{"id":671666,"date":"2022-07-25T12:40:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T09:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=671666"},"modified":"2024-01-30T14:55:05","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T12:55:05","slug":"30-best-sights-of-istanbul-photo-description-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/30-best-sights-of-istanbul-photo-description-map\/","title":{"rendered":"30 best sights of Istanbul – photo, description, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today we will have a rich and very exciting walk through one of the most beautiful cities<\/a> in Turkey<\/a>. Let's talk about the most popular sights<\/a> of Istanbul<\/a>, which will tell you about the history<\/a> of this unique<\/a> city<\/a> better than any guide. The walk promises to be intense and very exciting.<\/p>\n

Haydarpash Station<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The starting station of the Istanbul-Baghdad railway. It is located<\/a> in Kadikoy, on the Asian side<\/a> of Istanbul. The construction of the station building began on May 30, 1906 and ended on August 19, 1908. The official opening took place on November 4, 1909.<\/p>\n

The complex was built by a German company in the Neo-Renaissance style. In addition, the Germans built a transshipment breakwater complex, on which wagons from Asia were reloaded onto merchant ships and ferries. The building was a gift from Emperor Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdul-Hamid II. The Haydarpasa station was damaged and repaired three times. The first time was in 1917, when a fire broke out in an ammunition depot.<\/p>\n

On November 15, 1979, a dry cargo ship and a tanker collided 800 meters from the station. Explosions and a fire that occurred as a result of the accident caused serious damage to the train<\/a> harbor building. Its renovation was completely completed in 1983. On November 28, 2010, a fire broke out on the roof of the building and it collapsed. Rest<\/a>oration work after this incident lasted about a year.<\/p>\n

Near the station is the mosque of the same name railwaymen. It was built on the site of the Gregorian church destroyed in 1874. The temple<\/a> is decorated in the Baroque style and is decorated with 2 minarets. Boats that car<\/a>ry passengers across the Bosphorus dock at the pier near the station. Also, car ferries of the Ilyichevsk-Istanbul line are unloaded at the pier. You can get to the Hadarpasa station by boat from the piers of Bostanci, Yenikapi and Kadikoy, as well as by metro line M4 (stop “Ayr\u0131l\u0131k\u00e7e\u015fme”).<\/p>\n

Galata Tower<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

An attraction that can be seen from anywhere in the city<\/a>. It was erected on the hill of the same name in the 14th century. The building was built by the Genoese, who inhabited one of the districts of Constantinople. At the time the construction was completed, the Galata Tower was the largest building in the Byzantine capital.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the 16th century, Galata was used as a prison for Christian prisoners of war, and in the middle of the century an astronomical observatory was located on its upper platform. In 1578 the latter was closed. In 1632, the scientist Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi made eagle-like wings and jumped off the tower.<\/p>\n

He flew over the Bosporus and landed in the Asian part of the city. The Sultan first rewarded the daredevil, and later sent him to Algiers. The flight aroused great interest<\/a> in Europe<\/a>. It was repeatedly painted by the best artists of the Old World<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In 1791, 1832 and 1875 the tower was repaired. It housed an observation post from which the soldiers monitored the occurrence of fires and unrest in the European part<\/a> of the city. In 1964-1967, Galata underwent restoration and acquired a modern look; a dome was erected on its top. In the early 2000s, an elevator was built in the building. Several dozen people committed suicide from the walls of the tower.<\/p>\n

Features of the building:<\/p>\n

In the Galata Tower work:<\/p>\n

The museum is open from 9 am to 8 pm. Within a radius of 100 meters from the building there are several dozen accommodation and catering establishments. You can get to the Galata Tower on foot or by car. A funicular runs from the old city of Sultanahmet to Meshrutiet Street (200 m from the building). There is also the Sishane station of the M2 subway line.<\/p>\n

Blue Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

It was built in 1609-1616 by order of the 14th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire<\/a>. He allocated money for the construction from his treasury. For the construction of the mosque, several palaces of the highest dignitaries of the state and the large palace of the Byzantine emperors were destroyed. The architecture of the temple is a combination of the best features of the Ottoman and Byzantine styles.<\/p>\n

