If you are visiting Turkey for the first time during your holidays, here are some of the suggested sites you can visit during your stay in Istanbul.
About Istanbul:
Istanbul (formerly Constantinople and Byzantium) is a city on the seashore of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. The Bosporus divides the city between Europe and Asia.
It was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC and later governed by the Persians and Romans before being captured by Emperor Constantine in the 5th century. He renamed it Constantinople, and it remained the capital of the Byzantine Empire until the 13th century, when it was captured by the Ottomans. During the Byzantine period, the city was attacked and besieged by the Persians, Arabs, Bulgars, and Russians, but without success. In 1453, Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II captured it, and the name was officially changed to Istanbul in 1930. The city remained the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1923, when it was moved to Ankara following the declaration of the Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Some of the Recommended Attractions:
Topkapi Palace: Built in 1465 by order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet after he captured Istanbul in 1453, it remained the residence of the Ottoman sultans until 1856, when Sultan Abdülmecid moved to the newly built Dolmabahçe Palace. It is now the largest museum in Istanbul, showcasing the lifestyle of the sultans and Islamic holy relics.
Hagia Sophia: Hagia Sophia (“Holy Wisdom” in Greek) is a Byzantine structure built in 563 on the orders of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Initially built as a church (Church of Constantius II), it was converted into a mosque in 1453. In 1935, it became a museum, and in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque.
Blue Mosque: One of the most iconic mosques in Istanbul, it is known as the Blue Mosque due to its blue Iznik tile decoration inside. Officially named Sultan Ahmed Mosque, its construction took place between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, who ascended to the throne at the age of 14.
Grand Bazaar (Covered Market): Built in 1456 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, it attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. The shops sell carpets, kilims, lamps, lanterns, ceramics, Turkish metalware, jewelry, leather jackets, and more. Bargaining is customary, with discounts ranging from 10% to 40%.
Basilica Cistern: This subterranean structure was built under Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 532. It was designed to hold about 100,000 tons of water to supply the residents of Constantinople. The cistern is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide and contains 336 columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns.
Dervish Dance at Basilica Cistern: Experience the fascinating Sufi ritual (Turkish "Sema") performed by whirling dervishes accompanied by Sufi music. The performance is followed by a light show that chronicles the journey of Istanbul, from the Byzantine Empire to the modern Republic.
Hippodrome: Built by Roman Emperor Severus in the early 3rd century, the Hippodrome was a venue for chariot races. It was decorated with obelisks and statues, some of which remain in place today.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum: This museum showcases around 400,000 masterpieces from the Turkish and Islamic worlds. It was once the residence of Ibrahim Pasha, the grand vizier to Sultan Suleyman.
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): One of Istanbul's largest bazaars, the Spice Bazaar is located in the Eminönü district of the Fatih area. It is the second most famous covered market in the city after the Grand Bazaar.
Süleymaniye Mosque: Built in 1557 during the reign of Sultan Süleyman, the mosque was designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. It holds an iconic place in Istanbul’s history and is also the burial site of Sultan Süleyman and his wife, Hurrem Sultan.
Dolmabahçe Palace: Built between 1843 and 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid I, Dolmabahçe Palace was home to six sultans. The palace contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets. The Ceremonial Hall houses the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, weighing 4.5 tons and consisting of 750 lamps.
Great Palace Mosaics Museum: This museum exhibits mosaics dating back to 450-550 AD. The works, depicting daily life, nature, and mythology, were created by master craftsmen of the Byzantine era.
Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue: Taksim Square is the heart of modern Istanbul. İstiklal Avenue, a 1.5 km-long pedestrian street, is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and street performers. The nostalgic tram runs along the length of this iconic avenue.
Galata Tower: Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 508 and later rebuilt by the Genoese in 1349, the Galata Tower is located in the Beyoğlu district. Once a watchtower, it now serves as an exhibition space and museum.
Ortaköy: A lively district by the Bosphorus, Ortaköy is known for its cafés, souvenir stalls, and the Ortaköy Mosque. The mosque, with its ornate architecture, sits at the water’s edge beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. After dark, the area is famous for its upmarket restaurants and clubs.
Bosporus Cruise: Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, which divides Istanbul into its European and Asian sides. You can hire a private yacht or join a tour operated by various companies that may include breakfast or dinner, along with Turkish folk dances and music.
Mausoleum of Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari: Located next to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, this mausoleum is the final resting place of Abu Ayyub Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad. He was part of the first army sent to conquer Constantinople.
Bozdağ Studio: Built in 2014 for the filming of the world-famous Turkish TV series Diriliş Ertuğrul, the studio was expanded in 2017. It now hosts other Turkish TV series such as Kuruluş Osman and Yunus Emre etc. Visitors can enjoy performances by actors and traditional Turkish meals.
Çamlıca Mosque: Completed in 2019, Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in Turkey and Europe, with a capacity of 63,000 worshipers. Located on a hill on the Asian side of Istanbul, it is visible from all parts of the city.