Here are the top 15 things to do in Istanbul. We chose them not because they're famous, but because we think they're worth seeing or experiencing. We would also like to draw attention to the many secret gems in this city that are often missed while planning for your visit. Enjoy it!
Hagia Sophia
It was a patriarch cathedral when it was built in the Byzantine period; With the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, Hagia Sophia started to serve as a mosque; It was opened to visitors as a museum in 1935. As of 2020, it was reopened as a mosque.
The building, which is considered an architectural masterpiece, is also known as the oldest cathedral in the world and the shortest to build.
When it comes to Hagia Sophia, the thing that should definitely be paid attention to should be the harmony of different cultures. There are preaching rostrums and Ottoman tugras in the museum; Mosaics that symbolize important figures for Christianity such as the Prophet Jesus and the Virgin Mary ... Let's not go without mentioning that two of the minarets of Hagia Sophia belong to Mimar Sinan.
Topkapı Palace
In Istanbul, the capital of culture and history; We are in Topkapı, one of the most beautiful palaces in the city. This first palace built after the conquest of Istanbul; It has 600 years of history.
In addition to the offices reserved for government affairs; parks, gardens and courtyards can be visited today as part of the Topkapı Palace Museum. There are also places closed to visitors, such as the Treasury Department.
Those who come to Topkapı Palace should definitely see the Istanbul Library. This library is referred to as the "memory of the city". Sultan's portraits, sultan's clothes and weapons can also be counted among the collections that attract the most attention of visitors.
The district in which Saray is located in Fatih district is mentioned as Sarayburnu.
Grand Bazaar
Kapalı Çarşı, or the Grand Bazaar as it is known by tourists; The address for shopping in Istanbul. It is also one of the world's largest covered bazaars; It has almost 4 thousand shops. It is known that Evliya Çelebi also mentioned the bazaar in his famous Seyahatname.
There are all kinds of tradesmen in the historical Grand Bazaar. Spices, underwear, lighting, carpets, rugs… In short, you can get whatever comes to your mind here. Due to the density of foreign tourists here, sometimes the prices can be met as tourist attractions. Still, it is not possible to complete an Istanbul visit without the Grand Bazaar.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque, named after the most famous sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Süleyman the Magnificent; a work of Architect Sinan. Suleymaniye Mosque located in Fatih district; It can be regarded as an architectural wonder where simplicity and splendor are presented together.
The mosque, which has adorned the skyline of Istanbul for over 400 years, is a symbol of power for both the city and the country.
Suleymaniye Mosque; It is included in a complex consisting of 15 separate sections. Therefore, the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent, Mimar Sinan and Hürrem Sultan should also be seen.
It is mentioned that 2 thousand workers work daily during the construction of the complex, which has 11 separate entrances.
Dolmabahçe Palace
We are in Dolmabahçe Palace located on Dolmabahçe Street in Beşiktaş district. This is the founder of the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's Republic of Turkey, where life in his eyes. Since 1842, both the standing and the palace of the Ottoman Empire has also been witnessing the first years of the Republic of Turkey.
The Dolmabahçe Palace and the Dolmabahçe Mosque next to it; You can visit it today under the auspices of the National Palaces Department.
The throne hall, harem rooms and the garden of 110 thousand square meters of the palace are worth seeing. In Dolmabahçe Palace, Atatürk's belongings are also exhibited.
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