Though it’s name has changed over the years, the importance of Byzantium, Constantinople or istanbul as it has been known through the centuries, hasn’t. Its past is reflected in the wonderful buildings and monuments that still stand today.
The capital of the Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, istanbul has been at the center of major historical events for the centuries.
The most of historical palces located on istanbul Bosphorus and Sultanhamet.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most important monuments in the historical peninsula of istanbul. Built in the Byzantine period as a church and then as a cathedral, the Hagia Sophia is one of the masterpieces of the architectural world with its magnificent design. The building was converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period and has been serving as a museum since 1934.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
One of istanbul’s most remarkable buildings, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is known as the Blue Mosque in the world due to the Iznik tiles. Located near Hagia Sophia, the mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed I in the 17th century. Sultan Ahmet Mosque, designed by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, student of Mimar Sinan, is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world with its colorful tiles, magnificent dome and magnificent structure.
Topkapi palace
Topkapi Palace, one of the most important buildings dating from the Ottoman Empire, is located in the Sarayburnu district of istanbul. The palace, which was used as administrative center for 400 years in the Ottoman Empire, was built in 1478 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. In the palace where the personal belongings of the sultans who spent time in the palace were displayed during the Ottoman Period. Muhammed’s cardigan, beard, footprints, Hz. Abraham’s pot, Hz. Moses’ wand, the Prophet. David’s sword, Hz. The Holy Relics Department, where important relics such as Yusuf’s robes, were found, attracted great attention.
Grand Bazaar (Grand Covered Bazaar)
The Grand Bazaar, one of the most touristic places in istanbul, is one of the first shopping centers in the world. The first section of the bazaar, which is located between Beyazıt Mosque and Nuru Osmaniye Mosque, was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed in 1460. Later, the Grand Bazaar, which was gradually expanded, reached almost 4 thousand stores on 65 streets. The market is still one of the most visited places in the world, with a wide variety of products from handmade goods to clothes, food, goods.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, one of the oldest towers in the world, was built in 528 by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. The building, which was originally designed as a lighthouse, was used as a shelter in the Ottoman Period and as a fire observation tower. The Bosphorus and the Golden Horn are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013.
Basilica Cistern
The most famous cistern in istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, is located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia. The cistern, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I to meet the water needs of the palace in the Byzantine period, spans an area of 9,800 square meters. Yerebatan Cistern, which has a very impressive structure with 100 thousand tons of water storage volume, has been used as a museum since 1987.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace, one of the most eye-catching buildings of the Bosphorus, is one of the buildings dating from the Ottoman Empire. The palace, which was built by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1839 by the Balyan family, looks at each other with beautiful decorations, unique paintings and unique works. Dolmabahçe Palace, which was used by Atatürk in 1927-1938, has been used as a museum-palace since 1984.
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress, also known as Bogazkesen Hisari, is located in Sarıyer district of İstanbul. The fortress built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to prevent attacks from the north of the Bosphorus, covers an area of 30 acres. Rumeli Fortress, which has reached its present state in its unspoilt state, is now being used as a museum and as an open-air theater.
Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower, one of istanbul’s oldest buildings, is located off the coast of Salacak Coast of Üsküdar. The building which was built in the ancient Roman period as the first building defense area was used for different purposes in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. With its 360 degree panoramic istanbul view and its architecture that defies its years, the Maiden’s Tower has been serving as a museum-restaurant since 1995.
The Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace, located in the Beylerbeyi district of Üsküdar, was built by Sultan Abdülaziz into a grove in the Byzantine period, known as the Istavroz Gardens. The structure, designed by Balyan Family in 1861-1865, consists of six large halls, 24 rooms, 1 bath and 1 bathroom. Beylerbeyi Palace, which has an impressive structure with its wooden carving and gold embroidery workmanship, is one of the most spectacular buildings in istanbul.
Historical istanbul Tour
Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
Full-day istanbul city tour with lunch and entrance fee included.
9 Hours Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
Included Free Services in this Tour
Lunch Live Guide All Transfers Entrance fees
istanbul Sultanahmet Tour and Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night
Combination of istanbul Historical Tour and Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night
4.5 Hours istanbul Sultanahmet Tour and 3.5 Hours Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night
Included Free Services in this Tour
Dinner Live Guide All Transfers Entrance feesFurther Informations
Things to know before travelling to istanbul
The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to istanbul, Turkey
How to Apply for an E-visa to Turkey
Best Time to Visit istanbul
Where to Exchange Currency in istanbul
Where to Stay in istanbul
Where to Eat in istanbul
Turkish Food Guide
istanbul Travel Tips
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