The domes of the mosque are decorated with sky-colored tiles. For this design<\/a>, it is called blue. The special details of the temple are 6 minarets. 4 of them are oriented to the cardinal points, and 2 stand in the outer courtyard of the structure. More towers were built only near the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca. The interiors of Sultanahmet are decorated with floral ornaments. The central hall of the structure is 53 meters long and 51 meters wide. The dome above it has a diameter of 23.5 meters.<\/p>\n

In the niche of the wall, which faces Mecca, there is a black stone from the holy city for Muslims. In the western part of the mosque, a special entrance was made for the Sultan with a chain. The bow that the ruler made in order to pass under it symbolized his insignificance before God. A mosque is a whole complex of buildings. Its buildings house a temple, primary and religious schools, a nursing home, the tomb of Sultan Ahmet, baths, shops, and fountains<\/a>. Part of the premises of the building is leased to private enterprises.<\/p>\n

During its 400-year history<\/a>, the mosque has been repeatedly damaged by fires and riots. Each time, the rulers of Turkey<\/a> allocated money for its restoration. In 1826, the temple housed the headquarters of the Grand Vizier, who suppressed the uprising of the Janissaries and liquidated the Janissary corps. The mosque is open to the public from 8:30 to 12:30, from 14:00 to 16:45 and from 17:45 to 18:30 daily. On Fridays (a day off for Muslims), the mosque is closed. Entrance is always free. You can get there<\/a> by light rail line T1. You need to get off at the Sultanahmet stop.<\/p>\n

Topkapi Palace<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The complex of buildings, which for 380 years was the administrative center<\/a> of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of its powerful rulers. 25 sultans lived in it. In 1854, Sultan Abdulmecid I moved to Dolmabahce Palace. In 1923, by order of Mustafa-Kemal Ataturk, the residence of the head of state was transfer<\/a>red from Topkapi to the Yildiz Palace. At the same time, a museum was created in the complex.<\/p>\n

The total number of its exhibits exceeds 600,000 items. The construction of the palace began in 1465 by order of Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Istanbul. Each ruler who lived in the residence rebuilt it and added new elements and decorations to its design. The palace is a mixture of several architectural styles that developed in the 15th-19th centuries.<\/p>\n

Topkapi consists of 4 gates and courtyards, each of which represents a separate complex of structures. In the first of them – the gates of the ruler were service premises. In the second, the gate of greeting, there was a sofa (cabinet of ministers) and a treasury; in the third, the gates of happiness, a harem, a sultan's bedchamber and an elite school of leaders were placed;<\/p>\n

The museum is open from 9 am to 7 pm in summer (April 15-October 30) and from 9 am to 5 pm in winter (October 30-April 15). There are 2 cafes and 1 restaurant on site. The palace is located on Cape Saraiburnu, at the junction of the Golden Horn Bay with the Sea<\/a> of \u200b\u200bMarmara. Trams line T1 run to the Gulhane stop, which is 100 meters from the entrance to the museum. Sikerdzhi Train Station is 1 km from the complex.<\/p>\n

Saint Sophie Cathedral<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The architects of Kievan Rus and the Russian Empire tried to copy it several times. The architectural solutions used in the design of the cathedral are still used today. Since 1985, Hagia Sophia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The temple was erected in the middle of the 6th century AD by order of Emperor Constantine. For the construction of the structure, the best materials were brought from all over the Byzantine Empire. Marble and columns were taken from the ruins of ancient cities in Syria, Egypt<\/a>, Athos and North Africa. In St. Sophia Cathedral, in 1054, the legates of the Pope announced the deposition of the Patriarch Kirularius of Constantinople, which split the Christian Church into Orthodox and Catholic.<\/p>\n

Until 1204, the Shroud of Turin was kept in the temple – a piece of cloth in which the body of Christ was wrapped after the crucifixion. After the sack of Constantinople in 1204, the shrine disappeared without a trace and was found only 150 years later. In 1453, after the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, the cathedral was turned into a mosque and for about 100 years was the main temple of the capital of the Ottoman Empire.<\/p>\n

In accordance with the Islamic ban on the depiction of people, frescoes and mosaics were covered with plaster. It is thanks to this that they have survived to this day and are now pleasing to the eye of visitors to the building. A small prayer room for Muslims operates in it even now.<\/p>\n

