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Princes Islands
During Byzantine times the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara was a place for outlaws. The name probably comes from the princes that were banished over there. Later the islands could be reached more easily by steam boats which led to the fact that upper class families from Istanbul built summer residences. Nowadays the islands became a popular place for relaxing for the stressed city people. From the 9 islands, 4 are populated. They are car free and full of Mediterranean vegetation which can be discovered by foot, bike or carriage. The most famous island is called Büyükada where the George Monastery “Ava Yorgi” from the 10th century is located. On Heybeli is a Greek Orthodox monastery “Ava Triada”, on Kmah lives an Armenian community and Burgaz is mainly populated by Greeks.
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Istanbul
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Hippodrome
Behind the Blue Mosque lie the remains of this ancient Roman circus which defies the cities turbulent history. Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in AD 200, the Hippodrome was the site of chariot races and public executions. The arena was over 400 meters long and 120 meters wide and could host 100.000 visitors. The northernmost column is the Egyptian Obelisk which was erected by Tutmosis III 1504-1450 B.C. before the temple of Karnak at Heliopolis. It was brought to Constantinople in the 4th century by Emperor Theodosius I. Further south there is the Serpentine Column which was originally placed at the Oracle of Delphi. The southernmost column is the Column of Constantine.
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Istanbul
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Haghia Sophia
Haghia Sophia, known as Aya Sofya means ‘Church of Divine Wisdom’, and is considered to be the world’s finest example of Byzantine architecture and the fourth biggest cupola building in the world. Consecrated in 537AD, its vast dome rises to 56m (183ft), designed to appear suspended in space and thus representative of heaven. For 916 years it was used as a church. After the conquest of the city by the Ottomans it was converted into a mosque and later used as a museum. The cupola that is supported by half cupolas in the west and east gives an overwhelming impression to the interior of the building. The massive mosaic décor of Haghia Sophia was covered with plaster after the reconstruction. The “mihrab”, the calligraphy-adorned portal pointing towards Mecca, stands in the “apse” which housed the altar during the mosque’s Orthodox incarnation. The “minber”, the platform used to address the crowd during prayer, is on top of the stairway to the right of the “mihrab”. The bronze sweating pillar at the north side of the building is a pillar where you can put your finger to collect water that is said to have healing powers. The museum contains a Byzantine mosaic gallery and a church. Be prepared, queues are often very long!
Opening times:
Tue – Sun 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
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Sultanahmet Meydaný
Istanbul
Tel: +90 (0)212 5221750
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Topkapi Palace
Towering from the high ground at the tip of the Old City, hidden behind 12 m high walls, Topkapi Palace was built as a summer residence and the seat of the government. The palace was home to harem, state administration and military personnel from the 15th to the 19th century. It offers unparalleled insight into the wealth, excess, cruelty and artistic vitality of the Ottoman Empire by presenting armoury, silk ceremonial robes, Chinese ceramics and a collection of manuscripts. The prison-like harem, which once housed up to 300 concubines, is only open to guided tours and requires a separate ticket. The palace is divided into a series of courts surrounded by palace walls.
Opening times:
Winter: Wed – Mo 9 am – 5.30 pm, summer: Wed – Mo 9 am – 7 pm
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Location:Sultanahmet
Seraglio Point
Istanbul
Tel: +90 (0)212 5120480
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Kapali Carsisi (Grand Bazaar)
The oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, also known as the Grand Bazaar, is one of the most enticing and mesmerizing attractions in Istanbul. With over 4000 shops, several banks, mosques, police stations, storehouses and restaurants this enormous covered bazaar could be a city in itself. Built during the reign of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461 it contained the slave market and was the centre of trading during the Ottoman period. The ornate ceiling and labyrinth like layout reminds of the past but these days the bazaar is used to sell mainly tourist-friendly goods such as carpets, gold, leather and ceramics. Bargaining over a cup of tea is important and should not be underestimated.
Opening times:
Mo – Sat 9 am – 7 pm
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Location:Beyazit to Eminönü Harbour
Istanbul
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Misir Carsisi (Egyptian or Spice Market)
Built in the 17th century as an extension to Yeni Camii (New Mosque), The L shaped market was financed by money paid as duty on Egyptian goods. Originally selling spices and oils from the Orient the market is now also offering dried fruits, caviar, Turkish delight and a wide choice of souvenirs. The surrounding streets are full of commercial activities by traders and a selection of cheeses and olives.
Opening times:
Mo – Sat 8 am – 7 pm
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Eminonu
Istanbul
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Yerebatan Sarayi (Basilica Cistern)
Yerabatan Saray is the biggest Basilica Cistern of the old Byzantine time. The Cistern was used as a reservoir for water for the Great Palace and thought to date back to AD 532. This huge atmospheric building lies directly opposite the Haghia Sophia und is also called “Sunken Palace”. A staircase leads to the subsurface Cistern where water is still today. The subsurface is carried by 336 pillars which are already keep the building standing for 1400 years. During summer months the location is often used for classical concerts.
Opening times:
Daily 9 am – 5 pm
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Location:Sultanahmet
Yerebatan Caddesi
Istanbul
Tel: +90 (0)212 5221259
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Galata Kulesi (Galata Tower)
The in 1348 built Galata Tower used to be the main bastion of the fortification of Constantinople. With its 662 m of height the tower is visible from most parts of the city. On the top there are a restaurant and a night club which can be reached by lift. If you take the stairs top the look-out gallery you can have a fantastic view over the Old Town with its amazing monuments and buildings as well as Prince’s Island.
Opening hours:
Daily 9 am – 7 pm
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Location:Tunel
Buyuk Hendek Sokak
Istanbul
Tel: +90 (0)212 2453263
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Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi
The Taksim Square is the heart of Istanbul’s European side where you can find the Monument of Independence in the south-west corner, where the busy Istiklal Caddesi starts and goes through the Beyoglu area. The boulevard is packed with shops, markets, cinemas and restaurants and a lot of people, especially at night. In this area you can see that Beyoglu used to be the centre of an Art Nouveau Bell Époche and later the hang out for bohemian artists and intellectuals. The highlights contain the imressive Galatasaray Lisesi (High School), Cicek Pasaj (Flower Passage) and numerous art galleries.
Opening time:
Most shops are open until 9 pm, later on Fr - Sat
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Location:Beyoglu
Istanbul
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