About Istanbul - What to see in Istanbul
Istanbul is full of cultutal and historical sightsAya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)
Aya Sofya is the most famoust monument in Istanbul - in Latin known as Sancta Sophia and in Greek as Hagia Sofia. The temple was built by Emperor Justinian who reigned during 527-65 A.D. The temple was finished in the year of 537 and became the most monumental building in whole city and the biggest christian temple in the world and remained so until Constantinopol was conquered by Mehmed II The Conqueror in 1453. Who after the conquest rebuilt the temple into one of the most beautiful mosques.The building which has great importance for both Christians and Moslems was turned into a museum in 1934 by Kemal Ataturk. Currently there are reconstructions taking part at the place however even ongoing work can not hide the beauty of this jewel.
This truly special place is one of the world architectonical jewels - when you enter the place you will be amazed truly by everything - its dome, beautiful mozaiks or caligraphy or simple by the atmosfere of this very special monument.
Where: Sultanament district
Blue Mosque
This beautiful mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed I (who ruled in period of 1603-1617) who wanted to build a place that will be even greater and more beautiful then Aya Sofia. He probably got very near to its aim as Blue Mosque become probably the most beautiful Mosque in the whole world. It was constructed by imperial architect Mehmed Aga who achieved to make Mosque exteriror what is Aya Sofias interior - a true perfect masterpiece. Blue mosque has most minaretes in the world - seven and it is the biggest of all ottoman mosques ever built. Its interior is also a great masterpiece - thousands of blue tiles (from which derives its name), 260 color glass windows, spacious area for prayers, beautiful dome, amazing minarets and arabesques and others.
This is definitely a must-see place - no wonder that Blue Mosque is one of the dominant images of the city - like a shiny gem or a star attracts attention of every visitor.
Where: Sultanament district
Hipodrom of Istanbul (Atmeydani) is one of the most imporant places of the city since the time of Byzantine Empire. It has been wintess of numerous political acts and dramas throughout the history of the country - it has been also the place which reflected the moods among the ordinary people and possible future rebelions.
Where: Sultanament district
Hipodrom
Hipodrom of Istanbul (Atmeydani) is one of the most imporant places of the city since the time of Byzantine Empire. It has been wintess of numerous political acts and dramas throughout the history of the country - it has been also the place which reflected the moods among the ordinary people and possible future rebelions.Even though or maybe because his place was causing lot of trouble both emperors as well as sultans kept this place in very representative and decorative way. The place was always filled by beautiful monuments, statues and obelisques. Unfortunatelly most byzantine monuments were stolen or vandalized by crusaders of 4. crusade who invaded, conquered and looted the city in 1204.
The Hippodrome served as an ancient racetrack where ancient chariot races, athletic competitions were held, and was centrally decorated with the Egyptian Obelisk and other famous columns.
The Hippodrome served as an ancient racetrack where ancient chariot races, athletic competitions were held, and was centrally decorated with the Egyptian Obelisk and other famous columns.
However even what was left or grew up later on is worth of visit and will delight you with its great and unforgetable surrounding and atmosphere.
Where: Sultanament district
Palace Topkapi (Tapkapi Sarayi) was built by Mehmed II Conqueror - the building started in year 1453 shortly after Mehmed has conquered Constantinopol and he lived in the palace until his death in year 1481.
Where: Sultanament district
Topkapi Palace
Palace Topkapi (Tapkapi Sarayi) was built by Mehmed II Conqueror - the building started in year 1453 shortly after Mehmed has conquered Constantinopol and he lived in the palace until his death in year 1481.Place was then a residence of the sultans until 19th century when they moved into new modern palaces built in european style like Dolmabahce, Ciragan and Yildiz. The last sultan who lived in Topkapi was Mahmud II who reigned in years 1808-1839
The palace is one whole complex of series of pavilons with four large courtyards, beautiful harem, divan, library of Ahmet III, treasury and many other buildings. In the early years the government was also part of the palace until was moved to Sublime Porte in the 16th century.
The Topkapi palace will be your window to the history and culture of Ottoman empire - you can not miss this !
Where: Sultanament district
The head of easter orthodox church is Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantiople - although majority of churches in Greece, Cyprus, Russia and elswhere do have thei own patriarchs and archbishops and are independence on Istanbul still the influence of Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is very high amongst the eastern orthodox. This part of the city is the residence of Patriarchate since 1601.
Where: Sultanament district
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
The head of easter orthodox church is Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantiople - although majority of churches in Greece, Cyprus, Russia and elswhere do have thei own patriarchs and archbishops and are independence on Istanbul still the influence of Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is very high amongst the eastern orthodox. This part of the city is the residence of Patriarchate since 1601.For turkish government Patriarch is person with turkish citizenship and of Greek descend who is appointed by church and officialy is an official of government who is head and leader of turkish people of eastern orthodox believes - recognized as greek patriarch of Feneru (Fener Rum Partrigi). Due to uneasy history between greeks and turks - the complex is strictly secured by police and there is lot of security restrictions around.
Part of the Patriarchate is small church of Saint George built in 1720 which biggest pride is richly decorated patriarchal throne which was made probably in the late Byzantine times.
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