Are you interested in Turkish history and want to see more of its fascinating and gorgeous ancient sites? Istanbul is a city with many nostalgic memories from former empires, and it extends between Europe and Asia, contributing to its rich history. Here is a selection of sites that could be of interest to you on your next vacation.
The Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, located in Istanbul’s Galata neighborhood, is one of the city’s most prominent historical sites. The Byzantine Emperor erected Galata Tower in 507-508 AD, and it was later restored as a watch tower by the Genoese. Over the ages, it has withstood earthquakes, fires, and all-weather seasons, and it was last renovated in 1967. The structure provides sweeping city views as well as a stunning light show at night. It is located in a fantastic area with fantastic cafés, restaurants, and shopping complexes.
The Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is a Turkish architectural marvel. It is a memorial to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It was once a church before being converted into a mosque and then a museum. There are currently notable Byzantine Empire characters, Biblical scenes, and Islamic calligraphic art in the museum. Visit Hagia Sophia for its magnificent history and attractions.
The Grand Bazaar
This Fatih location is the world’s oldest covered retail center, covering 54.653 square meters. It was once housed in five mosques, seven fountains, ten wells, one school, one ablution fountain, and one water distributor. It now has only one Mosque and one ablution fountain. This retail center contains 4.000 stores in 56 interconnecting corridors selling anything from jewelry to relics, souvenirs, carpets, garments, and everything in between. If you bargain and leave with high-quality purchases, you can receive a good deal. More than 250.000 visitors walk through the gates of Grand Bazaar, which has 20 gates, 17 inns, and 30.000 employees.
The Great Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1617 in an attempt to surpass Hagia Sophia. Blue Mosque derives its name from the blue tiles used in the Mosque’s interior. The architects used 20.000 hand-made Iznik ceramic tiles with traditional motifs. Its attractiveness is enhanced if you arrive through the hippodrome rather than the park.
Cistern of the Basilica
Former water tank for the palace during the Justinian 1 Empire, the Basilica Cistern is 143 meters long and 56 meters broad. Its roof is supported by 336 9-meter-tall Ionic-style marble columns. It could carry 80.000 cubic meters of water from the Egrikapi Water Distribution Centre, located 19 kilometers from the city in the Belgrade Forest. After cleaning and refurbishing the Basilica Cistern, it was opened to the public in 1987.
Visitors may take advantage of the cool weather by strolling around the concrete paths. Make your way to the cistern’s far left-hand corner to observe the two Medusa heads. Both skulls were utilized as column bases, one upside down and the other slanted to the side. Their respective positions
Dolmabahce
Dolmabache is a huge mansion in Besiktas, Istanbul, where the last six Ottoman Sultans and the Turkish State’s founder, Mustafa Ataturk, lived. This museum comprises 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 restrooms, and six hammams on 45.000m2. The museum has around 50.000 artifacts, including the world’s largest 4.5-tonne crystal chandelier in the grand ceremonial hall, amazing artwork, valuable gems, and lovely furniture.
The Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, now a museum, represents power and royalty, and it was home to the Ottomans for 400 years. The museum covers an area of 80,000m2 and features stunning floral gardens, expansive courtyards, and stunning architecture. It has an interesting history, including cultural characteristics of the Ottoman Empire. This museum houses a large collection of weaponry, china, and jewelry, including the famed Topkapi dagger, as well as robes, ottoman miniatures, and Islamic calligraphic manuscripts. The museum is free for children under the age of six and the handicapped.
Hagia Irene
Another great historical site in Istanbul is Hagia Irene Church, commonly known as St Irene. It is the earliest church erected in the historic city of Constantinople and is located in the Sultan Mohammad neighborhood. This church, which was once the center of Christianity, dates back 1,600 years. It was reconstructed twice in the 8th and 5th centuries after suffering extensive damage. It is now a museum containing a wide range of classical instruments. Several international music events are conducted here on a regular basis.
Archaeology Museum in Istanbul
This museum includes neoclassical architecture with an inscription on the pediments of the gates at the entry that reads “Asari-i Atika Muzesi” (Antiquities Museum). The Anatolian, Mesopotamian, and Ottoman civilizations are represented in the Museum’s galleries. When you there, be sure to view the wailing woman’s grave and Lykia’s tomb. Inscriptions at the museum comprise Istanbul of ages, Anatolia’s surrounding cultures, Cyprus, Syria-Palestine, and Troia of ages.
