The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul
PART 1
PART 2
The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul - part 2
Yükleyen sultanahmet1. - İlginç seyahat videolarını izleyin ve yeni yerleri keşfedin.
The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul
Yükleyen sultanahmet1. - Seyahat videolarıyla yeni yerleri keşfedin.
PART 3
The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul - part 3
Yükleyen sultanahmet1. - İlginç seyahat videolarını izleyin ve yeni yerleri keşfedin.
The Best Things and Places in Istanbul
Rustem Pasa Mosque in Tahtakale (Eminonu , Istanbul)
With a number of Ottoman mosques and many other historical monuments in its map, Istanbul is a top priority on every tourist’s list. Apart from being famous for having historical monuments, it also has the distinction of having some of the best restaurants and boutiques in its periphery.
Being a perfect blend of East and West cultures, you cannot help fall in love with this city beautiful. After all, who would not like to visit a city which welcomes its tourists with tasty food and unparalleled architecture?
One of the most important places worth visiting is the Mosque of Rustem Pasha. It happens to be one of the small mosques built in 1560 especially for the son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificent. The walls of this mosque exhibits the artistic skills of the time to which it belongs. Made of Iznik tiles of turquoise color, it is indeed a haven on earth.
Located just in the centre of the Sultanahmet, the Byzantine Hippodrome used to be a place for chariot racing. Now days, this place has become a favorite picnic spot not only of locals but also of tourists.
If you want to get an urban flavor of the city, better visit the Spice Market across the Galata Bridge at sunset when the city is engulfed with a rose-colored sky. At this time, the city is at its magical best.
For those having an ear for music, you ought not to miss the signature sound of Istanbul played by the muezzins five times a day. Another place for enjoying some less religious music is to pay a visit to Despina on Fridays and Saturdays. It happens to be one of the best taverns in Istanbul established in 1946. You will be fascinated by the soulful folk music played by the renowned musicians of Turkey. Catch a taxi from Sultanahmet to reach Despina.
Historic Grand Bazaar of the Sultanahmet Istanbul
For shopping freaks, the temptation of visiting the Grand Bazaar is unlikely to be overcome. It is one of the oldest bazaars of Istanbul where you can buy everything under one roof from numerous shops welcoming you with dazzling jewelry to Turkish carpets.
Another shopping bonanza awaits you to be explored while you walk just down the hill and walk to Spice Bazaar. This is the best bet for getting some of the best herbal and flavored spices.
A dish not to be missed during your visit to Istanbul is the Turkish delight known as lokum. It owes it origin to Istanbul way back in 1776. You can buy this delicacy from Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir shop located close to the Spice Bazaar. You can also gift lokum packed as a souvenir to anyone.
You must visit the Topkapi Palace built by Mehmet the Conqueror following his win in 1453. To visit the Harem, you should take a guided tour and enjoy the beauty of this place adorned with elegant kiosks.
Majority of the visitors spend their time visiting the famous shopping malls, but only few visit the bohemian endive.
Hagia Sophia Museum Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey
The best building of Istanbul is none other than the famous Hagia Sophia. With its beautiful architecture and domed ceiling, you are likely to fall in love with it. It was regarded as greatest church in Christendom till Constantinople (now Istanbul) was conquered in 1453. It was built by Emperor Justinian in 537.
Talking about best things in Istanbul, how can we miss to mention the best eating place of the city, that is, Nevizade Sokak located on Istiklal Caddesi. You can find locals enjoying fresh fried fish and meze in the evenings.
Talking about the best hotel in Istanbul, we would like to name the Four Seasons located in close proximity to the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya. It was once a prison of Sultanahmet. To book this place, you must place order days before you actually need to stay and also with a whopping cash as the booking price.
However, if you want to look for something affordable to stay, you can go for Hotel Sebnem which offers you comfort at cool prices.
