1. Admire the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque
Hagia Sophia, also known as Aya Sofya, is a mosque in Istanbul. It is the largest building in the world that was built in 6th century. The monument has been used as a mosque since 1453 and it is still in use today.
It was originally built by Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537 CE to serve as the cathedral of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) and stands on the site of two earlier churches. The Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous buildings in history.
The building has survived earthquakes, fires, riots, wars, neglect and vandalism during its 1,500-year history while retaining its original form with little modification other than minor repairs made to its masonry blocks from time to time.
The Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. It’s said that when the Byzantine Emperor Justinian entered his finished church for the first time in CE 536, he was so overwhelmed with emotion that he wept and declared, “Solomon, I have outdone thee!”
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine imperial mosque, now a museum in Istanbul.
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most visited monuments in the world. It was the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church for over 900 years. The current structure was built by Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537 AD.
The building has had many different names over its long history. From “New Church” to “Holy Wisdom”. The Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the few buildings in Istanbul that survived from antiquity and has been used continuously since then.
2.Explore Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
Topkapı Palace is a palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years.
Topkapı Palace is a large complex with many pavilions and gardens, and has been described as one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. It was built between 1459 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, who also renovated the complex of Hagia Sophia at Constantinople. The palace remained in use as a royal residence until 1853 when it was closed to the public. The last Ottoman sultan, Abdulmejid II, lived there from 1861 to 1876 after he abdicated his throne.
In 1924 Topkapı Palace became a museum following a decree from Mustafa Kemal Atatür
Topkapı Palace is a palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years.
Topkapı Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and most important palaces in the world. It served as a home to four generations of Ottoman sultans from 1478 to 1856.
The palace complex consists of four main courtyards, along with several smaller buildings and pavilions set within large gardens and parks. The complex includes many fine examples of Turkish art such as calligraphy, furniture, ceramics, metalware and carpets as well as some European imports such as porcelain from China or silverware from Italy.
Topkapı Palace is a palace in Istanbul, Turkey, that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans from 1478 to 1856.
The palace is situated on the third hill of Istanbul. It was built by Mehmed II between 1459 and 1478 and it is a large complex with many beautiful buildings and pavilions surrounded by gardens.
3.Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami)
The Blue Mosque is one of the most well-known landmarks in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the historic Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, which was once Constantinople.
The mosque was built by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. The mosque has six minarets and eight domes that are covered with blue tiles.
The interior design of the mosque has a very simple design with only a few decorations on the walls and ceilings.
This is to emphasize that all people are equal before Allah (God) and to keep from distracting from worshiping Allah (God).
The Blue Mosque is a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul, Turkey. It was designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa and built between 1609 and 1616. The mosque is on the banks of the Golden Horn, on a site that had been occupied by two earlier mosques.
The Blue Mosque is popular for its beautiful blue tiles that cover the walls of the mosque. The tiles were made in Iznik, an Ottoman imperial factory with an art school to train tilemakers.
The Blue Mosque is a Turkish mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque was originally built as a church during the Byzantine era and was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
This is one of the most famous mosques in Istanbul and it is open to visitors from all religions. The Blue Mosque has six minarets and eight domes that are covered with blue tiles. It also has two large marble fountains at its entrance that were built by Sultan Ahmet
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Istanbul is one of the most well-known structures in Turkey. The mosque was designed in the early 1600s by Emin Sinan, a famous architect of that time. Sinan used a mix of blue tiles to create the interior effect that gives the mosque its name.
4.Head Underground at the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıçı)
The Basilica Cistern is also known as the Yerebatan Sarnıçı, which translates to “underground water reservoir” in Turkish. It was originally built by Emperor Justinian I in 532 A.D.
The cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey and it spans over an area of 11,000 square meters. The construction consists of a central octagonal-shaped chamber with four rows of arches that support the roof and four peripheral chambers around it that are connected to the central chamber by corridors.
The Basilica Cistern was constructed by Emperor Justinian I in 532 A.D., and served as a water supply for the Byzantine Palace and surrounding buildings during times of war or siege. The cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most surprising tourist attractions, and it’s also one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. It was built by Justinian I in 532 AD, and it was used as a water reservoir for the Great Palace of Constantinople.
The cistern is located under the ground below the Hagia Sophia, which was originally a church that had been converted into a mosque after Ottoman conquest. The cistern has 336 marble columns supporting its roof, which are arranged in 12 rows with 17 columns each. The columns stand on top of large stone blocks that are three meters high and five meters wide.
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most surprising tourist attractions, and it’s also one of the best places to visit in Istanbul
The Basilica Cistern is the largest of all the cisterns in Istanbul. It has a capacity for more than 100,000 cubic meters of water and was used as a water supply for the Great Palace of Constantinople.
The Basilica Cistern is an underground Byzantine cistern located in Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul because it houses architectural features from both Christianity and Islam. It was originally built by Emperor Justinian I, but was renovated by Emperor Manuel I Comnenus who added a domed roof to cover its open-air interior with sloping sides that are supported by 336 marble columns.
