Istanbul has a special magic that arises from the harmonious fusion of several world religions and cultures. In a city founded in 667 BC. e., east and west meet, Byzantine, Greek, Genoese and Ottoman roots are closely intertwined. Here are collected unique historical objects and modern buildings.

First day

The lion's share of Istanbul routes begins in Sultanahmet, whose history goes back to the distant year 203. Today, this name is given to the central district of the metropolis (part of the Fatih district) and the ancient square – the concentration of unique objects that have adorned the city since the time of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire.

Hippodrome Square (Sultanahmet)

The center of public life in Byzantine Constantinople was the Hippodrome, founded in the 3rd century during the time of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus and rebuilt under the emperor Constantine. The main purpose of the area, the dimensions of which reached 450 m in length and 120 m in width, was to hold chariot races.

Today, a part of Sultanahmet Square has settled on the site of the former Hippodrome. Here are the witnesses of a bygone era that have survived to this day. The largest of these is the Egyptian obelisk, brought from Cairo around 390. The stability of the granite monument, decorated with hieroglyphic symbols, weighing about 282 tons, is amazing: installed on only four metal supports, it survived several powerful earthquakes.

The second pillar of the Hippodrome – an obelisk of Constantine assembled from many stone blocks – was erected by Constantine VII, who decided to perpetuate the memory of his grandfather Basil the Macedonian I. Not far from the 21-meter colossus are the remains of a bronze Serpent Column and the German Fountain, presented to Abdul Hamid II by Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany .

Blue Mosque

A universally recognized architectural masterpiece, the most imposing building in Istanbul and one of the most beautiful buildings in the world is the Blue Mosque built in 1616. It got its name thanks to the many (about 20,000) white and blue tiles of Iznik ceramics used for interior decoration. The official name “Sultanahmet Mosque (Ahmediyeh)” was given to the temple in honor of Bishop Ahmed I, who decided to propitiate Allah by erecting a grandiose monastery.

For the construction of a pompous building, which combined the styles of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture, only valuable types of stone and the best marble were used. At the heart of the silver-gray structure, crowned with 13 domes, lies a foundation 72 m long and 64 m wide. Next to the monumental building, six pointed minarets stretch to the sky – exactly as many as the Forbidden Mosque of Mecca had.

For non-Muslim tourists, the courtyard and a small part of the main prayer hall are open, above which a 43-meter dome rises. The walls are painted with surahs from the Koran and patterns with floral motifs. The floor is covered with carpets decorated with floral ornaments. Light penetrating through 260 stained glass windows creates the illusion of lightness and volume.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Opposite the Blue Mosque rises another famous landmark – Hagia Sophia. This luxurious building, which was completed in 537, was the venue for Christian worship for several centuries. The end of the history of the Orthodox Cathedral coincided with the fall of Byzantium – in 1453 the temple was turned into a mosque. And in 1935, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk signed a decree on the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a museum.

The mighty building is beautiful both outside and inside. The main decoration of the interior sparkling with precious stones are Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Oddly enough, the Ottomans saved them from destruction by puttying the wall paintings with ordinary plaster, which retained bright colors almost in their original form. The most valuable is the image of the Virgin surrounded by the emperors Constantine and Justinian.

Beginning in 1935, calls to start Islamic worship in Hagia Sophia did not stop in Turkey. In 2020, as the country's economy plummeted due to the pandemic and relations with Orthodox Greece deteriorated, President Erdogan made a historic decision by signing a decree to use the museum as a mosque. Now tourists can visit the ancient walls for free, but entry during prayers is prohibited.

Mosaic Museum

Inspection of unique mosaic paintings, begun in Hagia Sophia, can be continued in the museum, located on the territory of the former Great Palace of Constantinople. The amazing drawing on the stones was first discovered during construction work that began in the 30s of the XX century. The archaeologists who arrived at the excavation site found that the find was not isolated – the mosaic canvases occupied an area of more than 4,000 m².

So, thanks to a happy accident, the Mosaic Museum appeared in Istanbul. In small galleries, located on two levels of a stone building, parts of the found floor panels are exhibited – from meter-long “canvases” to huge paintings. All exhibits fascinate with craftsmanship – each creation is made of terracotta, glass, marble and lime cubes, the size of which does not exceed 5 mm.

