{"id":668414,"date":"2022-03-29T17:56:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-29T14:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=668414"},"modified":"2022-06-01T13:43:11","modified_gmt":"2022-06-01T10:43:11","slug":"what-to-see-in-istanbul-in-4-days-on-your-own-route-description-photo-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/what-to-see-in-istanbul-in-4-days-on-your-own-route-description-photo-map\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in Istanbul in 4 days on your own – route, description, photo, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, diverse and noisy, stretching along both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, was founded almost 3 thousand years ago. It was the capital of the Roman Empire under the name of Constantinople in honor of Emperor Constantine (330-395). For more than 1000 years, the city<\/a> served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and since the 15th century. became the center of the Ottoman Empire and later (until 1923) of Turkey<\/a>. Istanbul, which embodies the features of three world<\/a> empires, is a huge museum of unique monuments of architecture, religion and culture. It takes a lot of time to get to know them. This recommendation article suggests what to see<\/a> in Istanbul<\/a> in 4 days and an itinerary<\/a> through the city<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to get to the center<\/a> on your own<\/a><\/h2>\n

Since the old airport, Atat\u00fcrk, could no longer cope with the increased passenger traffic, Istanbul New Airport (or IGA) began to operate at the behest of the authorities. It was built 50 km north<\/a> of Istanbul, one might say, in an open field. There are no buildings or attractions<\/a> around.<\/p>\n

The IGA will be fully completed in 2027. It is planned to receive 200,000,000 air passengers a year here. For this, the following will be put into operation:<\/p>\n

The designers created not a traditional airport, but a space object. Structures are built from modern composite materials. Turkish authorities believe that the new airport will be the largest air gateway linking east and west. So far, IGA has 1 terminal. It occupies a huge territory, so it is not easy to move inside<\/a>. For the convenience of guests, information board<\/a>s and signs are installed in the hall.<\/p>\n

There are several ways for guests to get from<\/a> Istanbul New Airport to the city center<\/a>:<\/p>\n

At the end of 2021, guests will be able to travel<\/a> from Istanbul New Airport to the city center<\/a> by metro.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/h2>\n

If you do not want to overpay for food in rest<\/a>aurants and want to avoid a huge crowd of tour<\/a>ists, then we recommend staying at one of the hotels<\/a> or hostels in the area<\/a> of \u200b\u200bIstiklal Street in Beyoglu. Here, mostly local residents relax<\/a> and spend their free time in cafes and rest<\/a>aurants, so prices are lower than, for example, in the center<\/a>. If you want to stay in close proximity to the main attractions<\/a>, then we recommend that you choose the Sultanahmet area. Another of the most popular places to stay are Aksaray and Laleli. If you are purchasing a tour<\/a>, then the agent will most likely offer you accommodation in one of these areas.<\/p>\n

1 day<\/h2>\n

Finding yourself in the center, you immediately feel polyphony, city bus<\/a>tle and noise, crowds and diversity. Slender towers of minarets alternate with avant-garde skyscrapers made of glass and concrete, ancient cathedral<\/a>s – with entertainment<\/a> centers, ancient narrow streets – with modern wide boulevards. A motley crowd of people in a multi-colored stream “flows” in a stormy stream in different directions.<\/p>\n

Saint Sophie Cathedral<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia), in fact, is now a popular museum of Byzantine architecture, symbolizing the “golden age of Byzantium. For more than 1 thousa<\/a>nd years, the cathedral remained the most grandiose Christian church (537-1626). Erected on the site of former basilicas destroyed by fires, the cathedral was intended to symbolize the power of the Byzantine emperors.<\/p>\n

The unique church was erected at the cost of painstaking daily work of 10 thousa<\/a>nd people. The walls are finished with white marble, delivered from the island<\/a> of the same name, green marble columns – from the Ephesian temple of Artemis, porphyry columns – from the Roman temple of the Sun. Several times the cathedral, which suffered from earthquakes, withstood.<\/p>\n

It was thoroughly plundered by the crusaders (1204), and after the conquest by the Ottomans, after part<\/a>ial reconstruction, it was transformed into a mosque – an undoubted decoration of the city and a popular tourist attraction. 4 minarets, a rich library, a madrasah, a shadyrvan make it popular with local residents.<\/p>\n