The columns used in construction were recycled from earlier classical structures and feature decorative carvings.
5. Stroll the Hippodrome-best places to visit in istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This city has something for everyone. It is one of the most diverse, modern and historical cities in the world. The city contains great architecture, mosques, churches and palaces. Let’s take a walk through this amazing city and explore some of its best places to visit.
The Hippodrome is located in Istanbul’s historic peninsula district called Sultanahmet. It is an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium which was used by Byzantine Emperors for ceremonial purposes as well as chariot races during Byzantine times until it was replaced with a mosque in 1453 by Mehmed II after he conquered Constantinople (which was renamed Istanbul) from the Byzantines. The Ottoman
The ancient Hippodrome was begun by Septimius Severus in CE 203 and completed by Constantine the Great in CE 330. The site of many historic events, it is now a public park with a museum that houses some of the most important monuments from the Byzantine era.
The Hippodrome is situated on Sultanahmet Square, one of the oldest areas of Istanbul, and was originally used as a stadium for horse racing. It was also used as an amphitheatre for shows and games.
The Hippodrome has been built over with residences and other buildings over time, but it still stands today as one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions.
6. Check Out the Collection in Istanbul Archaeology Museum
The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is the largest and most important of its kind in Turkey. It is also one of the largest museums in Europe, with a huge collection of archaeological artifacts.
The museum opened to the public in 1891 and was originally built to house the archeological finds from Istanbul, particularly from nearby ancient Constantinople. The museum has been closed for renovation since October 2016, but it is slated to reopen in 2020.
The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. It is located just a hop, skip, and jump away from Topkapı Palace, and easily visited afterwards. The museum complex brings together an amazing collection of artifacts from all over the world.
The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. It is located just a hop, skip, and jump away from Topkapı Palace, and easily visited afterwards. The museum complex brings together an amazing collection of artifacts from all over the world.
The Museum of the Ancient Orient (MAO) was founded in 2009 and is the first museum of its kind in the Middle East. The MAO’s mission is to promote understanding and dialogue between cultures through exhibitions and educational programming that focus on the art and heritage of the region prior to Islam.
The Museum of the Ancient Orient has become a mecca for tourists looking to experience Istanbul’s rich heritage. Long neglected in favor of its European-focused neighbors, this museum has brought the city’s past back to life.
7. Shop in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
The Grand Bazaar is a large, covered market in Istanbul. It is located in the Eminönü district of the Fatih district. The bazaar has been operating since 1461 and is considered to be one of the most famous shopping centers in Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar has a total of 61 gates, which are named after different craftsmen and merchants who once sold their goods there. These include copper workers, iron workers, coppersmiths, goldsmiths, saddlers, shoemakers and hatmakers. The most famous gate inside the bazaar is called Kapalıçarşı (literally meaning “closed market”). This gate was closed to trade in 1894 due to an increase in trade volume and was reopened for tourists on November 3rd 2010
“The Grand Bazaar is a historic market with over 4,000 shops under one roof. It is the largest covered bazaar in the world and one of the oldest shopping malls in Turkey.”
The Grand Bazaar is a historic market with over 4,000 shops under one roof. It is the largest covered bazaar in the world and one of the oldest shopping malls in Turkey. The bazaar consists of several streets lined on both sides with shops that sell everything from fresh produce to clothing to souvenirs.
There are many other places to visit in Istanbul that are not as touristy as this famous landmark. Some visitors consider these hidden gems more interesting than visiting some of Istanbul’s more popular attractions like Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia.
8. Admire the Architecture of the Süleymaniye Mosque
The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. It was built by the Ottoman Empire architect Mimar Sinan and is considered one of his most important works.
The mosque was constructed as a memorial for Sultan Selim I, who died in 1520 and who had been known as Süleyman (“the Magnificent”). It was completed in 1557.
The mosque has a single minaret, four large domes, and two small ones. The interior decoration is lavish and includes Iznik tiles from the 16th century. The mosque has a total capacity of 10,000 people
The Süleymaniye Mosque is the second largest mosque in Istanbul. It was built by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century.
This mosque has a large courtyard with a marble fountain and an octagonal pool. There are also two minarets at each end of the building, which are each crowned with a double-shelled dome.
The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Turkey. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Süleyman I, also known as “Süleyman the Magnificent”, who ruled from 1520 to 1566, and was built between 1550 and 1557 during his reign. It was designed
9. Sample Turkish Produce in the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
Mısır Çarşısı is the best place to find Turkish produce. It is a market that has been around since 1461 and it is located in Eminönü, Istanbul. It is the oldest and largest of its kind in the city.
There are many other attractions in Istanbul that can be visited by tourists such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Blue Mosque.
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. The market is located near the Eminonu port and offers a variety of spices, herbs, nuts, dried fruits and dried vegetables.
One of the most important features of this market is that it has both indoor and outdoor sections. It also offers some restaurants for you to enjoy your meal with friends or family when you are done with your shopping.
The Spice Market is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm.
Mısır Çarşısı, which means the Spice Bazaar in Turkish, is a historical market located in Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century and is still an active market with many shops selling spices, herbs and dried fruits.
