» Touristic Places
| PALACES |
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Topkapi Palace Overlooking the Istanbul Bogazi and the Marmara Sea stands the maze of buildings that was the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The first courtyard is a magnificent wooded garden. On the right of the second court, shaded by cypress and plane trees is the palace kitchen, now housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, while on the left is the Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives and concubines of the sultan. The third court contains the Audience Hall of the sultan, the Library of Sultan Ahmet III, an exhibition of robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury and lastly, an exhibition of miniatures. In the center of the third court is the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. (Open every day except Tuesday) more info |
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Dolmabahçe Palace Built in the mid 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecit, it has an impressive six hundred metre frontage on the İstanbul Bogazi. The most important part is the vast reception salon, with 56 columns, and a huge, seven hundred and fifty bulbs, crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons. The architecture of the Harem is a stark contrast to that of the rest of the palace. The Bird Pavilion, where birds from all over the world were kept, is unique to this palace. Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, died here on the 10th of November, 1938. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday) more info |
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Beylerbeyi Palace On the Asian side of the Istanbul Bogazi, this palace was built of white marble by Sultan Abdülaziz in the 19th century. It possesses a beautiful garden with magnolia trees. It was used as a summer residence of the sultans and a guest house for visiting foreign dignitaries. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday) more info |
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Yildiz Palace This palace includes a complex of pavilions and a mosque which were built over a long period and finally completed by Abdülhamit II at the end of the 19th century. The Şale, largest and most exquisite of the buildings, reflects the luxurious life of over a century ago. Yildiz Palace is set in a very large park of flowers with plants and trees brought from every part of the world. Situated on the top of a hill, it has one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Istanbul Bogazi. Due to restoration work only the Sale and park are open to the public. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday) more info |
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Goksu Pavilion (Küçük Su) It takes its name from the famous streams nearby. Built by Abdülmecit in the middle of the 19th century, it was used as a summer residence. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday) more info |
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Aynali Kavak Summer Pavillon Originally built in the 18th century and restored by various sultans. It takes its present name (Mirrored Poplar) from the time of the installation of the mirrors (1718). The mirrors were given as a gift by the Venetians. This palace on the Golden Horn one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Turkish archirecture. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday) more info |
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Ihlamur Pavilion Built in the 19th century, it takes its name from the linden trees that grow in abundance in the garden. The Merasim Pavilion was the scene of official ceremonies and the Maiyet Pavilion housed the sultan's entourage and on occasions his Harem. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday) more info |
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Maslak Pavilions The buildings on this shady green hill were constructed primarily by Sultan Abdülaziz as a hunting lodge. The architectural style and decoration of the Ottoman period is interesting. Limonluk Green House is a fine example of this. A cup of tea taken in the cafe opening on to the Limonluk is most relaxing. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday) more info |
MOSQUES
Istanbul has hundreds of mosques, both historical and intimate. Mosques are open to visitors daily, outside of worshipping hours, which announced by the muezzins call to prayer. All visitors are asked to remove their shoes and women are expected to cover their heads before entering. A few of the most architecturally interesting mosques are: |
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Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) Facing St. Sophia is the supremely elegant, imperial, six minaret mosque of Sultan Ahmet I. Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet, it is known as the Blue Mosque, because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. During the tourist season there is a light and sound show in the evening. |
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Suleymaniye Mosque The mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, where he and his wife are buried, is considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. It was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia. Standing on a hill, it is conspicuous by its great size, emphasised by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard. Inside, the mihrab (prayer niche ) and the mimber (pulpit) are of finely carved white marble, and there are fine stained glass windows. Adjoining the mosque were theological schools, a school of medicine, a soup kitchen and hospice for the poor, a caravanserai and a Turkish bath. more info |
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Rustem Pasa Mosque Another skillful accomplishment of the architect Sinan, this mosque was built in 1561 on the orders of Rustem Paşa, Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificient. The exquisite interior is covered with some of the finest examples of Iznik tiles. |
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Fatih Mosque This imperial mosque, constructed between 1463 and 1470, bears the name of the conqueror of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and is the site of his mausoleum. Standing on top of one of the hills of Istanbul, it is notable for its vast size and great complex of religious buildings surrounding it: theological schools, hospices, a hospital, baths, a caravanserai and a library. more info |
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Eyüp Mosque The Great Mosque of Eyüp is situated outside the walls near the Golden Horn where Eyüp, standard-bearer of the Prophet Mohammed, died in an assault on Constantinople in 670. His tomb is greatly venerated and attracts many pilgrims. This was the first mosque built after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul. |
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Yeni Mosque Built between 1597 and 1663, this mosque, located at Eminonu, is one of the best known sights of Istanbul. An elegant fountain for ritual ablutions stands in the large courtyard and the sultan's section is decorated with marvellous Iznik tiles. |
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Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque This 16th century mosque, constructed on the slope of a hill below Sultan Ahmet Square, is one of the most beautiful examples of terpiece of the architect Sinan. The pulpit and prayer niches are of special interest as they are covered with beatiful Iznik tiles. |