The museum's collection includes 90 “paintings” of various genres. The visitors are presented with jewelry made mythical scenes and scenes of everyday Byzantine life: images of hunting, harvesting, feeding animals, children‘s games. In addition to mosaics, there are fragments of columns and porticoes that once adorned the peristyle of the Grand Palace.

Palace of Ibrahim Pasha

Everyone who watched the series “The Magnificent Century” was not left indifferent by the bright character of the film – Ibrahim Pasha. This extraordinary man, who has come a long way from the son of a fisherman to the grand vizier, is known as a skilled commander and one of the most influential statesmen in the history of Turkey.

The house, located 900 meters from the Topkapi residence, was presented to Ibrahim Pasha by Sultan Suleiman I as a wedding gift for the Vizier and Princess Hatice. The stone 4-storey building, built in the old Ottoman style, bears little resemblance to a palace. The building is more like an impregnable fortress surrounded by four courtyards.

Today, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art has settled in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha. About 40,000 exhibits have been collected within its walls, introducing works of Muslim art: from the Umayyad era (VII century) to the reign of the Ottoman dynasty.

The richest collection includes ancient manuscripts, household utensils, ceramic tiles, rare carpets, jewelry, clothing samples of sultans and harem inhabitants.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, almost 145 m long and 65 m wide, resembles a palace hall hidden in a dungeon. In fact, this is nothing more than a former reservoir for storing drinking water intended for the Grand Palace. It took two centuries to create the complex: construction began in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine, and ended in 532 during the reign of Justinian.

Today, the Basilica Cistern is no longer used as a reservoir – it has become a unique museum. Having descended 12 m along the wet steps, its visitors find themselves in a huge hall. Twelve rows (each consisting of 28 marble columns) support a gigantic 9,800 m² dome.

Impressive walls 4 m thick are covered with waterproof insulation. The floor is a pool with a depth of about 0.6 m. Fish swim in the clear still water, and the stone vault is reflected like in a mirror.

Special lamps and spotlights shed subdued light on the impressive architecture of the underworld. The mysterious atmosphere of the Basilica Cistern fascinates. A mystical touch to this place is given by its main attractions – the inverted heads of the Gorgon Medusa, decorating the bases of the two central columns.

Theodosius Cistern

A 5-minute walk from Hippodrome Square is another former reservoir of Constantinople – Theodosius Cistern. It was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Theodosius II between 428 and 443. The underground room was used to store water coming from the Valens aqueduct, intended to supply the Nymphaeum, the baths of Zeuxippus and the Great Palace of Constantinople.

An abandoned reservoir located under an old mansion was discovered only in 2010. Restoration work began in 2014, and 8 years later the Feodosia Cistern was opened to visitors. For the convenience of tourists, the floor, covered with a thin layer of water, was equipped with wooden platforms.

Unlike the columns of the Basilica Cistern, taken by the Byzantines from various temples, the columns of the Theodosius Cistern were made especially for this place. In total, 32 stone pillars 9 m high, reinforced with iron hoops, rise in the room. Together they support brick ceiling vaults 42×25 m in size.

Baezid Mosque

The Bayezid Mosque, located on the square of the same name in the western part of Sultanahmet, was founded in 1500 by order of Bayezid II. The eighth sultan entrusted the construction of the temple to the architect Yakubshah bin Sultanshah, who combined early Ottoman, Byzantine and classical styles in his brainchild.

The building of the mosque, for the construction of which granite, marble and porphyry were used, is preceded by a small shady courtyard. Old cypresses grow inside it, and a marble fountain gives coolness. The appearance of the temple resembles Hagia Sophia: the central 17-meter dome is also supported by smaller semi-domes. The two minarets are 100 meters apart.

Today the Bayezid Mosque is part of a vast religious complex. It includes an imaret and a caravanserai, given over to the city library, a hammam and a museum of calligraphic art. Behind the temple is the Sakhaflar book market, and on the south side there are mausoleums, one of which is the resting place of Bayezid II.