The Spice Bazaar has been a center of trade for centuries. In Ottoman times it was a place where people could buy all kinds of spices that were imported from all over the world. Today it is still one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for its historical significance and rich culture.
10. Soak Up the Splendor of Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is the best place to visit in Istanbul. It was built by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1854, and replaced Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the sultans. The palace is located at the shore of the Bosphorus.
The palace is a mix of European and Ottoman architecture styles, with a total floor area of 200,000 square meters on a 5-acre waterfront site. Dolmabahçe means “the Palace on the Water” in Turkish. It was designed by French architect Joseph Bocqué to resemble Versailles Palace in France.
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. It was originally built by Sultan Abdül Mecid I in 1856, on the shore of the Bosphorus strait.
The Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace that was built on the shore of the Bosphorus strait in 1856. The palace is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations and it has a clear European influence on its architecture and decoration.
There are many places to visit in Istanbul, but the Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the best. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.
The Dolmabahce Palace was built for Sultan Abdulmecid I in 1853. The palace was built on a small island that was connected to the mainland by a causeway. The palace is made up of two buildings, with each building consisting of four floors.
The ground floor has a large entrance hall and an impressive staircase leading to the upper floors. There are also numerous rooms on this floor that were used by visitors to stay overnight or conduct official business with officials from the Ottoman Empire.
The second floor consists of ceremonial rooms and living quarters for members of the royal family,
11.See the Frescoes of the Chora Church (Kariye Cami)
The Chora Church (Kariye Cami) is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. It was originally called the Church of St. Saviour of Chora and it lay just outside the city walls.
This church is a rare example of a Byzantine church that has been in continuous use as a place of worship since it was first built in the early 11th century. The frescoes inside are well-preserved and date from about 1200 AD, making them some of the most important examples from this period in history.
The church was built in the 13th century and is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. The frescoes inside are some of the most magnificent in the world.
The Church of St. Saviour of Chora, or as it is now known as, the Chora Church, is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. It lies just outside the city walls and is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. The frescoes inside are some of the most magnificent in the world.
Frescoes of the Chora Church is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. The frescoes date back to 12th century and were created by a team of Byzantine artists.
The frescoes are divided into three sections: south, west and north. The south section depicts scenes from the life of Christ and his mother, Mary, while the west section shows scenes from the Old Testament. The north section is devoted to Saint Nicholas and other saints such as Saint Irene and Gregory Palamas. There are also many depictions of everyday life in Byzantine society such as hunting, fishing, farming etc.
12. Visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi)
Housed in the palace of Ibrahim Paşa, who was Grand Vizier for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent,
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is housed in the palace of Ibrahim Paşa, who was Grand Vizier for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. It is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore Turkish and Islamic art from many different cultures, including Persian, Ottoman, Indian, Chinese and Arabic.
The museum houses an impressive collection of ceramics, textiles and carpets. Visitors can view the intricate workmanship on these pieces while learning about their historical context. The museum also includes some items which are not on display; they are only available for research purposes.
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi) is a museum located in the Beyazıt district of Istanbul, Turkey. The museum is one of the largest museums in Istanbul with an area of 7,500 square meters. It was founded by Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1891, with the aim to present works from different periods of art history.
Its collections include over 100,000 pieces from various periods and regions, including examples from Egypt, Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India-Central Asia, China and Japan.
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a cultural center that provides a great insight into the art and culture of Turkey. It is an important tourist destination in Istanbul.
The museum has three floors, each with its own theme. The first floor exhibits Islamic arts from the Ottoman Empire, while the second floor exhibits art from the Seljuk Empire. The third floor exhibits Turkish arts from the Ottoman Empire, including calligraphy and ceramics.
13. View the Little Aya Sofya (Küçük Aya Sofya)
In the year 527, Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of a church in Istanbul. This church was built to replace a much smaller church that had been in the same location for over a century.
This church became known as Küçük Aya Sofya, or “Little Hagia Sophia”. The name is derived from its design and size, which is much smaller than Hagia Sophia cathedral located in Istanbul.
The palace is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and is one of the most important monuments of the era. It was built in 537 AD by Empress Aya Sofya, wife of Emperor Justinian I.
The building was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and it has been used as such for centuries. It currently houses two mosques: the first one, on the southern side, is called Küçük Aya Sofya Mosque or Hünkar Mosque, while the second one on its northern side is called Sultan Ahmet Mosque or Blue Mosque.
The Little Aya Sofya is the only remaining Byzantine church in Istanbul. It was built in the 6th century and it is located near the Grand Bazaar. The church has a rich history and it is one of the most important monuments of early Christianity in Istanbul.
The Little Aya Sofya was first built as a small chapel for St. John Chrysostomos, on his grave. It was later converted to a full-fledged church, by Justinian I, after he had taken control of Istanbul from the Byzantines in 527 AD.
The church’s architecture is Byzantine style with some modifications of Ottoman style, which can be seen on its exterior walls and domes. The interior decoration has been lost over time but there are still some remnants that show what kind