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Oct 20, 2023 · Table of Contents. What Is Istanbul Known For? 1. Grand Bazaar And Its Endless Shopping Opportunities. 2. Being Formerly Called Constantinople. 3. Hagia Sophia. 4. Biggest City Across Two Continents.
Istanbul is primarily known for its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Despite its development as a Turkish city since 1923, it contains many ancient, Roman, Byzantine, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish monuments.
6 days ago · Istanbul, largest city and principal seaport of Turkey. Historically known as Byzantium and then Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul straddles the Bosporus strait, one of two waterways that separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey.
- Blake Ehrlich
- Seven Hills. Did you know that Istanbul was built on seven hills? The ancient city was known as the Greek city, Byzantium, and grew into prominence as Constantinople when Constantine the Great chose to develop the city as the new Rome.
- Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia is considered one of the important structures built for worship for both the Christian and Muslim communities. It’s also known as the Church of Holy Wisdom or Divine Wisdom and Ayasofya in Turkish.
- Blue Mosque. Istanbul is famous for its beautiful mosques and one of the most photographed buildings in the city is the Blue Mosque. Facing Hagia Sophia and dominating the skyline of the Sultanahmet Park, the Blue Mosque shines with its six minarets.
- Golden Horn. The famed Golden Horn of Istanbul refers to the strategic horn-shaped estuary that flows from the Bosphorus Strait to the heart of the city.
- Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia, meaning the Holy Wisdom (from the Greek language), started as a church in 325. When Constantinople (Istanbul today) fell under the Ottoman Empire in 1453, it was converted into a mosque.
- Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is the main mosque in Istanbul. It has 6 minarets, which indicates the importance of it.
- Grand Bazaar. Grand Bazaar, dating back to the 15th century, is the world’s first shopping mall and the largest covered market worldwide. It was commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II, who conquered Constantinople and named the city Istanbul when it became part of the Ottoman Empire.
- Topkapi Palace. Topkapi Palace is the largest and oldest palace worldwide that stands today. It used to be the main residents of sultans during the Ottoman Empire times of Istanbul.
Istanbul is known for being the only city in the world that straddles two continents, acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia. It’s known as the cultural, economic, and historical hub. In addition, it’s home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia. City’s Most Iconic Landmark: the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)
Nov 1, 2021 · Local's guide to Istanbul. This article was first published Feb 10, 2011 and updated Nov 1, 2021. We’ve all heard the descriptions of Istanbul as a bridge between Europe and Asia, and these are the top things to do to uncover the city's many layers.