Suleymaniye Mosque

On one of the city hills rises the second largest mosque in Istanbul – the magnificent Suleymaniye. With the construction of this temple, Sultan Suleiman I marked his victory over the Kingdom of Hungary, proving to the whole world that the Ottoman Empire was a powerful state. The author of an unsurpassed architectural creation, the creation of which took seven years, was the best Turkish architect Mimar Sinan.

The appearance of Suleymaniye is simple and elegant. Four minarets with ten balconies rise at the corners of the mosque. This is deeply symbolic: Suleiman the Magnificent was the fourth padishah of Istanbul and the tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The huge prayer hall covers an area of 3,500 m². Four powerful pillars support the main dome, which is 27.75 meters in diameter and 48.5 meters high.

In the garden behind the main mosque, noble persons of the Ottoman dynasty sleep with eternal sleep. Suleiman I and his only wife, Haseki Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan, lie in richly decorated tombs. Princesses Hatice and Mihrimah, as well as sultans Ahmed II and Suleiman II are also buried here. Near the walls of the temple is the mausoleum of the architect Mimar Sinan.

On a note. We advise you to finish a busy day at Seven Hills, a restaurant that serves amazing seafood dishes and the freshest fish caught in the Sea of Marmara. The average check is 180 lire. Book in advance a table in the corner of the hall or on the terrace, and then during dinner you can enjoy beautiful views of the Bosphorus and ancient mosques.

Second day

In the 7th century BC e. on the southern shore of the bay, from a bird's eye view resembling a curved horn, the ancient Greek city of Byzantium was founded, which a few centuries later received the name of Constantinople. Today, in the vicinity of the coast of the legendary harbor, there are famous sights, to which we propose to dedicate the second day of the trip. And you can complete the excursion program with a boat trip along the Bosphorus.

Hill and Coffee House Pierre Loti

In the upper reaches of the Golden Horn, in the region of Eyup, rises the hill of Pierre Loti. He owes his name to the French sailor and writer Louis Marie-Julien Viot. The author, who wrote under the pseudonym Pierre Loti, dedicated his debut novel to the love of a Turkish woman and an officer from France.

The work is based on the personal story of Vio, who met the beautiful Asiade in Istanbul. In his memoirs, the novelist often mentioned his favorite places – a picturesque hill and a cozy cafe in the shade of old cypresses.

Tourists climb to the top of the hill for one of the best observation platforms in the city, located at an altitude of 53 m above sea level. You can get here by the TF2 funicular or on foot, following the Eyüp Mosque and the Muslim cemetery. The way up will take no more than 30 minutes.

In addition to the unique views that open from the hill, Pierre Loti is famous for the coffee house of the same name, located next to the observation deck. This establishment with an open terrace is very popular among tourists, so it is better to come here in the morning.

The choice of dishes is small: from food – only gozleme – cakes with various fillings. But here they serve delicious Turkish coffee and fragrant apple tea.

Walls of Constantinople (Theodosius)

In the 5th century, the lord of Constantinople, Emperor Theodosius II, decided to build fortress walls to protect the city from hostile barbarian raids. The project was entrusted to the prefect Anfimy. The creation of the fortification lasted from 408 to 413, its length was 5630 m.

After the destruction of part of the bastion caused by an earthquake in 740, the walls had to be rebuilt. At the same time, a wide moat and 110 towers appeared, 17 of which were equipped with passage gates. The main entrance to the city was through the front Golden Gate – a three-span marble arch, decorated with bas-reliefs and crowned with a statue of the goddess of Victory.

At the end of the 19th century, as the territory of Istanbul expanded, the ancient walls began to be demolished. The restoration of the dismantled land fortification, covering the western borders of Constantinople hundreds of years ago, began in the 80s of the last century with funds allocated by UNESCO. Today, the best preserved part of the former fortress wall can be seen in the Fatih area.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

The grandiose building, which has been captivating for five centuries with the harmony of graceful lines, is named after the only daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent. Having married Rustem Pasha, Mihrimah, who had an extraordinary mind, got access to the affairs of the state. This increased the already fabulous fortune of the princess, who paid a lot of attention to charity. With her money, two mosques were built, one of which rises 300 meters from the walls of Constantinople.