In 1935 the Hagia Sophia was declared a museum. From April 15 to October 25 it is open from 9 am to 7 pm, from October 25 to April 15 it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. To get to Hagia Sophia, you need to take the T1 tram line and get to the Sultanahmet stop. From there, walk about 200 meters to the temple.<\/p>\n

Sultanahmet<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

Main square of the city. Since the 4th century AD, a hippodrome has been located on it – a place for horse races, chariot races, athletic competitions and gladiator battles. It was 400 meters long and 150 meters wide. The building could accommodate about 100,000 spectators. The stadium was decorated with a gilded bronze quadriga. After the destruction of Constantinople by the knights in 1204, it was taken to the Cathedral of Santo Marco in Venice<\/a>, where it is still kept.<\/p>\n

Among other solemn events at the hippodrome, the circumcision of the sons of Suleiman the Magnificent and Roksolana Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was carried out. The hippodrome was finally destroyed in the 17th century. The structure was featured on the 500 lira banknotes that were in circulation from 1953 to 1976. There are 3 monuments on the square: the snake column, the obelisk of Constantine and the German fountain.<\/p>\n

The first is a symbol of the victory of the Greeks over the Persians in the 5th century BC. The second was erected in honor of Emperor Basil I by his grandson Constantine VII. The column is 21 meters high. According to the chronicles, it was lined with sheets of copper, which were stolen by the crusa<\/a>der knights. The fountain is a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm. Inside it is decorated with golden mosaics and monograms of the rulers of Germany and Turkey<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In 1826, Janissaries were executed on Sultanahmet Square, who, like archers in Russia, rebelled against the reforms of their ruler. Also from this place began the uprising, which led to the overthrow of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II in 1909. In 1950-1951, excavations were carried out on the territory of the former hippodrome. During the resea<\/a>rch, many exhibits from the Byzantine and early Ottoman period were found. You can see them in museums. Sultanahmet Square is located in the district of the same name, in the historical center<\/a>. Near it there is a tram stop of the T1 line.<\/p>\n

Beylerbeyi Palace<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

It was erected in 1861-1865 by Armenia<\/a>n architects Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. The name of the building in translation means “lord of the lords”. The title of Beylerbey was awarded only to the best commanders, naval commanders and governors of Turkey. The design of Beylerbey was designed by Sargis Balyan in the style of the second French empire. The palace seems rather modest compared to the Dolmabahce or Kuchuksu chambers. One of the most beautiful decorations of Beylerbey is the reception hall with a pool and a fountain.<\/p>\n

Cold water in it plays the role of a thirst quencher, a natural air conditioner and an interior detail. Egypt<\/a>ian reed mats and Hereke carpets were used as floor coverings. The palace is equipped with Bohemian crystal chandeliers. Japanese, Chinese, Turkish porcelain vases stand in the alleys of the garden.<\/p>\n

It is better to look at the palace from the side of the Bosphorus during a boat trip. From there you can see<\/a> 2 bathing pavilions of the complex: female and male. They are decorated with Turkish-style floral ornaments. The palace was used to accommodate the guests of the rulers of Turkey. In 1869, Empress Eugenie of France<\/a> visited it.<\/p>\n

She admired the elegance of the interiors of the building and how skillfully the architects and designers created a copy of her bedroom from the Tuileries castle<\/a>. In the building, the empress met with the valide (mother of the sultan). The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also visited Beylerbey. Sultan Abdul-Hamid II was kept and died in the castle<\/a> in 1912-1918.<\/p>\n

The palace is open daily except Mondays and Thursdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Near the palace there is a pier to which ferries of the Bosphorus line 1 run.<\/p>\n

Dolmabahce Palace<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

It was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in 1853-1889 and 1909-1922. Dolmabahce is the first sultan's palace built in European style. It took 11 years to build, from 1842 to 1953. The main architect of the building is the Armenian Karabet Balyan. The cost of the palace was equal to the price of 35 tons of gold (approximately 1 billion 180 million dollars in modern money).<\/p>\n

For the construction materials were brought from all over the world. Marble – from the island<\/a> of Marmara, alabaster – from Egpit, porphyry – from Pergamum. The total area<\/a> of \u200b\u200bthe building is 45,000 m2. It has 285 rooms, 46 corridors, 6 bathrooms, 68 toilets and 1427 windows.<\/p>\n