Blue Mosque<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The modern cosmopolitanism of Istanbul is not able to overshadow the unique<\/a> Islamic flavor, the symbol of which is a priceless architectural masterpiece, captivating with the beauty and grace of forms. The eye-catching Blue Mosque is visible from afar – it is impossible to pass by it indifferently. The grandiose religious object was erected by the decree of Sultan Ahmed I as a sign of his prayer for God's help in defeating the enemies.<\/p>\n

For 7 years, the construction of a masterpiece of stone of expensive breeds and valuable varieties of marble went on. Byzantine and Ottoman features merged in the architectural style of the building, creating a unique appearance of the mosque. Virtuoso engineering solutions, the original decor of the building gave the right to call the project manager a jeweler. The prayer niche (mahrib) is car<\/a>ved from a monolithic piece of marble.<\/p>\n

The walls and ceilings inside are decorated with highly artistic tiles of blue and white shades (20 thousand pieces), which gave the mosque its name. The pulpit for prayers (minbar), also carved from a single piece of marble, is covered with filigree carvings. Gold paintings, black and red ornaments on the walls, magnificent stained-glass windows complement the rich and magnificent decoration.<\/p>\n

Topkapi Palace<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The pompous, majestic Topkapi Palace, built at the behest of Sultan Mehmed, was a luxurious haven for 25 Turkish sultans for 4 centuries. Occupying an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 170 hectares, it is the personification of the unlimited power of the sultans and their untold wealth. Under the first president of Turkey<\/a>, who liberated the people from the power of the Sultanate, the palace became a museum.<\/p>\n

A massive entrance building, called “cannon gates” (this is how to<\/a>p caps are translated) leads to the palace. Each entry or exit of the sultans was accompanied by a cannon shot, hence the name. In fact, it was a mini-state: mosques, hospitals, Janissary barracks, workers' and ceremonial offices.<\/p>\n

The decoration of the palace impresses with luxurious decoration and grandeur of 4 expositions-courtyards, acquainting tourists<\/a> with the life of the sultans. 1st courtyard – various office premises; 2nd – Sultan's office, treasury; 3rd – Sultan's chambers, harem premises; 4th – thematic pavilions. Among the exhibits are the richest collections of porcelain and jewelry.<\/p>\n

Mosaic Museum<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Excavations carried out in the 1920s 20th century near the Blue Mosque, they exposed among the ruins a platform surrounded by a destroyed colonnade (peristyle) – the remains of a Byzantine palace. The most valuable find was the mosaic cover (2,000 sq.m.) that adorned the palace and the portico of the gallery. Archaeologists were shocked by the extraordinary preservation of the mosaic and artistic expressiveness.<\/p>\n

A museum was organized at the excavation site (1953), which was first part of the Museum of Archeology, and then – in the Museum of St. Sofia. The mosaic panel was “covered” with a wooden building, which poorly protects the rarity from humidity and temperature contrast. Then a stone building was built (1987), modernized in 2012 in order to better preserve the mosaics.<\/p>\n

The virtuosity, incredible talent and painstaking work of the ancient mosaic masters stagger the imagination and delight with maximum realism. Numerous scenes of everyday life and mythical themes are widely introduced to the life and worldview of prehistoric ancestors: feeding a baby, hunting, everyday affairs, mythological animals, etc. – a total of 90 genres.<\/p>\n

Baezid Mosque<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Located<\/a> in the center of the historical part, the Bayezid Mosque is the 2nd largest domed mosque in the city, built at the direction of Sultan Bayezid II in the 16th century. instead of the Byzantine forum of Theodosius. During the demolition of the latter, all valuable materials: marble columns, colored stone, marble decorations – were used in the construction of the religious complex. Since Bayezid conceived not just a mosque, but a whole complex, this also affected the unusual architecture of the building. The high minarets are located at a distance of 100 m from each other; early Ottoman and Western styles are mixed in the appearance of the buildings.<\/p>\n

The central dome and 2 semi-domes on which it (the main dome) rests are equipped with a large number of windows (34). Massive porphyry columns support the domed group, the entire courtyard is lined with marble slabs. Now the buildings that were part of the religious complex have different purposes: the library is located in the former caravanserai and canteens, and the unique Museum of Calligraphy is located in the religious school. The remains of Bayezid are buried in one of the mausoleums. A book market is regularly held on the territory of the mosque, where tourists<\/a> buy rare books.<\/p>\n

Aqueduct Valenta<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Looking at the grandiose structure located in the Fatih district, the Valens aqueduct, one involuntarily recalls Mayakovsky's catchphrase “worked by the slaves of Rome.” A traditional Roman aqueduct of colossal proportions built in the 4th century BC. AD, shakes with its giant arches of gray stone. Named after the emperor Valens, under whom it was built, the aqueduct was an important part of the water supply system of Constantinople. The length of the structure, made of gray stone taken from the walls of Chalcedon, was 1 km, the height was 26 m.<\/p>\n

