10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Istanbul
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1.Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, which was built between 1460-1478 on an area of 700,000 square meters in Sarayburnu, was used as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 4 centuries.
Nested consisting of 4 palace courtyard, brought into the museum first opened to the public in the Republic of Turkey in 1924.
The most interesting parts of the magnificent building, which houses a 300,000-piece collection, are the Divan-i Humayun, the Baghdad Pavilion, the Harem, and the Sacred Relics.
We recommend that you spend at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum in detail.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
2. The Bosphorus
The Bosphorus is one of the most influential natural wonders of the world with its natural beauty and surrounding architecture. During your visit to Istanbul, Istanbul Bosphorus must be the first place on your list of places to visit in Istanbul.
The Bosphorus, separating the two continents, presents the most beautiful views of the city and makes the travelers admire with its texture.
One of the most enjoyable and easy ways to visit the Bosphorus is to participate in Bosphorus Tours organized from various points of the city. Ortakoy, Eminonu or Uskudar tours usually take 1-2 hours. GPS-based automatic information about the structures around you while making the tour.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
3. Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia Museum, which is one of the most visited places of Istanbul, took its current shape from the architectural point of view when it was built by Justinian for the third time between 532-537.
Following its completion, the religious structure, which was the largest cathedral in the world for 1,000 years, was converted into a mosque immediately after the conquest of Istanbul by adding Islamic elements. In addition to its magnificent architecture, Hagia Sophia, which is the center of attention with its tombs in its garden, was turned into a museum with the works carried out between 1930-1935 in line with Atatürk’s request.
Be sure to see the magnificent interior decorations, mosaics and the wish column on the ground floor. You can spend a maximum of 1 hour to visit the interior of the Hagia Sophia Museum.
4. The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque attracts visitors with its 22,000 tiles that adorn the interior. It was built between 1609-1616 by Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga.
The most important feature of the building, Istanbul’s only six-minaret mosque to be. The mighty mosque rising directly across the Hagia Sophia, the madrasah section is used as an archives of the Prime Ministry today, including schools, bazaars, darüşşifa, imaret and tomb is located in a large complex.
Especially during the month of Ramadan, the festivities established around the mosque add a different atmosphere to the region. If you have a chance, see Sultanahmet and its surroundings during Ramadan.
5. Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a favorite of both history and shopping enthusiasts.
The bazaar, which dates back to the Byzantine Empire, began to be expanded during the reign of Fatih. There are thousands of shops on the streets that lie within the market place, which consists of two big bazaars called Sandal and Cevahir.
The shops in these streets, which took their names from the occupational groups that were active in the past, sell lots of delicious Turkish delights, expertly processed wood products, interesting ornaments, carpets, jewelry and herbal teas.
6. Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, which is the most important building that shed light on the last periods of the Ottoman Empire, was built in 1856 under the supervision of the popular architect Garabet Balyan and his son by the order of Sultan Abdülmecid.
The historical structure, which is loyal to the traditional “Turkish House” architecture in its design, has traces of Rococo, Baroque and Neo-Classical approaches. The palace, which was used as the administrative center of the empire until 1984, was turned into a museum in 1924.
Mabeyn, Harem and Muâyede Hall are the most interesting parts of the palace, especially the room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died.
You can visit the palace by taking guided tours organized at certain times.
7.Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan, was built between 1551-1557. The large complex, which consists of many sections such as madrasah, hospital, Turkish bath and library, is considered the second largest building group built in the Ottoman period after Fatih.
From the mosque, you can see the Golden Horn, Topkapı Palace and the Bosphorus from the garden.
Enchanting with its interior architecture, the mosque has two different tombs belonging to Kanuni and his wife Hürrem Sultan. The architect of the building, Koca Sinan, is located very close to the mosque.
8.Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, which covers an area of 9,800 square meters, was built in 532 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The Dutch palace P. Gyllius was discovered by the building, which was designed to meet the water demand of the Great Palace with a storage capacity of close to 100,000 tons.
Medusa Heads located in the northwest corner and the most interesting parts of the embroidered column, which is said to represent hundreds of slaves who died during its construction, are now home to artistic activities.
9.Galata tower
Galata Tower, one of the oldest of its kind in the world, was first built in 528 by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius Oilosuz.
After the catastrophes, the tower underwent radical revision processes in different periods. Mahmut was given in time.
Since it was introduced to tourism in 1967, the 70-meter-high building, which is indispensable for travelers’ Istanbul to-do lists, has a terrace with a view of the city and a restaurant serving delicious food to its guests.
10.Maiden’s Tower
Historical sources for the first time BC. Maiden’s Tower, mentioned in 410, was built by Alkibiades of Athens. After the completion of the tower used for centuries to control the ship’s traffic in the Bosphorus, close to the land, but isolated from the city has been the subject of many legends over time.
The building, which was opened to the public after extensive renovation works between 1995-2000, now serves as a museum and restaurant. You can reach the tower by riding small boats departing from Salacak.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
