1. Hippodrome
There is an Obelisk, Knitted Column and Serpentine Column in the Hippodrome today. Among these works, the Obelisk was brought from Egypt, and the Serpent Column was brought from the Apollo temple in Delphi. In fact, there were many more works here: works of pagan and Christian beliefs, statues of legendary racers, monuments of emperors, etc.
But, as a result of the uprising in 532, the hippodrome was no longer standing. The hippodrome was actually decorated with bronze, bronze and copper statues brought from many places such as Rome, Greece, the Aegean Islands, Egypt, but almost all of the works were destroyed during the 57-year Latin occupation. The artefacts were either sold, sent elsewhere or melted and used for other purposes (coins, shields, etc.). In short, this place has been a gathering and rebellion square for the crowds throughout history.
40 minutes
2. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Considered as one of the most important buildings in the world in terms of art and architectural history, Hagia Sophia Mosque, together with its neighbour Topkapi Palace Museum, is among the most impressive places visited by local and foreign tourists in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, built as a church in 325, was rebuilt in 537, turned into a mosque by the conqueror Mehmet II after the conquest of Istanbul. It is adorned with many mosaic ornaments with and without figures from different periods. The most important examples of mosaic decoration that have survived to the present day are the figureless mosaics that can be seen in the narthex area. All kinds of efforts have been made to protect and preserve Hagia Sophia as a symbol of conquest. The Hagia Sophia Mosque, with its minarets, madrasah, primary school, fountains, public fountains, sundials, trustees' room built outside the building in different periods, was transformed into a complex structure in the Ottoman Period.
1 hour
3. Blue Mosque
This place is also known as the "Blue Mosque" among tourists and abroad because of the colour of the magnificent patterns that decorate its inner walls. The mosque's decorations consist of more than 20 thousand tiles with 50 different tulip patterns in Iznik. There are flowers, fruits and cypress on these magnificent tiles made by tile makers in Iznik. All these tiles create a deep blue, peaceful and magnificent scene. It is normal for tourists to call it the Blue Mosque because the blue colour is quite intense here. In addition, ostrich eggs were placed in various parts of the carefully created interior to prevent spiders. The beauty, splendour and importance of this mosque are so great that it has managed to give its name to the region where it is located.
30 minutes
4. Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, built to meet the water needs of the city during the Byzantine period, is, without doubt, one of the most special historical places of Istanbul. There is a 53-step stone staircase inside the cistern. You can go down to the floor of the cistern with this ladder. There are 336 columns inside the cistern and each is 4.80 meters from each other. The columns in the building are divided into 12 rows and there are 28 columns in each row. One of the most interesting aspects of the cistern is the Medusa heads placed at the bottom of the two columns for support. Medusa heads, which are unknown when and from where they were brought, still remain a mystery. Another interesting place of the Basilica Cistern is the Crying Column. There are teardrop-shaped patterns on the column. According to a rumour, these drops represent slaves who died during the construction of the cistern.
30 minutes
5. TopkapI Palace
It was used as the administration, education and art centre of the empire for about four hundred years from Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror until the 31st Sultan Abdulmecid, and at the same time became the sultan's house. Although it was abandoned in the middle of the 19th century when the dynasty moved to Dolmabahce Palace, it has always maintained its importance. Topkapi Palace Museum, which was turned into a museum in 1924 and was the first museum of the Republic, covers an area of ​​approximately 30 decares today. Topkapi Palace, separated from the city with the Sultan wall built by the Conqueror by the land and the Eastern Roman walls by the sea, is one of the largest palace-museums in the world with its architectural structures, collections and approximately 300,000 archive documents.
2 hours
6. Grand Bazaar
It is one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar, with its maze-like streets and passages, is one of the most popular and visited places, especially among tourists. At the same time, it has the status of a kind of trade centre of Istanbul. It is possible to find something for every taste and budget here. The Grand Bazaar is a wonderful historical place not only for shopping but also walking through its lively streets and to have a nice day amidst the charming smells of colourful shops and spices.
2 hours
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