Mihrimah Sultan chose Mimar Sinan for the role of architect. The architect, secretly in love with the lord's daughter, embodied his feelings in a sophisticated building, the construction of which took only four years. Built in 1565, the mosque has only one minaret – a symbol of loneliness Mihrimah, who lost her mother in 1558, and three years later – her husband.

The interior of the mosque is mesmerizing. The stone walls are decorated with mosaic paintings and exquisite elements of marble, ivory, gold and mother-of-pearl. Thanks to the many arched windows, daylight entering the building makes the room look like a sparkling crystal ball. The impression of lightness is also created by the absence of heavy interior details.

Karie Museum

The repository of priceless mosaics and frescoes created by Byzantine masters in the 14th century is a museum opened in the former Church of Christ the Savior in Chora (in Turkish pronunciation – Kariye). The Orthodox church received this name from the Monastery of Chora, founded presumably in the 14th century. In 1945, after the formation of the Turkish Republic, the restored church was turned into a museum.

Externally, the facade of the monastery looks ascetic, but once you look inside, the picture changes dramatically. The museum consists of three rooms: the vestibule, the main hall and the tomb. The ancient walls are generously decorated with mosaic paintings and frescoes, the main theme of which is biblical scenes. Before the eyes of visitors appear masterpiece depicted milestones in the life of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and the saints.

In 2020, the former monastery of Chora suffered the fate of the Hagia Sophia – it acquired the status of a mosque. You can visit it for free at any time, with the exception of prayer and prayer hours. However, the entrance to the museum is still paid.

Balat and Fener

To truly get to know the city, it is not enough to follow the paths laid by millions of visitors to the Turkish metropolis. Therefore, we invite you to feel the spirit of non-tourist Istanbul and go to a place where buildings have not changed at all since the Middle Ages, where clothes are dried on ropes stretched between houses, and the aroma of almond coffee hovers in the air. To Balat and Fener.

Until the 1950s, Balat was known as the Jewish quarter. Fener, for centuries, was inhabited by Greeks who moved here after the fall of Constantinople. It is impossible to draw a clear boundary between these two atmospheric regions. Jewish families coexist here with Muslim, Armenian and Greek families, and Orthodox churches are interspersed with mosques and synagogues.

Balat and Fener owe their popularity largely to the narrow streets lined with colorful houses, which have become a favorite place for fans of Instagram shots. After the photo session, visit the Orthodox Cathedral of St. George, the iron church of St. Stephen, the medieval ruins of the Small Blachernae Palace and look into the vintage shops of local artists.

Boat tour of the Bosphorus

A great option to rest your feet after a long walk is to take a boat ride (vapur) or a sea bus (deniz otobüs) along the Bosphorus. The main quay of the Golden Horn is Haliç (Eminönü Haliç), located near the Galata Bridge. Trip prices vary depending on the route. In addition, you can pre-book a boat trip with a Russian-speaking guide.

During the cruise, on your way you can meet majestic liners and small fishing boats, whose inhabitants often sell sandwiches with fried mackerel to tourists. In some places, the Bosporus is so narrow that you can't believe your eyes how the ships manage to avoid a collision.

From the water, the sights of Istanbul appear in a completely different light. During a water trip, you will see the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of both the European and Asian parts of the city: the Bosphorus Bridge, the Rumelihisar fortress, the Ortakoy mosque, the Dolmabahce, Chiragan and Beylerbeyi palaces, the Maiden Tower. By the way, from the boat you can watch flocks of fish and jellyfish of various shapes and colors floating below.

The third day

To the north of the Golden Horn Bay, Beyoglu settled – one of the most ancient and colorful districts of the metropolis. The first settlements appeared here about 8,000 years ago. Tourists know this place from its historical core – the Galata district, as well as along Istiklal Street and Taksim Square.

Galata bridge

Everyone who comes to the city takes with him photographs from the place where East and West meet. This is the Galata Bridge, the wooden predecessor of which was built in 1845 by order of the mother of Sultan Abdul-Mejid I. Since then, the crossing over the Bosphorus has been repeatedly reconstructed. The last transformation dates back to 2005 – it was then that the huge structure acquired tram tracks.