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Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Edirnekapı)This mosque was also designed by Sinan and built in 1555 for Mihrimah Sultana, the daughter of Süleyman the Magnificent. This majestic mosque has 161 windows (some with stained glass), made in three rows on each side, which fill this mosque with an abundance of light. |
MUSEUMS
Istanbul has some of the most exciting museums, ranging from the magnificent Saint Sophia to the intimate Sadberk Hanim Museum. Entrence fees, where charged, are very reasonable. |
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Ayasofya Museum (Saint Sophia)This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. Its immense dome rises 55 metres above the ground and is 31 metres in diameter. The beautiful decorations include fine Byzantine mosaics. (Open every day except Monday) more info |
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Kariye MuseumThe 11th century church of St. Saviour in Chora is after St. Sophia, the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul. The walls are decorated with superb 14th century frescoes and mosaics on a gold background. These influenced the European Renaissance. The church is a remarkable museum of Byzantine art. Here you will find a quiet, carefully tended garden facing old wooden houses where you can enjoy tea or coffee. (Open every day except Tuesday) more info |
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Yerebatan Sarnıcı Close to St. Sophia is the Byzantine cistern (6th century) known as the Yerebatan Sarayi. Fine brick vaulting is supported by 336 Corinthian columns. (Open every day except Tuesday.) |
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The Archaeological Museum These are situated at the boundary of the first court of Topkapi Palace. The very rich collection of antiquities in the newly renovated Archaeological Museum includes the celebrated Alexander Sarcophagus. The Museum of the Ancient Orient displays antiquities from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hatti and Hittite civilizations. (Open every day except Monday)
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Cinili Köşk (The Museum of Turkish Ceramics) This kosk or pavilion was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century. It contains beautiful Iznik tiles from the 16th century and fine examples of Seljuk and Ottoman tiles and ceramics. (Open every day except Monday) |
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Ibrahim Pasa Palace (The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art) Built in 1524 by Ibrahim Paşa, Grand Vizier of Suleyman the Magnificent, it was the grandest private residence ever built in the Ottoman Empire. It is now used as a museum containing many beautiful Turkish and Persian miniatures, Seljuk tiles, Korans and antique carpets. (Open every day except Monday) more info |
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Aviation Museum Located in Yesilkoy, this museum traces the development of air flight in Turkey. (Open every day except Monday) more info |
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Naval Museum In the Besiktas, quarter, it contains the great imperial caiques that were used to row the sultans across the Istanbul Bogazi, and many interesting exhibits from Ottoman naval history. (Open every day except Monday and Tuesday) more info |
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Military Museum The exhibits from Ottoman military history include the great field tents used on campaigns. There are performances by the Mehter Takimi (the Ottoman military bands) between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. (Open every day except Monday and Tuesday) more info |
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Ataturk (Inkilap) Museum This is the house where Ataturk lived in Sisli and contains his personal effects. (Open every day except Saturday and Sunday) |
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Sadberk Hanim Museum A charming museum housed in two restored wooden villas. The museum is dedicated to old Turkish arts and handicrafts, and includes an archaeological section. It is situated or the Istanbul Bogazi at Buyukdere. (Open every day except Wednesday) more info |
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Museum Of Fine Arts Located in Besiktas, it is one of the best museums in Turkey for paintings and sculptures from the end of the 19th century to the present. (Open every day except Monday and Tuesday) |
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Calligraphy (Hat Sanatlari) Museum Located in Beyazit Square. The Ottamans were always uneasy with human pictorial representation, and thus found fuller artistic expression in calligrapy. This is the only calligraphy museum in the world. (Open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) |
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Museum Of Turkish Carpets A museum, near the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which contains a fine collection of Turkish carpets and kilims, including some very old examples. (Open every day except Sunday and Monday) |
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Mosaic Museum This museum was built to preserve, "in situ", exceptionally fine mosaic pavements, of the 5th and 6th centuries, which remain from the Great Palace of the Byzantine Emperor. (Open every day except Monday) more info |
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Rahmi Koç Industry Museum The museum is set in an Ottoman-period building, an 18th century factory which produced anchors and their chains. It was recently converted, although has retained many of its original features, and restored by Rahmi Koc, one of Turkey’s most powerful industrialists. It was essentially done so he could house his private collection of models, machines and vehicles which he had collected from all over Europe, and exhibits include original penny-farthing bicycles, a ship’s bridge, and an engine from the Kalender steam ferry. The museum is trying to raise the Australian navy’s first submarine sink of gallipoli in World War I. (Open every day except Monday) more info |
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Sehir (City) Museum This museum houses a collection of objects covering the period from the Turkish conquest of Istanbul to the present day. The entrance is by the Yildiz Palace Garden. (Open every day except Thursday) |
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St. Irene Museum (Aya Irini) St. Irene was the first church in Istanbul and was built by Constantine in the 4th century and rebuilt by Justinian. It is reputedly the site of a pre-Christian temple. (Open every day except Monday) more info |
| HISTORICAL SITES AND MONUMENTS |
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Kapalı Carsi (Grand Bazaar) The oldest and biggest closed bazaar in the world, also known as the Grand Bazaar, has around 4000 shops and over 60 alleyway, covering a huge labyrinth in the city centre. The original two structures, covered with a series of domes and remains of the 15th century walls, became a shopping area by covering the surrounding streets and adding to it over the following centuries. In Ottoman times this was the centre of trading, and a vital area of town. The Sandal Bedesten was added during Suleyman’s reign, to cope with the rising trade in fabrics, during the 16th century.