The main decoration of the palace is a huge crystal chandelier with 750 candles weighing 4 tons. It was presented by the English Queen Victoria. The palace houses the world's largest collection of candle chandeliers.<\/p>\n

There is also a Russian trace in Dolmabahce. On one of its walls hangs the skin of a polar bear, which the Turks dyed brown to protect it from dust. Ivan Aivazovsky painted 40 Bosphorus landscapes for the palace. In addition to money, the artist's award was the Order of Osman – the highest award of the empire.<\/p>\n

8 sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived and worked in the palace. Mustafa-Kemal Atat\u00fcrk also lodged in it. The bed on which the reformer died on November 10, 1938 is still kept in the building. She is an object of worship for most Turkish citizens. All chronometers in the building show the time of his death – 9 hours 5 minutes in the morning. In 1887, German Emperor Wilhelm II visited the palace.<\/p>\n

The palace is open to the public every day, except Mondays and Thursdays, from 9 am to 4 pm. You can get there by funicular (Macka station) or by ferry (Besiktas pier).<\/p>\n

Maiden's Tower<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

A building on a small island in the Bosphorus, near the Uskudar district of the Asian part of Istanbul. She is one of the symbols of the city. There are legends<\/a> associated with both names of the tower. According to one of them, the young man Leander swam across the Bosphorus every night and found his way through the fire, which was lit by the girl Hero. One day the wind blew out the flames and Leander died.<\/p>\n

In the morning, Gero saw his body and jumped from the tower to always be with her beloved. According to Turkish legend, there was once a good sultan who performed 5 obligatory and 5 additional prayers daily. A dervish who appeared in a dream told the ruler that his beloved odalisque would soon give him a daughter and the girl would be bitten by a snake. The Stranger advised the Sultan to build a tower in the Bosphorus, on which his daughter would be safe.<\/p>\n

A Persian prince who wanted to marry her turned to a flower seller. The Sultan agreed to show the plants to the girl, on the condition that the merchant's daughter deliver them. The prince changed into women's clothes and presented a bouquet to the beauty. But a snake crawled out of the flowers and bit the girl. The Persian clung to the wound of his beloved and sucked out the poison. As a reward, he received the permission of the Sultan for the wedding.<\/p>\n

The Maiden's Tower is depicted in Aivazovsky's painting “View of the Leander Tower in Constantinople” and on the 10 lire banknote, which was in circulation in 1966-1981. The Maiden's Tower was built during the Byzantine Empire as a small fort at the entrance to the Golden Horn harbor. During its long history<\/a>, it has been used as a lighthouse, a prison, an isolation ward for the sick.<\/p>\n

More than once the building burned out and was destroyed by earthquakes. But there was always a nobleman who gave money to restore<\/a> the building. In 1999, the tower was reconstructed and opened to tour<\/a>ists. Now it houses a restaurant, an observation deck and a gift shop. Boats run from the Katabash and Yuskyudar piers to the tower.<\/p>\n

Suleymaniye Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The Suleymaniye Mosque<\/a> was built in 1550-1557 by order of the 10th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque was named after him. The construction was supervised by the best architect of his time – Sinan-aga. As a reward, he received a golden key – a symbol of the ruler's trust.<\/p>\n

The mosque is surrounded by 4 minarets. They show that Suleiman is the 4th sultan after the conquest of Istanbul. 10 balconies were built on the towers, since Suleiman is the 10th sultan in the Ottoman dynasty. According to one of the legends, the Persian Shah Tahmasp sent precious stones for the construction of the mosque, but Sinan built them into the base of one of the minarets.<\/p>\n

Area – 4500 m2. This is enough to accommodate more than 5,000 people for prayer time. The complex of buildings includes a hammam, a school of theology, a caravanserai, and a medical school. On the south (facing Mecca) side of the mosque is a fountain for ablution before prayer. Inside there is a mihrab, a marble niche for singers and tablets with the names of prominent Muslims.<\/p>\n

There is a cemetery at the rear of the building complex. The nobles of the Ottoman Empire are buried on it. The most beautiful tombs of the necropolis are the sarcophagi of Suleiman the Magnificent, his wife Roksolana and their daughter Mihrimah. In the decoration of the tombs, emeralds are used – Roksolana's favorite stones and rubies are forgotten – Suleiman's favorite crystals. T1 tram stop “Eminonu” is a 5-minute walk away.<\/p>\n