The modern Galata Bridge is a two-story structure 484 m long and 42 m wide, installed on concrete piles. The central 80-meter part is adjustable. The first tier is a pedestrian zone, the second is a three-lane roadway.

The sidewalks of the upper floor of the Galata Bridge were chosen by local fishermen who come here for the sake of catch and communication. Street food vendors scurry around here: the famous sandwiches with fish “balyk ekmek”, roasted chestnuts, kokorech and stuffed mussels. The bottom tier is filled with restaurants ranging from cheap eateries to high-end establishments.

On a note. If you are a fan of Instagram and bright positive photos, take a small detour after the Galata Bridge to the right, onto Necatibey Cd. After 450 m you will find Hoca Tahsin Sok. – the same street in the Karakoy district, over which dozens of multi-colored umbrellas soar. In addition, colorful graffiti on the walls of houses and picturesque verandas of cozy cafes will be an excellent background for pictures.

Galata Tower

600 meters from the legendary bridge is another attraction of Galata – the famous Galata Tower. Its history began almost 1,500 years ago, when in 527 Emperor Justinian the Great built a wooden lighthouse near the banks of the Bosporus. The building, which was rebuilt many times, received a look close to modern in 1875.

The height of the 9-storey structure is 67 m. Since the building stands on a hill, it seems even higher, dominating the city landscape. The thickness of the stone walls is 3.75 m. According to the calculations of design engineers, the mass of the tower is about 10,000 tons, which is equivalent to the weight of 36 wide-body aircraft.

At the foot of the tower there is an elevator and stairs leading to the top of the building, where there is an observation deck. From a height of 51.65 m, stunning views open up: the Golden Horn in the south, Beyoglu in the north and the Bosphorus and the Asian part of Istanbul in the east. You can also admire the panorama of the metropolis from the windows of the restaurant and cafe located here.

Istiklal

After walking 100 meters north of the Galata Tower, you will find yourself on the most famous Istanbul street – the colorful Istiklal, whose name translates as “independence”. The history of the promenade, stretching for 1.4 km to Taksim Square, began during the reign of Suleiman I. In those days, next to this small street there was a gate through which the road to Istanbul passed.

The cosmopolitan pedestrian street is famous for its many shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, nightclubs and famous attractions. Walking along Istiklal, you will see the Temple of Antoine of Padua, the Neve Shalom Synagogue, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Mosque of Hussein Aga, the Church of St. Mary Draperis and the Galatasaray Lyceum founded in 1481.

One of the most striking buildings of Istiklal is the Cicek Passage (Flower Passage). The neoclassical building, which draws attention with a glass dome, gilded stucco and graceful arches, was built in 1876. It got its name thanks to emigrants from Russia, who opened flower shops here in the 1920s. Today this place is popular among connoisseurs of elegant interiors, oriental music and Turkish national cuisine.

Madame Tussauds museum

The shopping center “Grand Pera” on Istiklal is one of the modern city attractions – Madame Tussauds Museum. It will not be difficult to find him – a wax double of Bruce Willis flaunts in the window. At the time of opening (2016), there were 55 figures in the Istanbul branch of the famous London Museum. And this is not the limit: every year the collection is replenished by 3-4 characters.

Visitors are greeted by a model of the legendary red retro tram. The exposition is opened by the “eastern” hall, at the head of which is the father of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Outstanding personalities of the country were located nearby: Sultans Mehmed II the Conqueror and Suleiman the Magnificent, the architect Mimar Sinan, the Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi, the first female pilot Sabiha Gokcen.

In addition to national heroes, the museum has amazingly realistic copies of famous world scientists, inventors, athletes, actors, musicians, show business stars and popular cartoon characters. One of the halls is devoted to the technology of making wax exhibits. Here you can get a cast of your own hand.

Taksim Square

One of the most famous squares in Istanbul is Taksim, so named because of the water distribution facility erected here in the 18th century (tur. taksim). This is perhaps the most “densely populated” place of the metropolis with citizens and tourists. Istiklal Street originates from here, central avenues and boulevards converge here.

