Istanbul is a city steeped in its culture and history, blending them into an exciting city that has much to offer visitors from all over the world. Founded in Neolithic times, Istanbul today is a modern city that remains intact with its historical heritage through its mosques, basilica, and old markets. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Istanbul that you can’t miss.
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Best Places To Visit in Istanbul
1. Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century, is still a living church to this day. This means visitors need to carefully arrange their visit times, as the mosque is closed to visitors during the five Muslim daily prayer times.
Shoes must be removed from all guests and hair is required for women. This is a small price to pay when admiring its priceless treasure consisting of 20,000 ceramic tiles in various styles of tulips and 200 stained-glass windows, all with intricate designs. The mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet, takes its name from the blue bricks on the dome and the upper floors of the interior.
2. Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
First built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century, this splendid palace next to the Bosphorus was where the kings of the Ottoman Empire ruled their rulers until the 19th century. the vast expanse is a beautiful display of Islamic art, with opulent courtyards lined with exquisitely hand-painted tiles, connecting a variety of ornately decorated rooms, all covered Covered by stone walls and towers.
Among the many highlights here, the most popular is the harem; Second courthouse where you can walk through the vast Palace and stand in awe at the dazzling interior of the Royal Council Chamber; and the Third Court, which houses the monarch’s private rooms.
3. Grand Bazaar
This is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. Shoppers shouldn’t miss a visit to Grand Bazaar, with 5,000 stores making it one of the largest indoor markets in the world. Welcoming more than a quarter of a million visitors every day, the market features items such as jewelry, flying or non-flying carpets, spices, antiques, and hand-painted pottery.
The market dates back to 1461 and today is home to two mosques, four fountains, two hammam baths or saunas, and the Cevahir Bedesten, where the rarest items are traditionally found. . This is where shoppers will find old coins, gem jewelry, inlaid weapons, and antique furniture.
4. Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most surprising tourist attractions. This huge palace-like underground hall, supported by 336 columns in 12 rows, used to store the royal water supply to the Byzantine emperors. The project was started by Constantine the Great but was completed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.
Many of the columns used in the construction have been recycled from earlier classical structures and have decorative carvings. The most famous of these are the pillars called Medusa stones in the northwestern corner with their Medusa inscriptions. A tour here is ambiance with beautifully illuminated columns and a gentle, steady stream of water all around you.
5. Suleymaniye Mosque
Visitors to Suleymaniye Mosque say its beauty and tranquility give them an inspirational spiritual feeling. Located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, the mosque was ordered to be built in 1550 by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The Mosque is, indeed, very magnificent, blending the very best of Islamic and Byzantine architecture.
The mosque has been severely damaged for many years, including during World War I when a fire broke out while the gardens were used as an arsenal. It was restored in the mid-20th century. The mosque is marked by four towers, indicating it was built by a king. When it was built, the dome was the tallest in the Ottoman Empire.
6. Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Just a leap, skip and hop off Topkapi Palace, this important museum complex gathers an array of incredible artifacts from Turkey and across the Middle East, sweeping across the vast historical breadth of history. large of this area. There are three separate zones within the complex, each worthy of your visit: the Museum of the Ancient Orient; the Main Archaeological Museum; and the Tiled Pavilion of Mehmet the Conqueror, home to an astonishing collection of ceramic art. As with all the amazing artifacts on display, don’t miss the delightful Istanbul Through the Ages gallery in the main Archaeological Museum.
