Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul is one of the largest cities in Turkey and the third largest in Europe. Ever since its foundation in 1000 BC, it has changed many hands, the influence of which is visible in its monuments, culture, and food. Its attractive high mountains, warm seas, and an array of delectable are must to experience. It’s Turkey’s most famous city that received more visitors than New York, and California. If planning a visit, find out if you need a Turkey visa.
Istanbul’s long and famous history has left glorious remnants and several amazing sites to explore. With hundreds of tourist attractions in and around the city, there is now way you will feel bored. If history, and shopping souvenirs are what you like, use this list of fine tourist attractions to enjoy an amazing trip in Istanbul.
Lets check out the best places to visit in Istanbul
#1. Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul
#2. Topkapi Palace (TopkapiSarayi) in Istanbul
#3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul
#4. Basilica Cistern (YerebatanSarniçi) in Istanbul
#5. Hippodrome of Constantinople in Istanbul
#6. Istanbul Archaeology Museum in Istanbul
#7. Grand Bazaar (KapaliÇarsi) in Istanbul
#1. Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul
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Just like many monuments that changed their original identify after being conquered by outsiders, Aya Soya, now Hagia Sophia, too underwent several makeovers. The first and the original Aya Sofya was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Constantine in 360 AD. But this wooden structure didn’t last long and was burned down in a riot. The church then saw the light of the day when Theodosius II re-constructed it in marble in 415. However, it too was torn down in Niki Revolt in 532.
The present structure that we see today was rebuilt in 537 by Emperor Justinian I. It was his desire to build the largest church of its time. The structure was so beautiful after its completion, that he exclaimed ‘Solomon I have surpassed you,’ referring to the fist temple built by him. For around a thousand years, Aya Sofya remained the largest church in the world.
When Ottoman Sultan Ahmed II captured Istanbul in 1453, he secured and converted the church into a mosque. The mosaics on the interior walls of the church were all covered with a plaster. To give it a mosque look, the Sultan also added minarets and mihrab. Since then, it has remained an important mosque in Istanbul until 1616.
Due to the objection by the international Christian community for conversion of a church into a mosque, it was converted into a museum and remained so for until now. However, as per a recent judgement of the international court, prayers can be resumed in Hagia Sophia. This has given the rise to the likelihood of Hagia Sophia becoming a mosque once more. Today, this majestic dome structure is one of the UNESCO’s world heritage sites. It is one of the most significant tourist attractions of Turkey that received millions of visitors every year.
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#2. Topkapi Palace (TopkapiSarayi) in Istanbul
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This is the finest Ottomon’s architecture and one of the most expensive and fascinating edifices of Islamic art. This palace has an impressive history the glimpses of which can be seen in its museum. The museum has a trove of extraordinary collections ranging from jewels, armor, manuscripts, artefacts, calligraphy, and many other objects of art. To explore this private resident of the Sultan, visitors have to enter through a richly decorated gate that leads to an impressive courtyard. In all, there are four opulent complexes adorned with hand-painted tile work. In one of the courtyards, you will see an old church of the Byzantine Era known as Hagia Irene.
The palace offers several highlights. The first hall to explore is an Imperial Council, which is a wooden building. As named, this hall was used to discuss and solve state affairs. The 2nd courtyard is where the Sultan built a Harem for his concubines and their children. The Palace Kitchens is also in this arena. You can see a huge collection of kitchen utensils used by the Royals here. Another interesting place is the Gate of Felicity where important celebrations were organized. Next important place to see is the Audience Chamber where the Sultan used to receive ambassadors.
The third courtyard has a Chamber of Holy Relics where all sacred relics of the prophet Mohammad are preserved. The fourth courtyard has an Iftar Pergola built to commemorate a victory. There is also a Circumcision Pavilion where circumcision of young princes used to take place.
#3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul
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If you want to grab some knowledge on history and understand Islam in a better way, visit the Blue Mosque. Built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet Camil, it got its name due to its blue interior adorned with 20,000 hand-made Iznik tiles featuring 50 different types of tulips designs. When it was completed, the six minarets of the mosque were strongly objected by the Muslim world since this number was identical to the Mosque of Mecca. The Sultan then gifted one minaret to Mecca to calm down the dissent.
The Blue mosque was built with one main dome and six secondary domes. The mosque can be accessed through three entrances. Geometrical and floral elements are used as a decorative element for its interior. The mosque has two layers–lower and upper both which are stunning. The main attraction of the mosque is the mihrab made of marbles that are carved and given unique shape. The mihrab also has a stalactite niche with double inscriptive panel. To the right of the mihrab is a pulpit for the imam to stand and deliver a sermon. A private area is also built for the royal at the upper gallery of the mosque.
To enter the mosque, you have to take off your shoes. Women have to cover their heads and shoulders before entering.
#4. Basilica Cistern (YerebatanSarniçi) in Istanbul
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The Basilica Cistern is a fascinating part of Istanbul’s history. It is an amazing masterpiece that was created underground by the Byzantine Empire in 532 AD. The whole purpose of building this cistern was to create a sanctuary of water. The cistern literally appears like a forest of pillars as there are 336 columns in 12 rows. And the great thing about these columns is that you will find them all in a straight line no matter from where you look at them. All the columns have decorative carvings. One of the strange things in the cistern is the Medusa Stone sculpture that was revealed when the water disappeared. Since it’s dark in the cistern, all the columns are lit to allow visitors to move around. Inside the cistern, you can hear soft, steady flow of water all around you, which makes the whole atmosphere electrifying.
#5. Hippodrome of Constantinople in Istanbul
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We all know the Roman’s penchant for horse races and gladiatorial games. To entertain themselves and the public, they built an arena to hold events. This place was also used for official ceremonies, torturing convicts, celebrations, and protests. It was built by Severus in 203 AD. It was restored and embellished in the 10th century. The column of Constantinople is erected at this place that is built of stone blocks and stands on a marble platform. The column had bronze plated, which was ripped off and melted down for reuse.
#6. Istanbul Archaeology Museum in Istanbul
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If there is a place where thousands of years of history spanning several dynasties can be enjoyed, then it has to be the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. It is built in neo-classic style with three sections named: Museum of the Ancient Orient, the main Archaeology Museum, the Tiled Pavilion of Mehmet the Conqueror. The museum holds around 1 million of artefacts viewing which is a rare experience. One of the stunning artefacts in the museum is the Alexander Sarcophagus. You will enjoy viewing artefacts from 6000 years ago to the Turkish Republic era.
#7. Grand Bazaar (KapaliÇarsi) in Istanbul
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This is a legendary place and one of the oldest and largest covered market in the world. It spans 64-covered streets and has over a whooping total of 4000 shops. No wonder, it is the most-visited tourist attractions of Istanbul. You can buy souvenir, teas, spices, cashmere shawls, ceramics, perfumes, neo lamps, and much more. However, don’t miss to haggle for the rates since the vendors usually bid a higher price. While shopping, don’t fail to a cup of Turkish coffee at any of the kiosk in the Grand Bazaar.
There are so many interesting places in Istanbul that requires a minimum of seven days to explore all. We have included the must-see seven historical sites without which a tour to Turkey is
incomplete.
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Author Bio: Nishita Khanwani is a creative travel writer who enjoys waking up in new places every day of her life. She loves to share her travel experiences and also offers tips on visiting most famous places in the world. At present, she is focused on the Turkey travel market. Her love for this country made her explore the historical and cultural monuments, food, and natural wonders in and out. Having learned so much, she is now an erudite guiding her readers on Turkey visa, Istanbul, and other tourist attractions of Turkey through her blogs.