The main attraction of Taksim is the Republic Monument, which has been towering over the square to a height of 12 meters since 1928. It is noteworthy that in his creation the sculptor depicted not only important Turkish political figures led by Ataturk, but also Soviet revolutionaries: Aralov and Voroshilov.

While walking around the square, don't forget to take a photo with the historic “nostalgic” tram, as the locals call it. The prototype of this vehicle appeared on the streets of the city in 1871. Today, a red trailer with openings instead of doors and an original wooden interior runs along the Taksim-Tunel station route, transporting 5,000–6,000 people daily.

Church of the Holy Trinity

To the south of Taksim Square is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the city – the Church of the Holy Trinity, created according to the drawings of the architect P. Kampanaka. Previously, a Greek cemetery and a small wooden church were located on the site of the monastery. The new parish opened its doors to believers in September 1880.

Externally, the Church of the Holy Trinity differs from the Istanbul Orthodox churches. The structure, in the center of which rises a dome painted with frescoes and crowned with a cross, was built in the neo-baroque style, complemented by elements of the basilica. The façade, decorated with carvings and stained-glass windows, is framed by two four-tiered Gothic bell towers.

Thanks to 12 domed windows, symbolizing the apostles of Christ, the atmosphere inside the temple envelops with light and tranquility. Ceiling frescoes serve as the main decoration of the interior. The walls are hung with Greek icons, many of which were created during the Byzantine Empire. In the church you can venerate the incorruptible relics of St. Theophania, Solomonia and Euphemia the All-Praised.

Fourth day

Without a visit to the Asian part, acquaintance with Istanbul can be considered failed. Therefore, we suggest you take a ferry and go to the right bank of the Bosphorus – to the Kadikoy area. And on the way back, take a walk along the embankment of the European side of the legendary strait and visit two beautiful pearls of the ancient city: the Dolmabahce Palace and the Ortakoy Mosque.

Baghdad Avenue

The most visited place by tourists on the Asian side of the city is Baghdad Avenue, part of the ancient Roman road that connected Byzantium with the Lycian cities. The name of the 14-kilometer avenue, stretching parallel to the coast of the Sea of Marmara in the Kadikoy area, was given in honor of the victory of Murad IV in the Turkish-Persian war of 1635-1639.

It's never boring here. Very often, the street becomes the epicenter of presentations and popular events such as the spring shopping festival, the Republic Day parade and the procession of the Fenerbahce football club fans. In the evenings, restaurants and nightclubs in Baghdad are besieged by the local “golden party”, in the ranks of which you can meet famous Turkish designers, artists and actors.

Haydarpash Station

In May 1906, the construction of the Haydarpasa station began, which was designed by German architects Otto Ritter and Helmut Kuno. In August 1908, a station was opened on the right bank of the Bosporus, which became an important point on the railway connecting Berlin and Baghdad. With her help, the German Empire wanted to implement plans to expand its influence in the East. The project was funded by Deutsche Bank.

Haydarpasa is a monumental neoclassical building with an area of almost 4,000 m². The sandstone façade is decorated with baroque clocks and round turrets. The structure is placed on a platform resting on 22-meter oak piles (there are 1,100 of them in total). This design made it easier to dock with ferries arriving from the European side.

In November 2010, during the restoration work, a fire broke out, as a result of which the roof and the fourth floor were partially destroyed. In connection with this event, as well as with the construction of the Marmaray railway underwater tunnel, Haydarpasa was closed in 2013. In one wing of the building of the former railway station, the city authorities plan to open a museum, in the other – a hotel and a shopping center.

Maiden's Tower

The Maiden's Tower (or Kyz Kulesi, as the locals call it) was presumably built at the dawn of the 1st millennium. There is no exact data on the year of commencement or completion of the construction of this architectural monument. According to one version, the building was erected during the era of wars between Sparta and Athens (411 BC). According to another interpretation, the tower appeared during the reign of Constantine and played the role of a guard fort.

There are many legends explaining the name of the romantic building. One of the legends tells about the daughter of the Sultan. One day, an oracle predicted the princess would die from a snakebite on the day she came of age. To prevent misfortune, the ruler imprisoned his daughter in a tower in the middle of the Bosphorus.