Top 10 Tourist Sites of Istanbul
Istanbul Sight -Blue Mosque - Hagia Sophia
If you are on a short visit to Istanbul and want to experience the richness of the place in your visit, then you might feel confused as to which places to visit and which to keep for the next time. This is because Istanbul is a any tourist’s delight as it has not just one or two riches but a plethora of beautiful and famous historical places to be explored. However, the following list of places will help you get the best of Istanbul in the shortest possible time----
Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey
Hagia Sophia —Also known as Aya Sofya , this ancient monument was built in 532-537 A.D. during the rule of Justinian. Being one of the masterpieces of architectural design, it has Byzantine mosaics that date back from sixth century to the 10th century. It was converted to an Ottoman mosque following the fall of Byzantium. Now days, this church works as a museum open for public from Tuesday to Sunday.
Blue Mosque —Popularly known as Sultanahmet Mosque , this magnificent ancient building was made in 1609-1616 by Mehmet Aga. This functioning mosque has nearly 250 windows that allow natural light to flow in making the place appear larger in size. Tourists can enter the mosque once the prayers are over.
Topkapi Palace--- Topkapi Palace was built by Mehmet II after the conquest of Constantinople to be used as his main residence. Built in 1465, the buildings comprise a number of pavilions inside the huge courtyards. This palace used to be the Sultan’s residence and the official government seat. In 1924, Topkapi Palace was converted to a museum and since then, it has on display some of the most exquisite and finest collection of manuscripts, miniatures, jewelry, costumes and some items of religious significance.
Grand Bazaar--- Grand Bazaar is not just any ordinary place to shop. In fact, it has numerous shops, eating joints, banks and a mosque in its periphery. A visit to Istanbul is incomplete without visiting this famous place that is packed to capacity whenever you go there. This covered bazaar was built in 1453 by Mehmet II following his win over the city. It is open from Monday till Saturday.
Basilica Cistern---Meant to provide water to the Great imperial palace, this cistern was made in 532 A.D. by Justinian and is located near the Hippodrome. The cistern has 336 columns of being nearly 26 feet high providing support to the roof. The visitors can enjoy walking along the side ways of the cistern and listen to the mesmerizing sound of water.
Galata Tower--- Built in 1348, this huge tower seemingly touching the skyline used to serve the purpose of a watch tower during the Ottoman period. One can have views of Princes’ Islands from the top of this tower on clear days. The top floors of this tower have been converted to a night club and a restaurant.
Chora Church---This church of St. Savior was constructed in the 11th century at the site where an earlier church used to exist. The remodeling of Chora Church was done during 1315-1321 with the help of funds provided by an elite Byzantine theologian, Theodore Metochites. The walls and the roofs of this church have some of the most exquisite mosaics of the Byzantine period that depict religious scenes of Christ and Virgin Mary among others. The church now serves as a museum after its conversion into a mosque during the 16th century.
Spice Bazaar---As the structure was built from the funds collected through tax imposed on goods imported from Egypt, this bazaar got to be known as Egyptian Bazaar or Misir Carsisi. From spices, caviar, nuts to herbs, the bazaar is a good place to shop for spices of almost all types. This is a perfect place to shop for herbs to get relief from a number of ailments.
Dolmabahce Palace---Designed by the famous Armenian family of architects, this palace was made by Sultan Abdulmecit I in 1856. One can go inside the palace only by guided tour. The palace is still very luxuriant although it was built when the Ottoman Empire was on its last legs.
Eyup Sultan---Eyup is regarded as one of the main Muslim pilgrimage ranking only after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. It is the resting place of Eyup Ensari, the “alamdar” or the standard bearer of the Prophet Muhammad. Eyup Ensari was buried outside the city walls following his death during the siege of Constantinople by Arabs in 678 A.D. Meanwhile, a mosque was built around the tomb of Eyup Ensari by Sultan Mehmet II after he conquered Istanbul. Being a sacred place, it is often visited by Muslims for performing prayers and seeking blessings.