Traditionally the more valuable goods were in the old central area, called Ic Bedesten, because it was more secure. As quite typical of the area, most streets are laid out and devoted to a particular trade, for example gold on Kuyumcular Caddesi, leather on Bodrum Han, and shoes on Kavaflar Sokak. But the trade has also spilled out onto the surrounding streets, and it is very common to see Russian traders buying up huge sacks of leather jackets or shoes outside the main entrance. Even the streets leading to the Golden Horn are lined with outdoor stalls, which have traditionally been controlled by strict trading laws to reduce competition between traders.
Apart from the usual shops selling clothes, textiles, jewellry and carpets, there are small workshops where craftsmen cast and beat silver or brass, in a skilled trade handed down through the generations. If all that shopping, bargaining and fending off persuasive salesmen is a little too tiring, there are also traditional cafes dotted inside the bazaar in which to relax, eat and sip tea. There are also money-changing booths inside and out. It is slightly less crowded during weekdays, as most locals shop at weekends. |
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Mısır Çarşısı (Egyptian Bazaar) Also known as the Spice Market, this is Istanbul’s second bazaar, constructed in the same complex as Yeni Camii (or New Mosque). There are six gates, which make it an attractive exterior. The L-shaped market, together with the mosque, were built for the mother of Mehmet IV, a powerful woman who ruled the harem and, some would say, much of the empire.
Although no longer the prime spice trading area of the city, there is still the aroma of ginger, cardamom, pepper and saffron from the piles of spices sold from many stalls. These days it is also popular for great varieties of lokum (turkish delight), small souvenirs, flavoured teas and local delicacies – including the dubious sounding “Turkish Viagra”. Locals come here to shop for bed linen and towels, as well as for fruit and vegetables, coffee, clothes, pots and pans in the surrounding cramped backstreets. Outside the market on the Galata Bridge end, is this is the best place to choose olives from huge barrels, and many varieties of beyaz penir (white cheese). |
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Sultan Ahmet Square In front of the Blue Mosque is the site of the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life. Of the monuments which once decorated it only three remain: the Obelisk of Teodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Remains from the curved end section of the Hippodrome's wall can be seen to the south of the these three monuments. Today, it is the center of historical, cultural and touristic activities. The square, with its surroundings, is like an open-air museum. The 18th century houses on Sogukgesme Street, delightfully restored, are now guest houses for tourists and also contain a fascinating library of books on Istanbul. |
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Ahmet III Fountain Standing at the entrance to Topkapi Palace and built in 1729 as a gift to Ahmet III, it is one of the most magnificent free-standing fountains. Highly ornamented and covered with a pointed roof with deep eaves, it is a fine example of fountain architecture. |
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Rumeli Hisarı The Rumelian Fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months. One of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world, it is now used as the setting for some of the events of the Istanbul Festival. (Open every day except Mondays) |
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Galata Tower This huge tower, built by the Genoese in 1348, is 62 metres high. From the top there is a wonderful view of the Golden Horn and the Istanbul Bogazi. It now houses a restaurant, night club and bar. |
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Beyazit Tower Situated on the grounds of Istanbul University, it was built by Mahmut II in 1828 as a fire tower, and is 85 metres high. |
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The Istanbul Land Walls Built in the 5th century by the Emperor Theodosius II, the walls (with some sections completely restored) stretch 7 km from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn. With many towers and bastions, they were once the mightiest fortifications in Christendom. UNESCO has declared the land walls, and the area which they enclose, one of the cultural heritages of the world. |
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Bozdogan-Valens Aqueduct Built by the Emperor Valens in 368 AD, this aqueduct supplied the Byzantine and later the Ottoman palaces with water. About 900 metres of the double tier arches remain. |
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Kiz Kulesi (The Tower Of Leander) Known as Leander's Tower. Kiz Kulesi is one of the romantic symbols of Istanbul. First constructed in the 12th century on a tiny islet at the entrance to Istanbul Harbor the present building dates from the 18th century. |
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