Everyone who has the opportunity to contemplate the monumental ancient structure is shocked by the technological capabilities of the ancient builders who did not have any heavy vehicles. Surprising is the excellent preservation of the arches and the fact that the aqueduct functioned until the 19th century. Now it is another symbol of the city.<\/p>\n

Suleymaniye Mosque<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The largest and 2nd most important Suleymaniye Mosque<\/a> is located in the Vefa region, being its main decoration and famous landmark. Within its boundaries lie the remains of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (the initiator of the construction) and his legendary wife Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska (Roksolana).<\/p>\n

According to legend, the architect Sinan, the author and executor of the project, exclaimed at the celebrations in honor of the opening of the object: “This mosque will stand forever!” The past centuries confirm his prophecy: the brainchild of Sinan, having survived 96 earthquakes, withstood almost without destruction. The architect complied with Suleiman's requirement to make the mosque seismically stable.<\/p>\n

The basis of the mosque is a powerful foundation (60X57 m) with a reliable fastening system that does not allow the building to slide down the hill and is resistant to shaking. The moat, after being laid with stones, was filled with water, the foundation stood for 3 years, forming a monolith, and then the walls were erected. 4 slender minarets, located in the corners, proudly look up, the ascetic beauty of the walls and domes delights and fascinates.<\/p>\n

Rustem Pasha Mosque<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

A true pearl among its “sisters” the Rustem Pasha Mosque is not as accessible to tourists as others, because it is located in a remote corner of the Old City. This is another brainchild of the architect Sinan (author Suleymaniye), his poetic touch in construction (1561-1562). All visitors leave the mosque in complete admiration.<\/p>\n

The majestic domed building in the Ottoman style was erected on a square podium. Numerous entrance arches, vaults, columns and pillars decorating the podium securely support the dome decorated with lattice windows. Mighty gray walls bear the stamp of past centuries and the embodied hard work of thousands of workers.<\/p>\n

It is impossible not to freeze with delight, going inside the sanctuary – everything here is so beautiful and solemn, rich and artistic! The decoration of the walls is amazing with expensive Izmir tiles with floral patterns in white and blue, blue and brown tones. The floor, finished with slabs of warm orange shades, see<\/a>ms to illuminate the space from below. Garlands of teardrop-shaped glass lights decorate the top like raindrops.<\/p>\n

2 day<\/h2>\n

If after the first day of traveling<\/a> around the city it seems to someone that everything interesting<\/a> is behind, then this will be an erroneous opinion. It is worth sleeping well, gaining strength and continuing to explore the unique sights<\/a> of the heir to Constantinople. Walking<\/a> around the city on the 2nd day will reveal new secrets<\/a> of Istanbul, introduce you to more modern buildings, and allow you to penetrate the rhythm of life of the metropolis and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n

Dolmabahce<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

In one of the most colorful districts of the city, there is the largest palace, more precisely, the Dolmabahce palace complex, which boggles the imagination with its beauty and size. Built in the middle of the 19th century. (1843-1856) as the new residence of the sultans, the palace symbolizes the unprecedented luxury and wealth of the Ottomans.<\/p>\n

Sultan Abdulmecid I, who decided to “surpass” the luxury of Europe<\/a>an monarchs, ordered the construction of a monumental palace in the Baroque style. A colossal sum was spent on its construction – 5 million pounds of gold. Decoration of buildings required 14 tons of pure gold and 40 tons of silver.<\/p>\n

Tourists who actively visit the architectural gem of the city are amazed at the scale of wealth and luxury in the decoration of palace buildings. They are surprise<\/a>d by the clock showing the same time – 9. O5 (the moment of Ataturk's death). Now the palace has been given the status of a museum and a national heritage site, which, in grandeur and beauty, can compete with the outstanding palaces of the world.<\/p>\n

Taksim<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

A modern type of high-speed movement around the city – an underground funicular, the entrance to which is located next to the Kabatash stop (tram – T 1), will allow you to quickly get to Taksim Square. This is the legendary place of the city, associated with the most fateful events of the country, around which the famous sights<\/a> of the city are located. It is here that the conditional border between the old part of the city and the new one is located.<\/p>\n

