Ottoman from Byzantine: Istanbul’s Most Places of Life
Istanbul has been capitalized to two large emperors and hosted countless civilizations for thousands of years. There are so many historical venues to explore in this city that smells history in every street...
In this article, we have compiled the most important historical places from the Byzantine and Ottoman times of Istanbul.
Byzantine Period (Easter Roman) Works
1. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia, the most iconic structure of Istanbul, Byzantine Emperor I in 537. Built by Justinianus. The structure that carries the title of the largest cathedral in the world for 1000 years is transformed into the mosque with the feth of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia is one of the most important parts of world heritage with its huge dome, gold mosaics and 1500 years history.
2. 2. Basilica Cistern
This huge underground water tank built in the century attracts attention with 336 columns. The most interesting part of the Sarnıcı begins the yer in the columns pedestals. Since 2016, Yerebatan, which has been restored, has become one of the most sophisticated venues in Istanbul.
3. Kariye Mosque (Chora Church)
Kariye, one of the most beautiful Byzantine structures in Istanbul, is famous for its golden mosaics and frescoes dating from the 14th century. After the feth of Istanbul, the mosque can be translated into the mosque, opened in 2020 as a re mosque.
4. Theodosius Sarnıcı
Theodosius, the largest Byzantine shaker after Basilica Cistern, was opened to visit in 2018. Pay attention with beautiful lighting and columns.
5. Valens Water Belt
Valens Water Belt built in the century is one of the oldest buildings in Istanbul. This magnificent arch rising in the Haliç region is an important Byzantine work that is standing up to the present day.
6. Small Hagia Sophia Mosque
This structure built in the Byzantine period in the century was translated into the mosque during the Ottoman period. Hagia Sophia is known as a small-like.
Ottoman Period Works
1. Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace, the management center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1478. The palace is the most important symbol of Ottoman splendor with magnificent courtyards, Harem Office, Holy Safetys section and Istanbul views.
2. 2. Blue Mosque
Sultan I in the century. The Sultanahmet Mosque built by Ahmed is famous for its six minarets and blue tiles. The mosque located in the opposite of Hagia Sophia is the indispensable part of the Istanbul silhouette.
3. Dolmabahçe Palace
The Dolmabahçe Palace, the most important structure of the westernization period of the Ottoman Empire, is located on the Bosphorus coast. The palace with a huge crystal chandelier of 285 rooms, 43 halls and 4.5 tons is a magnificent blend of European and Ottoman architecture.
4. Suleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque, the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, was built in 1557 by Sultan Süleyman. Süleymaniye, one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, is located on a hill dominated by Haliç.
5. Close
Since the century, the heart of trade in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest closed markets in the world. The plot consisting of 60 streets and 4000 shops reflects the Ottoman culture of trade.
6. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower built by Cenevizliler in the century was used as fire surveillance tower during the Ottoman period. The bird view of Istanbul from the tower of 67 meters high can be traced.
7. Home
The Rumeli Hisari, which was built in the narrowest point of the Bosphorus prior to the fethi of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Istanbul, was completed in 1452. hisar, which attracts attention with three large towers, is visited as an outdoor museum today.
8. Anatolia
Located on the coast of Hisarşehir, Anatolia Hisarı was built by Yıldırım Whiteıd. The structure, which is smaller than Hisarşehir, is made to control the two collars of the Bosphorus.
9. Çırağan Palace
Çırağan Palace, built in the last period of Ottoman, is now home to a luxury hotel. This magnificent palace on the Bosphorus coast has a fascinating appearance with night lighting.
10. Whitening Tower
The Whiteıt Tower, located in the main campus of Istanbul University, was built as fire surveillance tower in the 19th century.
Other Historical Places
1. Star Palace
The Star Palace, built in the Sultan Abdulhamid era, is one of the last period management centres of the Ottoman Empire. The palace is open to visit as a museum and parking.
2. 2. Mirrored Poplar
Mirrored poplar Kasrı on the shore of the Golden Horn was used as the rest and entertainment venue of Ottoman padries. Today, it serves as a museum.
3. Sultan Mosque
Şehzade Mosque, one of the first important works of Mimar Sinan, was built for Sultan Süleyman’s son Şehzade Mehmet.
4. Sevenkule Hisarı
Sevenkule Hisar, a part of Istanbul’s walls, pay attention to 7 towers. It was used as prison and treasure during the Ottoman period.
5. Girl Tower
The Girl Tower, located in the small island in the Bosphorus, continues its presence since the Byzantine period. The tower with legends is the most romantic icons of Istanbul.
Historical Places Tips
Timing: Museums and historical places are mostly closed on Mondays. Check up-to-date visits hours before going.
Ticket: Entrance to many museums with Museum Card is free or discounted.
Guide: Voice guide or professional guide service lets you understand the historical places better.
Dress: Suitable clothes should be worn on mosque visits (header, long skirt or pants).
Sort: Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace can be long queues in popular places. Provides an advantage to go early.