Hammam Hurrem Sultan<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The traditional Turkish bath complex is built according to the classical requirements of the Ottoman bath architecture. The attraction is considered the most popular bath complex. It was built in 1557 by order of Sultan Suleiman to his beloved wife Hurrem (Roksolana). There are three departments in the building: hot (hararet +50\u00b0C with gebektashi marble floor), relax<\/a>ation room, massage rooms, VIP rooms. Two departments function independently<\/a>: male, female, having separate entrances (they are a mirror image).<\/p>\n

The interior decoration of the hammam strikes with beauty and luxury. After the restoration (the bath served for a long time for other purposes that were not characteristic of it), everyone can visit it by booking a place in advance (in the future, this money will be included in the payment<\/a> for procedures). You can get to H\u00fcrem Hammam by tram to the Sultanahmet stop.<\/p>\n

Palace of Ibrahim Pasha<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The palace, resembling an ancient defensive structure, amazes with grandeur, mystery, permeated with the historical spirit of the Ottoman Empire, the life of the famous Sultan and his vizier Ibrahim Pasha. Initially, the building belonged to Suleiman, who possessed colossal wealth and power. The closest childhood friend, the husband of Suleiman's sister, was worthy of a priceless gift. The fate of the chief vizier led to a change in the owners of the palace, its purpose (prison, sewing workshops, barracks).<\/p>\n

The building was restored in 1983. It houses the Museum of Turkish, Islamic Art. The expositions include ancient manuscripts, treasures, handicrafts (carpets, clothes, jewelry). Household items made of ceramics, wood, precious metals.<\/p>\n

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

In this building, the love of the great Sultan, the beauty, the greatness of the spiritual qualities of an amazing woman (having a second meaning after the famous Roksolana) froze forever. On the highest point of the city (Sixth Hill) a building appeared, built by the famous architect Sinan (in love with Mihrims). It became a symbol of medieval architecture, reflecting the “golden age” of the empire. The mosque, pierced by the sun, amazes with its lightness and grace, created by numerous windows with stained-glass windows.<\/p>\n

The ensemble includes the main building, a madrasah, a hammam, several shops, a turbe, a patio with a fountain for ablution, and a single minaret. Opposite the mosque is the building of the same name in Uskudar. Once a year (on the birthday of Mihrimah on March 21), at the moment of sunset, the moon appears behind the minaret of the mosque, rising from behind another minaret. There is a health center here, the tombs of the sons of Mihrimah have been preserved.<\/p>\n

Shehzade Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

Often this amazing building is called the architectural perfection created by the famous Sinan. Beauty, grandeur it is not inferior to the blue mosque of the city. For the first time during the construction of the mosque, the idea of \u200b\u200ba composite dome was realized. The building stands on four plinths, covered by a dome supported by other (smaller) four domes. The aim of the architectural innovations was to create a room bathed in bright sunlight. A new method of decorating the mosque was the use of facial painting.<\/p>\n

The mosque rises on one of the hills of the city. The front facade of the mosque looks at the Golden Horn. Two minarets are decorated with patterns. Under the foundation there is a pool that helps to create the right temperature in the building. The interior decoration of the tiles is made in beautiful light colors. The mosque (symbol of sorrow) was built in 1548 and is located in the historical center.<\/p>\n

Basilica Cistern<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

Among the sights<\/a>, the buildings left by the Turkish invaders of Constantinople, the rulers of the Ottoman Empire, are famous for<\/a> their wealth and beauty. You can plunge into the ancient atmosphere of the city, created before this period, in the amazing underground kingdom of the Basilica Cistern. In ancient times, the Greeks created more than 100 underground water reservoirs, the lifeblood of their cities.<\/p>\n

Now 40 of them have been restored near Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern is located at a depth of about 12 m on the site of the ancient basilica of St. Sophia (built in 532). Water was supplied to the cistern through ancient aqueducts. Many times the storage was forgotten. It has always been revived, and the last restoration in 1987 turned it into an interesting<\/a> city museum.<\/p>\n

In it you can plunge into the secrets of Byzantine architecture, feel the magic<\/a>al power of an amazing dungeon, make a wish, look at the strange heads of the Gorgon Medusa<\/a> and many other excursion offers. Address<\/a>: 13Yerebatan Cad., Sultanahmet.<\/p>\n