“Taksim” means “distribution” because for many years the area served as a distribution point for water in the city's water supply system. In addition, many transport<\/a> lines and tourist route<\/a>s around the city originate from here. Celebrations, festive processions and protests have been and are being held here. Tourists are interested in the majestic monument of the Republic (1928), with sculptural images of Ataturk and his associates.<\/p>\n

A visit to the Church of the Holy Trinity leaves a deep impression as an island<\/a> of Orthodoxy in the Muslim faith. The pedestrian street starts from the square. Istiklal, ending with the ancient Galata Tower (Istanbul's visiting card).<\/p>\n

Istiklal<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The former main avenue of Constantinople, Grande Rue de Pera, began to be called Istiklal (“independence”) since 1928, when on the square. The monument “Republic” was erected in Taksim. Now a stormy democratic life is in full swing here: crowds of tourists, local residents walk along numerous establishments, street musicians surprise with their skill. In the street infrastructure, at every step you can feel the two-facedness of Istanbul – the neighborhood of fashionable restaurants with unpretentious eateries, religious institutions – with noisy nightclubs, oriental style of architecture – with western style.<\/p>\n

Although st. It is considered to be pedestrian, a rare tram (since 1871), which is a tribute to tradition, runs along it. Given the huge flow of tourists, hundreds of hotels of various categories are open in Istiklal, from luxury hotels<\/a> to the cheapest hostels. There is a large selection of apartments, hotels with swimming pools<\/a>, spas.<\/p>\n

Church of St. Anthony<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

This is not only the largest Catholic church in Istanbul, but also a real architectural masterpiece, captivating with its majesty and splendor. Built in 1911, the Catholic Church is a tribute to the local authorities of the Catholic faith, whose preachers were Franciscan monks.<\/p>\n

The long-suffering history<\/a> of the Franciscan monks, who first appeared in the city in 1221, is connected with the temple<\/a>. The result of this was the construction in 1230 in the vicinity of the Galata district of the church of St. Francis (or St. Sophia). The temple was restore<\/a>d 2 times after strong fires, and although it survived after the 3rd fire, it was turned into a mosque at the request of Sultan Mustafa II.<\/p>\n

We must pay tribute to the monks, who stubbornly desired to have their own temple, and who rebuilt the church, named after St. Anthony (1724). But a sad fate was prepared for her too – the laying of tram tracks destroyed the creation of the monks. The church of St. Anthony, built in the neoclassical style, acquired a new life on February 15, 1912, when the first divine service took place. Today, many paris<\/a>hioners from different countries<\/a> gather here every day.<\/p>\n

Galata tower<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

An ancient old-timer – the Galata Tower, located on a high hill (140 m above sea<\/a> level), is located in the Beyoglu district and is visible from all parts of the city. The tower, built in the 6th century, presumably under the Byzantine emperor Justinian as a guard object made of wood, in the 14th century. was rebuilt in stone. The dimensions of the stone giant, as if hovering over the waters of the Bosphorus, are impressive: height 65 m, diameter 16.5 m, wall thickness 3.7 m..<\/p>\n

After a strong earthquake (1503), which caused significant damage to Galata, it was restored and a superstructure was made. In the 17th century, when Hezafren Kulesi, the inventor and first aeronaut of Turkey<\/a>, made a flight across the Bosporus on wings designed by him, starting from the top floor of the tower, it was called Hezafren's tower. For several centuries, a prison was located in the lower floors of the building, and the upper platform was an observation post.<\/p>\n

Galata bridge<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The unique crossing connecting the shores of the Golden Horn Bay – the Galata Bridge with a draw mechanism cannot but admire with its beauty and scale. The 2-story handsome bridge, 142 meters wide, stretches over turquoise waters for 484 meters – the brainchild of the Turkish company STFA. The first wooden bridge appeared in this place in 1845 at the behest of Valide, the wife of Sultan Mahmud II, after whom it was named. After serving for 17 years, the building fell into disrepair, and for the visit to Istanbul of Napoleon III (1863), the bridge was almost completely rebuilt.<\/p>\n

A significant reconstruction of the Galata Bridge was carried out in 1875, after which the passage through it became paid. The current crossing is the fifth grandiose construction (1992-94). Today, the Galata Bridge is not only a popular crossing, but also a popular tourist attraction, where thousands of people come. The 2nd floor is a busy transport line, along which not only cars, but also trams run. The 1st floor is a pedestrian and leisure zone, where there are many different establishments.<\/p>\n

