If you have visited the Blue Mosque and other structures in its complex, many tourist attractions exist in this historical part of Istanbul. This magnificent area, bearing traces of the Ottoman Empire, is a world-class destination for history and culture enthusiasts. From the Hagia Sophia to the Topkapi Palace, from the Grand Bazaar to the Basilica Cistern, every corner will fascinate you, and you will witness the fascinating memories of the past.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
This square is an important meeting point for visitors, surrounded by essential structures such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. You can take an impressive walking tour in the Sultanahmet district, which provides easy access to these historical riches.
German Fountain
The German Fountain, also known as the "Kaiser Wilhelm II Fountain," is another significant spot ideal for meetings. It is located between Sultanahmet Square and the Blue Mosque and is known for its magnificent columns and beautiful domed structure, which the German Emperor gifted to Sultan Ahmet.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia has been rebuilt three times throughout its history. It was first built as a wooden-roofed basilica on one of Istanbul's seven hills during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine I. However, various riots and fires damaged it many times and eventually destroyed it completely.
Hagia Sophia was rebuilt in the same place for the second time during Emperor Theodosius II's reign and was opened to worship in 415. However, the rebels against Emperor Justinian burned and destroyed it in 532.
The third and current Hagia Sophia was built much larger and more spectacularly by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537. After the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II conquered Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, which was used as a mosque for many years. In 1934, it was turned into a museum. In 2020, it was reopened for worship as a mosque.
Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan Bath
This significant structure is located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Sinan the Architect built this structure in 1556-1557 on behalf of Hurrem Sultan, the famous wife of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is an enormous eastern palace, considered one of the world's greatest architectural works and one of the world's richest museums. It is also essential as the residence and education center of the Ottoman sultans.
The palace is home to the ancient imperial kitchen and the world's most exquisite porcelain collection. The sultans' clothes are exhibited, and the treasury section houses an impressive collection of rare stones, such as emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. The famous Harem, a special section reserved for the sultan's wives and concubines, is also here.
Hagia Irene Museum
Hagia Irene Museum is an essential building dating back to the 4th century. It was formerly used as a church and now serves as a museum. It is located in the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace Museum and serves as a center for cultural events and exhibitions. The building consists of three parts: naos, narthex, and the only surviving atrium, and it is one of the rare examples surviving from the Byzantine period.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
This museum is an essential example of 16th-century Ottoman civil architecture in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace. The museum offers visitors more than 40,000 unique works of art, including carpets, manuscripts, woodwork, glassworks, and ethnography.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
It is one of the richest archaeological museums in the world and consists of three different museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works, and the Tile Museum. The museum hosts an extensive collection of traces of civilizations such as Assyria, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern is one of the most impressive and mysterious structures in Istanbul. The cistern offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere, and the iconic Medusa head and the columns supporting the ancient structures are carved from different types of marble.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, reflecting Istanbul's historical and cultural richness. Its thousands of shops offer visitors various handicrafts and souvenirs, such as jewelry, carpets, and leather products. The architecture from the Ottoman period creates a unique atmosphere.
Spice Bazaar is a famous bazaar where spices, nuts, various souvenirs, and local products are sold. It attracts the attention of locals and tourists with its colorful stalls and historical texture.