Golden Horn Bay<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

An amazing creation of nature (created by the Alibey and Kagytkhan rivers as a result of confluence with the waves of the Bosphorus), in the form of a natural harbor, divides the city into two parts. The harbor is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in the world. Convenient location, natural beauty of this place have been valued since ancient times. Byzantines, representatives of the Ottoman Empire built palaces, churches, synagogues, villas<\/a>, summer<\/a> residences, fortresses here.<\/p>\n

The bridge<\/a>s connecting the two shores of the bay are striking in their beauty and make you want to walk along them. Previously, merchant ships and warships stood in the bay. Now there are beautiful parks and recreation areas. The name of the bay (its length is 12,200 m, width 122 m, depth 47 m) is associated with local legends and the unusual play of the sun during sunset, which gives a golden color to the waters of the curved (like a horn) bay.<\/p>\n

Rustem Pasha Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the simple appearance of the majestic building, the mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Europe. The central dome, decorated with 24 windows, fills the interior with sunlight, creating an unusual tender beauty against the background of unique blue tiles. Perhaps this is due to the great love of Rustem Pasha and Mihrimah, who was engaged in decorating the mosque after the death of her husband. All tiles are created in the same thematic style (the geometric pattern of their plants).<\/p>\n

In the mosque there is not a single piece of walls, floor, ceiling without decorations. The luxury, richness of the interior decoration is comparable to the decoration of the Sultan's Topkapi Palace. The mosque was intended for worship, prayers, ritual actions. Until now, the atmosphere of Mirimah's emotions lives here, the energy of love, bright tears of memory. You can get to the mosque by tram line T1.<\/p>\n

Gulhane Park<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

It's good here at any time of the year. Look at the extraordinary flower beds, painted with a flower carpet in accordance with their flowering period, century-old trees, admire the view of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, Topkapi Palace. A fabulous oasis of the city center<\/a> appeared at the base of the garden that surrounded the palace. If you see this green realm from a height, then thoughts arise about the complexity, almost impossibility of caring for such a realm of flowers, shrubs, trees.<\/p>\n

Unusual patterns, figures of flowers scattered under the trees, near convenient alleys, appear in any place. The cheerful music of the fountain, the laughter of children<\/a> near it, cozy benches for relax<\/a>ing attract tour<\/a>ists and local residents to the “Park of Roses”. Starting in early spring (tulip festival), the flowerbeds always bloom in different shades (hyacinths, violets, pansies, lilies, roses). You can get to the park by light rail.<\/p>\n

snake column<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

Almost in the center of the Hippodrome Square is the oldest monument brought to Constantinople from the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi in 324. Initially, the column was cast from the bronze shields of the dead Persians (a symbol of the victory of the Greek cities at Plataea in 479 BC). According to another version, a sacrificial tripod was made from the weapons of the Persians. At the top of an 8-meter column, there were three snake heads, on which a golden cauldron was attached.<\/p>\n

There are legends about the disappearance of the heads that protected the city from poisonous snakes and scorpions. Now the column does not have a golden cauldron, snake heads. Of interest is the technique of making the column “sfirelatos”. Its main idea was the possibility of creating large hollow statue<\/a>s. On the trunk of the column are rings of intertwined snakes corresponding to the list<\/a> of Greek cities. The Byzantine artifact is perceived ambiguously, evokes a philosophical mood.<\/p>\n

Bayezid Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

This is the oldest mosque built during the Ottoman period (the years of the reign of Sultan Bayezid). The massive ancient building reflects the architectural style of the Ottomans in the Middle Ages. The entrance to the fashionable domed structure is decorated with gates with original ornaments and ancient inscriptions. The semi-domes are supported by powerful columns resembling the shape of an elephant's foot.<\/p>\n

In total, the building has 25 domes, 20 antique columns. The two minarets of the mosque are located at a distance of about 100 m from each other. They are decorated with interesting brick ornaments. Trees have been preserved in the courtyard of the mosque, giving special beauty to the ensemble. The mosque serves as a funerary building, but the tomb (turbe) is located at the back.<\/p>\n