Egypt<\/a>ian market<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

A special exotic touch in the colorful panorama of the city is the Egypt<\/a>ian market or bazaar, which sells oriental spices. The market got its name because the spices were delivered from India through Egypt, and the Egyptians traded them. According to history<\/a>, there was also a market here in the Byzantine era. The Old Egyptian Bazaar began to be built of wood in 1660 as an object of sponsorship financing for the construction of the New Mosque, which has survived to this day.<\/p>\n

Later, the market building, rebuilt from stone and brick, burned down twice, and in 1940, in the process of major reconstruction, it acquired a modern look. The monumental building, built in the shape of the letter L, has 6 arched entrances, a lead dome crowns the roof. Even from a distance, you can feel the intoxicating aroma of all kinds of spices, so it's hard to make a mistake when looking for a bazaar. In addition to spices and spices, dried fruits<\/a> and dairy products are sold here.<\/p>\n

3 day<\/h2>\n

During the first 2 days of your stay, you will learn so many interesting things that it seems that there is nothing more to be surprised about here. But no, the ancient city, located on 2 continents, is able to give a lot of new impressions even on the 3rd day of travel<\/a>ing around it. The objects to be seen on the 3rd day will allow you to penetrate deeper into the history<\/a> of the glorious past of the city, to feel its Byzantine authenticity. You will get acquainted with the legendary personalities who have contributed to the fate of the city.<\/p>\n

Karie Museum<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

In a remote area, there is an outwardly modest, but internally very substantial building, the Kariye Museum. From a historical and cultural point of view, this is a real storehouse of priceless rarities of the Byzantine period. The building was built in the 4th-5th century. as the Church of Christ the Savior, which later served as the monastery of Chora. The rebuilt building changed its purpose 2 times in different eras: it was transformed from a church into a monastery and vice versa, then it served as a mosque.<\/p>\n

The history<\/a> of Byzantine Constantinople and Turkish Istanbul was embodied within the walls of the building. Under a layer of plaster applied under the Turks, artistic paintings of the Byzantines have been preserved. Nearby the Temple Museum, officially opened in 1958, consists of 3 halls, each of which impresses with amazing mosaics and frescoes. These are true masterpieces of Byzantine art of the 14th century, reflecting biblical scenes. The general decoration of the museum-church in beauty can compete with any other Byzantine church in Europe.<\/p>\n

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Next to the Kariye Museum is the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, a beautiful architectural and religious monument with a romantic history. The mosque was named after the beloved daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent and Roksolana and erected in her honor by the architect Sinan, who was in love with Mihrimah. Many believe that the appearance of the mosque resembles the figure of a girl in a long robe. This similarity is created by 2-tier porticos at the base of the building and under the domes.<\/p>\n

The central dome crowning the mosque smoothly passes to the lower domes. Daylight plays a special role here, penetrating into the halls and creating an unprecedented impression, reflecting on the stained-glass windows and openwork walls. Around the mosque there is a rumor about her heavenly connection on the birthday of Mihrimah, March 21. It is believed that if you stand on this day between 2 mosques (the 2nd is located in the Edirnekapi district), then the Moon and the Sun will be visible between the minarets at the same time. The mosque is very revered by the locals.<\/p>\n

Walls of Constantinople<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The remains of powerful fortress walls and towers are a unique architectural monument, a visual reminder of Byzantine Constantinople, of its former greatness. They are otherwise called Theodosian Walls, because they were built on the initiative of Emperor Theodosius II (408-413), when the city grew beyond the borders.
\nHaving stood in the 3rd century, the walls were partially destroyed by a strong earthquake in 747, but rebuilt and reinforced with an additional moat.<\/p>\n

After the conquest of the city by Mehmed (1453), the damage to the walls of Constantinople was repaired. But in the 19th and 20th century the fortification began to be dismantled as unnecessary. Having appreciated the historical and cultural significance of the monument, the public took the walls under the protection of UNESCO, in the 80s of the 20th century. they have been restored. Although the earthquakes of recent years have significantly damaged the new masonry, we have the opportunity to see the symbols of the power of Byzantium.<\/p>\n

Hill and Coffee House Pierre Loti<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

This iconic place is located in the district of Eyup, on a large hill of the former Ottoman cemetery. The top of the hill is a kind of observation deck, which offers stunningly beautiful views<\/a> of the bay and the city. You can climb it on foot or by cable car. The enterprising owner, who opened a cafe in this picturesque place, surrounded by slender cypresses, named the coffee establishment after the popular in the 19th century. writer Pierre Loti. This is the pseudonym of the French Navy officer Louis M. J. Viaux, who described in his works the countries he visited.<\/p>\n