When the girl turned 18, her father brought her a basket full of exotic fruits. However, the beloved child of the lord did not have a chance to enjoy the juicy fruits: a poisonous snake hiding in a basket bit the princess. The prophecy has come true.

The modern life of the Maiden Tower began in 1992, when, with the assistance of the mayor of the city, the building acquired the status of a cultural center. After a global renovation, an observation deck, a restaurant, a bar and a souvenir shop appeared here. You can get to the sights by boat, running every 15 minutes from the Salacak or Kabataş piers.

Dolmabahce

In the middle of the 19th century, Abdul-Mejid I, who dreamed of “cutting a window to Europe”, decided to change the medieval Topkapi to a more luxurious “western” dwelling. So in 1856, on the banks of the Bosphorus, a new residence of the Sultan appeared – the delightful Dolmabahce Palace.

On an area of 45,000 m² there are 46 halls, 285 rooms, 68 latrines and 6 hammams. All this splendor is hidden behind a 600-meter facade, made in the styles of rococo, baroque and neoclassicism.

Spectacular interiors are decorated no worse than the best royal castles in Europe. Pompous halls are decorated with gilded ceilings, columns and arched arcades, handmade carpets and exquisite wall paintings. Among the treasures of the palace is a collection of paintings by Aivazovsky and the largest chandelier in the world, presented to Abdul-Mejid I by the English Queen Victoria.

Today's Dolmabahce is a national museum. Its main value is the original historical interiors: the Syufer Hall, the ceremonial hall, the Sultan's chambers, the imperial staircase and the harem rooms. The most important piece of the collection is the bed, which in November 1938 became the deathbed of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Mosque Ortakoy

One of the most spectacular mosques in the city is Ortaköy or Medshidie Grand Mosque. A true masterpiece of oriental architecture appeared on the European shore of the Bosphorus in 1854, replacing the temple previously located here, destroyed during the popular uprising of 1730. However, a difficult fate awaited the new monastery: an earthquake, and then a fire, caused serious damage to it.

The last restoration work ended at the beginning of the 21st century. The modern Ortakoy Mosque is an elegant structure whose architecture combines neoclassical and Ottoman baroque styles. Two white marble minarets rise above the dome. The top of each is topped with a sheriff balcony. The chambers of the Sultan and the harem adjoin the building of the temple.

The interior of the mosque is even more beautiful than its facade. The walls of the monastery are lined with pink mosaic panels and decorated with Arabic calligraphy. Thanks to the huge windows, the prayer hall is filled with rays of daylight. And in the evening, the room is illuminated by a huge crystal chandelier.

The fifth day

The icing on the cake of an Istanbul trip will be a visit to a striking example of medieval Ottoman architecture – the Sultan's Topkapi Palace. In addition, for the “dessert” of the five-day trip, we left the natural beauties of the Gulhane Park, the ancient exhibits of the Archaeological Museum and the colorful shopping malls of the Grand Bazaar.

Topkapy

In 1459, on the top of Cape Sarayburnu, on the spot where the church of St. Irene stood alone, the construction of the Sultan's palace began. The initiator of the construction was Fatih Mehmet (the Conqueror). The palace, which until 1839 served as the official residence of 25 Ottoman rulers, was named “Topkapi”, which means “cannon gate”.

In subsequent centuries, numerous changes were made to the architecture of the palace complex. The largest of them – the creation of a harem – dates back to the 16th century. In 1923, Topkapi was converted into a museum. Priceless treasures of the Ottomans are exhibited in numerous halls.

In addition to golden thrones and jeweled robes, the emerald-and-diamond-encrusted Topkapı dagger and the 86-carat Spoonman diamond can be seen here. Of particular value is the sacred “Banner of the Prophet”, as well as a hair from a beard and a fragment of Muhammad's tooth.

Even to briefly examine all the premises of the palace complex with an area of 700,000 m², it will take at least 2 hours. Just think about it: Topkapı includes four giant courtyards, each of which contains several vast buildings. The most visited part by tourists is the harem, which consists of 300 rooms, a hospital, baths and two mosques.

