in his element.

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An ancient example of adobe architecture exists at Taos Pueblo, a Native American settlement on the edge of Taos, in the north of the state.

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This temple, built in the late 15th century, is a major monument of Jain architecture, an ancient ascetic faith based on nonviolence.

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What you are left with, among other things, is one of the ancient cradles of civilization boasting historical architecture for tourists who want something a little different.

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By that time he had learned from his travels and examination of ancient sites that a classical-modern synthesis was not only possible but vital to creating timeless architecture.

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