Here is the mausoleum of Bayezid. The ensemble consists of a mosque, an imaret (canteen for ministers), a school, a hospital, a hammam, and a caravanserai. Now the mosque houses a medical museum. The “Pigeon Mosque” (named according to interesting legends) was built at the end of the 15th century in the image of the Hagia Sophia temple. Located in the historical center.<\/p>\n

Rumelihisar fortress<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The need to build a fortress arose to protect Constantinople, to control the passage of enemy ships through the Bosphorus. On the opposite side (Asian), the walls of the Anadolu Hisary fortress were already rising. It was impossible to sail past these fortifications. The fortress is located on the European side of the Bosporus, in a narrow part. The fortification has three main towers and 13 intermediate ones. Inside the fortress there was a mosque, a barracks, a reservoir.<\/p>\n

After the fall of Constantinople, the fortress began to serve as a prison. The restoration of the fortress took place in 1953, an artillery museum, a summer theater, a park, an amphitheater with stone seats and high steps were opened. Access is organized to any scene. Everywhere you can admire the unusual view of the surroundings. You can get there by bus<\/a> from the bus station next to the Kabatas stop.<\/p>\n

Walls of Constantinople<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The famous landmark of the Byzantines was built in 413 during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (which is why they are called Theodosian walls). Their length is almost 6 km. The inner side (its height was 12 m) was reinforced with polygonal towers, standing at a distance of 55 m. There were about 100 of them. 10 towers had a passage. The front doors were considered the Golden Gate, consisting of three triumphal arches.<\/p>\n

A protective moat was built in front of the outer wall (an additional wall stood in front of it). The Ottomans captured the city through the Middle Walls. Then they erected here the Seven-Towered Fortress with the Marble Tower (Mermekule). The walls are located on the territory of Istanbul from the Golden Horn to the Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara. It is best to see them in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Yedikule Fortress. You can get to the walls by train from the Sirkeci station (Yedikule stop).<\/p>\n

Yedikule Fortress<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

Having captured Constantinople, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror continued to build the fortifications of the city. At the end of the Theodosian walls, additional towers grew, fortifying the new Yedikule fortress. Its purpose changed many times. There was a prison, a women's school, the location of the state treasury, a zoo. A mosque and a fountain towered in a small courtyard. Now the names of seven towers have been preserved: Prison, Guard, Treasury, Armory, Osman, Akhmet, Bloody well.<\/p>\n

In the prison tower, kings, sultans, ambassadors served their sentences in cells with different levels of comfort. In the Blood Well, the cruel invaders stored the heads of the dead warriors. Since 1895, the fortress has served as a museum.<\/p>\n

Grand Bazaar<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The construction of one of the largest markets in the world began in 1453 during the reign of Sultan Mehmed the conqueror. Now the market has about 70 streets (which have retained their historical names), 4000 shops. It has everything: carpets, textiles, cosmetics, jewelry, food. Ceramics, wood products, souvenirs<\/a>, etc. On an area of \u200b\u200b31,000 m\u00b2 there are many restaurants, mosques, an ancient cemetery, several residential premises. Almost 100 million tourists visit the market every year.<\/p>\n

The oldest buildings of the Covered Market (Kapala-charshi) are two badestans with domed ceilings. There are 18 gates to enter the market. Above the main “Nuruosmaniye” the inscription “God has mercy on the one who devotes himself to trade” has been preserved. The covered market is located in the Beyazit area. Its buildings occupy the territory between the Bayazid and Nurusmaniye mosques. You can go by tram, buses or walk from Aksarey station. The market is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Sundays).<\/p>\n

Egyptian Bazaar<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

You can learn about the approach to the famous oriental bazaar by the unusual aroma of spices, sweets, fresh coffee. Since antiquity, the city has been considered the center of world trade. In this market (inferior in area to the Grand Bazaar) you can buy everything. Such amazing sweets are nowhere to be found. The spice market (entrance to it is possible through six gates) began its history<\/a> in 1660.<\/p>\n

Egyptians traded spices in India at a small wooden bazaar. Now there are about 100 shops here. They are filled with spices, perfumes, medicinal herbs, dried fruits<\/a>, tea, coffee. Their assortment amazes visitors. Spices can be bought by weight or in bags. The first shops with medicinal herbs appeared in this market.<\/p>\n

