Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design

TopkapI Palace

Topkapi Palace Topkapı Palace was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational centre of the state. Initially constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, and expanded upon and altered many times throughout its long history, the palace served as the home of the Ottoman sultans and their court until the middle of the 19th century.

Hippodrome

Hippodrome Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena mainly for chariot races. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Hagia Sophia Mosque The Hagia Sophia, one of the historical architectural wonders that still remains standing today, has an important place in the art world with its architecture, grandness, size and functionality. The Hagia Sophia, the biggest church constructed by the East Roman Empire in Istanbul, has been constructed three times in the same location.

Grand Bazaar

Kapali Carsi One of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is 30,700 square meters with over 60 streets and alleys and 4,000 shops

Sultanahmet District

Home to some of Istanbul’s most recognizable attractions, the Sultanahmet District is an ideal place to explore the city’s complex history. With the rose-colored Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) sitting across from the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and down the street from the energetic Grand Bazaar, this neighborhood packs in a wealth of culture.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern or the Sunken Palace, is an ancient underground water reservoir located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions and a remarkable architectural wonder. Historical Background: The Basilica Cistern was constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD. Istanbul, known as Constantinople at the time, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The cistern was built to provide a reliable water supply for the Great Palace of Constantinople, which stood nearby. Architecture and Features: The cistern is an enormous underground chamber that spans an area of about 9,800 square meters (105,000 square feet). It is supported by a forest of 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows, with each row consisting of 28 columns. The cistern has a capacity to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cubic feet) of water.

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace The Dolmabahce Palace is located along the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait. Originally there was a shallow bay where the Ottoman fleet used to anchor their ships. After the 17th century the coast was filled in and converted into a nice garden with a couple of pavilions named as Besiktas Waterfront Palace complex, where the sultans used to relax enjoying the views.

Taksim Square

Taksim Square Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), Istanbul’s main modern hub, is located at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting place, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and buzzes with activity day and night. The area historically hosts public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.

Bosphorus Strait

Bosphorus Strait The Bosphorus Strait defines Istanbul. It is the divide between Europe and Asia, and the main connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Dotted with parks and elaborate Ottoman mansions, including Dolmabahce Palace, and spanned by three intercontinental bridges, the Bosphorus is the veritable heart of the city.

Bosphorus Bridge

Bosphorus Bridge The Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) in Istanbul is one of three continent-spanning bridges over the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. When it opened in 1973, the 5,118-foot (1,560-meter) bridge was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. And though it has since slid down the rankings, it is still an impressive sight to behold

KIz Kulesi

KIz Kulesi Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) Located on an islet in the Bosphorus Strait, just offshore from Istanbul’s Uskudar neighborhood, Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) is a historical site that has inspired myths and legends. The Ottomans expanded and rebuilt the structure, and today it contains a restaurant and bar with views of the city

Galata Tower

Galata Tower Rising high above its namesake neighborhood, Istanbul’s Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) dates back to the Genoese presence in Constantinople in the 14th century. An elevator takes you up to a viewing platform located under the roof, which offers panoramic views of the Old City peninsula and Beyoglu neighborhood.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

Built in the 17th century, the covered Spice Bazaar is Istanbul’s fragrant hub for all things flavorful. Piles of pepper, saffron, teas, and dried apricots nestle alongside shops selling colorful Turkish delight, silk scarves, and glass mosaic lamps. Take time to chat with vendors, sip tea, and haggle for the perfect price.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque, also known as the Suleymaniye Camii in Turkish, is a magnificent mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built during the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and was completed in 1557. The mosque was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also designed many other important buildings throughout Istanbul. The Suleymaniye Mosque is considered one of Sinan's greatest works and is one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is known for its impressive size and striking beauty. It features a large central dome, as well as four smaller domes and two minarets. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate tile work and calligraphy, and the central prayer hall is surrounded by a colonnade of marble columns. In addition to its religious significance, the Suleymaniye Mosque also has a rich cultural and historical significance.

Patriarchate Of Constantinople

The Fener Rum Ortodoks Church, also known as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, is a historic Greek Orthodox church located in the Fener district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church and serves as the spiritual center of the Orthodox Christian world. The church was originally built in the 4th century, and over the centuries it has undergone numerous renovations and additions. It is considered one of the most important churches in the Orthodox Christian tradition, and it has served as the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since the 6th century. The church features a striking combination of architectural styles, reflecting its long history and the various cultural influences that have shaped Istanbul over the centuries. It features a large central dome, as well as numerous smaller domes and minarets. it is considered one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture in the world.

Pierre Loti Tepesi

Pier Loti Hill, also known as Pierre Loti Tepesi in Turkish, is a popular hilltop viewpoint located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, Turkey. The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The hill is named after the French author Pierre Loti, who was known for his love of Istanbul and his frequent visits to the city. Loti was a regular visitor to the hill, which was named in his honor after his death in 1923. To reach the top of the hill, visitors can take a cable car ride from the Eyüp district. At the top, there is a small café named after Pierre Loti, where visitors can enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee while taking in the breathtaking views. In addition to its stunning views, Pier Loti Hill is also a popular destination for its historical significance. The hill is home to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, which is considered one of the most important Islamic sites in Istanbul.