Search results
The Historic Areas of Istanbul are a group of sites in the capital district of Fatih in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. These areas were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
People also ask
What are the historic areas of Istanbul?
What are the best historic sites in Istanbul?
What are the most famous buildings in Istanbul?
What is Istanbul famous for?
Sep 17, 2023 · Top historical sights in Istanbul. Istanbul is a treasure trove of historical significance, with mosques, museums, monuments, and palaces scattered throughout its vibrant streets. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this city by exploring our curated list of the best historic places in Istanbul.
Istanbul's historic areas are not just relics of the past; they are living, breathing embodiments of the city's soul. The seamless integration of ancient wonders, bustling markets, and picturesque neighborhoods creates a harmonious blend that captures the essence of Istanbul's enduring allure.
- (10.7K)
- Attraction
- Istanbul
- Sultan Ahmet Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Galata Mevlevi Dervish Lodge
- Galata Tower
- Basilica Cistern
- Princes’ Islands
- Grand Bazaar
- Kariye Museum
- Taksim Square
Popularly known as the Blue Mosque – a nod to the blue tiles that decorate its interior – this still functioning house of worship was constructed in the early 17th century during the reign of Ahmed I, the sultan of the Ottoman Empirebetween 1603 and 1617. One of the most famous mosques in the world, the building has inspired the design of many othe...
There is perhaps no other building that so epitomises Istanbul’s place as the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Situated opposite the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia served as a Greek Orthodox church for nearly 1,000 years before being turned into a mosque in the 15th century during Ottoman rule of the city. It was then secularised in the early 20th...
A must-seen for anyone interested in Ottoman history, this opulent palace was once the residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Construction on the palace began in 1459, just six years after the city had been seized by the Muslim Ottomans in a watershed momentthat marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and dealt a blow to C...
Whirling dervishes are one of Turkey’s most iconic symbols and the Galata Mevlevi Dervish Lodge is arguably the best place to see them perform the sema(the religious ceremony in which dervishes whirl) in Istanbul. Established in 1491, it was the first Sufi lodge in the city.
Located in the cobbled district of Galata, not too far from the Sufi lodge mentioned above, this tower was the tallest building in Istanbul when it was built in 1348. Its construction pre-dates the arrival of the Ottomans to the city and it was originally known as the “Tower of Christ”. Ironically, the building was damaged by a number of fires in t...
This hauntingly beautiful subterranean chamber is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns located beneath Istanbul. Another site that pre-dates the Ottomans, it was built by the Byzantines in the 6th century. Be sure to look out for the two Medusa heads that serve as bases for two columns in the cistern!
This group of nine islands are located an hour’s boat ride from the city, in the Sea of Marmara. They take their name from the fact that the islands served as a place of exile for princes and other members of royalty during the Byzantine period and, later, for members of Ottoman sultans’ families too. More recently, the largest of the islands, Büyü...
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a spot of haggling. Construction of the bazaar began in the mid 15th century, soon after the Ottomans captured the city, and today it is home to more than 4,000 shops.
Located some distance from the lights and sights of central Istanbul, this former Greek Orthodox church is worth the effort to find. Grand – though a little plain – on the outside, the building’s interior is covered with some of the oldest and most beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes to be found in the world today. Built in the 4th century, it...
The Turkish presidential palace, national assembly and ministerial buildings may all be located in Ankara, but, as the country’s largest city, Istanbul is certainly not immune to political activity. Taksim Square has played a central role in this activity, providing the setting for numerous demonstrations through Turkey’s years of independence. Mos...
Mar 31, 2023 · From ancient Roman ruins to magnificent Ottoman palaces, Istanbul has it all. If you want to take a more historical route during your Istanbul visit, don’t miss out on locations like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and many others. Check out these must-see historical sites and places in Istanbul.
Aug 11, 2024 · The three most famous landmarks in Istanbul are Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. These are some of the most historical sites in Istanbul, showcasing the city’s rich history and culture.
Sep 9, 2024 · There are four main UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Istanbul: Sultanahmet Archaeological Park (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome), Topkapi Palace, the Walls of Constantinople, and the Zeyrek and Süleymaniye Mosque Complexes.