Essential oils, the best henna, rose water, olive oil soap are offered in the cosmetics and perfumery departments. On the top floor of the covered market is the famous Pandeli restaurant, which has been operating since 1901. The Egyptian Bazaar is located in the Eminonu district of the European part of the city. You can get there by tram.<\/p>\n

Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The mosque is considered one of the last buildings of the Ottoman period. It was built at the direction of Pertevniyal Valide Sultan in 1871. The mosque is made in different architectural styles (Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo, Ottoman style). It is decorated with a small dome, two beautiful minarets. The outer and inner walls of the building are decorated with marble with patterns and ornaments.<\/p>\n

The interior decoration is dominated by blue shades with gilding. Above the entrance gate, a golden monogram belonging to Sultan Abdul-Aziz, made on a green background, has been preserved. The building houses the tomb of Valide Sultan. She was the last mistress of the chambers of Topkap\u0131 Palace.<\/p>\n

Church of St. Irene<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

In the courtyard of Topkapi is a Christian basilica, made in the shape of a cross. Previously, on this site (the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite at the beginning of the 4th century) there was another basilica, which was considered the main temple of Constantinople before the construction of Hagia Sophia. Inside the church you can see a mosaic of the Justinian period, a sarcophagus with the remains of Constantine. During the Ottomans, the church was not converted into a mosque. The only church in the city that has an initial atrium or high hall at the entrance to the church.<\/p>\n

For a long time there was an armory in it. In 1846, the Archaeological Museum operated in the church. Since 1869, the church began to serve as the Imperial Museum. In 1875, its exhibits were moved to another room. Since 1980, musical concerts and festivals have been held on the main site of the church. A small church dedicated to the “Holy Peace” is considered a unique monument of the ancient period of the city. You can go to it through the territory of the Topkany Palace.<\/p>\n

Sinan Pasha Mosque<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

The mosque was built by the architect Sinan on the order of the brother of the vizier Rustem Pasha in honor of the Ottoman admiral Sinan Pasha. It was built in 1555. The mosque has a rectangular shape, a dome, a minaret. The walls are decorated with floral patterns, poems. The large and small domes of the mosque are covered with lead. The floor of the mosque is originally made. Great damage to the interior of the church was caused by accidental rainfall through a hole in the roof.<\/p>\n

Separate paintings perished, plaster suffered. External facades have suffered from weather<\/a>ing processes. Nearby are three Museums of Istanbul (marine, painting, sculpture, rare palace collections).<\/p>\n

Emirgan Park<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the most beautiful park areas of the city is located on the site of wild forest<\/a>s. presented to the Persian prince Emirkhan for the surrender of the city of Yerevan without a fight. Each subsequent owner of the park introduced his own original elements into its structure. Fountains rustled here, gardens bloomed, flower arrangements were painted in different shades. Beautiful, rich villas (now pavilions) appeared.<\/p>\n

They now house museums and institutions. There are many cafes and restaurants in the park. Every year in the spring, the famous Tulip Festival takes place in the park. More than 100 species of a noble flower (a symbol of wealth among the Ottomans) are involved in the design of complex patterns and ornaments. Flowerbeds located along winding paths, on hills, under trees are never without flowering plants.<\/p>\n

They replace each other throughout the seas<\/a>on. Depending on the travel<\/a> time, you can admire the beauty, breathe in the aroma of many rare flowers.<\/p>\n

Park Miniaturk<\/h2>\n

\"30<\/a><\/p>\n

A wonderful place, the open-air museum consists of miniature copies of the famous sights<\/a> of Turkey. The similarity of the executed models completely coincides with the originals. This makes it possible to see many famous sights<\/a> at once, to outline a plan for a trip to real buildings. Walking along a long winding path, you can view the exhibits from all sides.<\/p>\n

Among them are the ancient city in the form of an amphitheater in Aspendos, the Basilica Cistern, the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the towers, the Bosphorus Martyrs' Bridge, the Theodosian Walls, the buildings of the lyceums. There are over 100 miniatures in the park. Next to each exhibit is a plate with detailed information<\/a> written in three languages. An interestingly decorated playground for children<\/a> with a labyrinth, big chess, karting. The park is located on the shore of the bay. The bus stop of the blue route<\/a> is right at the parking lot of the park.<\/p>\n

Istanbul attractions<\/a> on the map<\/h2>\n