Gulhane Park

Near the Sultan's palace there is an island of nature and silence – Gulhane Park. During the Ottoman era, this green oasis, whose name is translated from Turkish as “house of roses”, was part of the imperial gardens of Topkapı. The entrance here was ordered to mere mortals: only members of the ruling family could rest in the shade of dense trees.

In 1912, the sultans' estates were redesigned and opened to the general public. Today, connoisseurs of picturesque landscapes and leisurely walks come to the park. On the territory of Gulhane, you can visit the Parade Pavilion, the Museum of Islamic Science and Technology and see the famous Gothic column dating from the 3rd-4th century.

With the onset of spring, Gulhane turns into a kingdom of tulips. A colorful extravaganza dedicated to the national symbol of Turkey starts at the end of March. At this time, the whole city is fragrant, but one of the main sites of the festival is the park near Topkapi. At this time, thousands of flowers are planted here, which make up beautiful living panels. Positive emotions and vivid photos are guaranteed!

Archaeological Museum

Founded in 1891 by Osman Hamdi Bey, who led the excavations in Lebanese Sidon, where one of the flagships of the Istanbul collection, the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, was discovered. Today, the exposition, which includes more than 1 million rarities, is located in a complex of three buildings next to Gulhane Park.

The museum's collection consists of priceless relics relating to Ancient Greece, Egypt, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Ancient Rome, Assyria, Sumer, Akkad and Babylon. Among the exhibits are tombs, statues, bas-reliefs, busts, obelisks, coins, weapons, chariots, parts of columns and many other artifacts.

The most impressive objects are fragments of the Babylonian Ishtar Gate, decorated with colorful images of mythical creatures. Of great interest are also Lycian sarcophagi, Egyptian mummies, samples of the Hittite cuneiform of 1700 BC. e., Ottoman and Seljuk ceramic tiles.

Grand Bazaar

“A huge hive of a thousand little shops.” This definition was given in 1867 to the Grand Bazaar by Mark Twain. The words of the American writer are relevant today. This gigantic 30,700 m² indoor market is more like a busy urban area. There are not only 4,400 retail shops and 12 warehouses here. 61 streets are laid on the territory of the bazaar, 12 mosques, a hammam, a school and several cafes are open.

The history of the Grand Bazaar began in 1453, when Mehmed II decided to build two wooden bedestans (covered pavilions) in the city, around which, year after year, trading rows grew. For many years, the market, repeatedly destroyed by fire, each time, like a Phoenix bird, was reborn from the ashes. The Grand Bazaar acquired its modern look at the end of the 19th century.

The malls dazzle with variety and brightness. In labyrinths fragrant with spices and aromas of oriental spirits, you can find jewelry, clothes, accessories, ceramics, souvenirs, carpets, textiles, spices, dried fruits, sweets and much more. For the convenience of visitors, each group of goods is presented on a specific street.

How to get to the center on your own

Today, Istanbul has two operating airports: Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), which receives domestic flights and European low-cost airlines, and the New Airport (IST), where the bulk of tourists arrive. Opened in 2019, the air gate is located 41 km from the historical district of Sultanahmet.

There are three ways to get from the terminal to the city center:

Buses of the company HavaIst. For boarding, follow the signs for Otobüs/Servis/Araç. The most popular routes are HVIST-12 (terminal station – Bayezid Mosque, Sultanahmet) and HVIST-14 (terminal station – Taksim Square). Depending on traffic density, travel time is from 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Please note: you can only pay for the fare with a bank card or IstanbulCart (sold in yellow machines or kiosks at bus stops).
Transfer from the host hotel (individual car or minibus shuttle). The journey will take approximately 45 minutes, the price of the trip is fixed and is about 150 lire.
Round the clock taxi. The car can be ordered in advance through the official applications of carriers (Bitaksi, Uber, KiwiTaxi) or taken on the spot (choose yellow cars – they are more affordable). The journey will take about 45 minutes, the price of the trip is about 200 lire.

In the near future, the city authorities plan to open a metro station on the M11 line at the New Airport.

Order an individual transfer for 2 609 RUB