Loti's novels, dedicated to the life of the ancient, mysterious East, its traditions<\/a>, deeply excited readers, and the cafe named after him attracted many visitors. Now it is also not empty – hundreds of tourists on the way inspect the surroundings with marble tombstones, admire the views of the Golden Horn, then drink apple tea and coffee in Pierre Loti's cafe.<\/p>\n

Day 4<\/h2>\n

A lot of interesting impressions are left on the 4th day of visiting the city, which connected East and West, which embodied the richest history of 2 empires. A visit to the Archaeological Museum, the Ottoman fortress, the original basilica and the grandiose bazaar will impress.<\/p>\n

Rumeli Hisari Fortress<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The historical fortress of Rumeli Hisary, striking in its scale, was erected in 1452 by order of the padishah Mehmed (the Conqueror) as a strategic structure for the siege of Constantinople. 2 thousand builders and 1 thousand designers erected powerful walls and towers in 4.5 months to “cut off” the city from the sea<\/a>. The basis of Rumeli was the foundation of the ruined ancient Byzantine fortress Foneus, on which walls 7 meters thick were erected, 3 huge main towers with gates and 13 small ones connecting the 2nd row of walls. Soldiers' barracks and a mosque were built in the courtyard (only a minaret survived from it).<\/p>\n

In the 17th century the fortress lost its strategic importance and began to be used as a prison, which was called the “castle<\/a> of oblivion”. In the 50s of the last century, the fortress was restored, the Artillery Museum, the Summer<\/a> Theater were organized in it and opened to the public.<\/p>\n

Archaeological Museum<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The Museum of Archeology at the time of its creation was called the “museum of sarcophagi” (they became its first exhibits). The first neoclassical building in the city in 1896 became a museum building. With the advent of many other artifacts, 2 more buildings were built, and today these are 3 thematic museums. Not all museums in the world can boast of such a number of unique, authentic exhibits, reflecting various eras of AD. e. in the development<\/a> of mankind.<\/p>\n

The priceless finds of excavations carried out in Istanbul, Africa, Afghanistan, the Balkans, found their place in the Archaeological Museum, in the pavilion of the Ancient East and the Tiled pavilion. The sarcophagi of A. Macedonian or royal are the most significant artifacts brought from Ancient Syria. The mummies of the pharaohs of Egypt, fragments of sculptures from the ancient Greek temples of Zeus and Athena, collections of cuneiform texts, Ottoman coins and much more are kept here.<\/p>\n

Basilica Cistern<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

If it seems to someone that there is nothing to be surprised about, then he will be mistaken if he has not yet visited an absolutely unique building – the Basilica Cistern. This former reservoir (that's how the “cistern” is translated) is a technological and architectural miracle, worked out under the emperor Justinian. When there was no longer a need for a reservoir, Yerebatan-saray, that is, an underground palace, was opened in this unique room, which has become an interesting museum. There is no limit to the admiration of tourists by the skill of Byzantine builders when they descend here.<\/p>\n

The gigantic hall is crammed with 336 8-9-meter marble columns supporting the ceiling. They were mainly brought from ancient temples, which is noticeable in their processing. The most remarkable of them are 2 columns, the bases of which are decorated in the form of the heads of the Gorgon Medusa. The original illumination of the room creates a truly magic<\/a>al atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Grand Bazaar and Chamberlitash<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the most visited by tourists district Chemberlitash is known for the Constantine Column, hammam baths, the square of the same name and the Grand Bazaar. The first column with a statue<\/a> of the emperor was erected in 330, the last – after 2 centuries. Turkish hamams, now known all over the world, have a special flavor here.
\nThe ancient covered market arose on this site under Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453. Repeatedly rebuilt and expanded, the Grand Bazaar turned into the main center of trade and business, and even the slave trade (until the 19th century).<\/p>\n

At the beginning of 17, there were 67 streets, 5 mosques, 7 fountains<\/a>, 18 gates on the territory of the market. This huge market complex cannot be called otherwise than an oriental fairy tale. Arriving here for an hour, you can stay here for half a day – the bazaar space is so colorful, bright, beautiful and diverse. It seems that its pavilions have everything you want – the range of goods rolls over. You should not demonstrate your well-being here, you must definitely bargain when buying.<\/p>\n

Istanbul itinerary<\/a> for 4 days on the map<\/h2>\n