Category: Istanbul Landmarks

While often overshadowed by the Blue Mosque and other famous sites, the Fatih Mosque holds immense historical and cultural significance.  Brief History The Fatih Mosque, also known as the Conqueror’s Mosque, was commissioned by Mehmed the Conqueror, the legendary Ottoman emperor who captured Constantinople in 1453. Construction began in 1463 and the mosque was completed…

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a famous museum in Istanbul, Turkey. It has a big collection of art and items that show the history and culture of Turkey and Islamic regions, from Spain to India. This museum helps visitors learn more about Turkish and Islamic art and history in a simple and…

Istanbul’s Süleymaniye Mosque, standing on one of the city’s seven hills, is a remarkable piece of architecture that has graced the skyline for more than 460 years. This iconic mosque, highly frequented by both tourists and locals, carries a deep historical significance. Beyond being a mosque, the Süleymaniye is part of a larger social complex…

The historical Istanbul peninsula was designated as a world heritage site in 1985 and is considered the center of the modern megacity. It has served as the capital for various civilizations including the Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Bounded by ancient city walls and the waters of the Bosphorus, Marmara Sea, and Golden Horn, it’s…

Galata Tower is called “The Eye of Istanbul” as it sees most parts of the city with its balcony on the top. Locating at the end of Istiklal Avenue which is the most visited and crowded shopping street of Istanbul, Galata Tower is a must-see historical heritage of Turkey. Every day, thousands of tourists visit…

Built as a rival to Versailles Palace in France, Dolmabahçe Palace is located on the coast of Bosporus, in Istanbul. In 2019, the Palace received over 1 million tourists. It never failed to amaze visitors with its luxury, beauty, flamboyance, and radiance. The Palace housed the later Ottoman Empire sultans. Sultan Abdulmecit constructed it in…

Sultanahmet, once the seat of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, is a living testament to Istanbul’s layered history. Sultanahmet district hosts a constellation of historic landmarks, such as the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Blue Mosque, and the grand Topkapi Palace. Alongside these, the Basilica Cistern and the ancient Hippodrome stand as proud remnants of…

Immerse yourself in the mysterious allure of Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, an ancient marvel hidden beneath the city’s bustling streets. Our guide introduces you to this awe-inspiring underground reservoir, its historical significance, and the fascinating sights you can expect to encounter. Brief History of Basilica Cistern The Basilica Cistern, known as “Yerebatan Sarnıcı” in Turkish, was…

The Spice Bazaar, also known as Mısır Çarşısı or the Egyptian Bazaar, was named so because spices were historically imported from Egypt to the Ottomans. Upon entering the bazaar, you will immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of the East, characterized by its exquisite Oriental architecture and an array of spice aromas, colors, and fragrances.…

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, spanning over 700,000 square meters, is a distinctive imperial palace in Istanbul that grew organically with each new Sultan adding new buildings over a span of 400 years. Like a small city within a city, it housed more than 6000 residents and served as the seat of power for 25 Sultans.…