Istanbul is a museum in a city where the centuries of the empires, cultures, and religions meet. The city presents a unique historical experience to any heritage and architecture enthusiast since it has Byzantine basilicas up to Ottoman palaces. An adequate Istanbul trip planning enables the tourists to visit all these landmarks at a leisurely rate and learn their heavy historical importance. The 12 best Attractions to Visit in Istanbul include the list of the attractions mentioned below that no history lover can afford to miss on their itinerary.
1. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was once a Byzantine cathedral, an Ottoman mosque and again a functioning mosque today, a representation of the stratified history of Istanbul. Its giant dome, old mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy are the results of change which took 1,500 years.
2. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, which served as the home of Ottoman sultans almost 400 years, presents the life of the caliphs with rich courtyards, religious artifacts and imperial palaces. The palace has panoramic views of the bosphorus and the golden horn.
3. Dusbaba newspaper building (Cumorghozij Asad Mosque)
The Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of the Ottoman architecture and is famous due to its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles with Iznik design. Constructed at the beginning of the 17 th century, it is still an active site of worship and a significant historical site.
4. Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an underground water reservoir located under the streets of the city and it goes back to the Byzantine times. It has one of the most fascinating Attractions to Visit in Istanbul due to the carvings of Medusa head and its atmospheric columns.
5. Hippodrome of Constantinople
Previously the social and sporting center of Byzantine Constantinople, the Hippodrome was used to hold chariot races and civic celebrations. Even the ancient monuments, such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, may be observed by visitors today.
6. Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest covered market in the world and was formed in the 15 th century. Strolling along its maze of streets, one will gain an idea of the decades-old traditions of the trade that had formed the economy of Istanbul.
7. Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque was constructed by the great architect Mimar Sinan and the architectural masterpiece was a culmination of the Ottoman architectural work. It is a popular place of history lovers because of its quiet environment and view of the city around the whole.
8. Dolmabahce Palace
This palace built in the 19 th century is an indication of the change towards the European styles by the Ottoman Empire. Dolmabahce provides a peek at the last splendour of the empire with its use of crystal chandeliers, gold ornamentation and extravagant halls.
9. Galata Tower
Galata Tower was initially built by the Genoese in the 14 th century and has been used in diverse ways. Currently it offers breathtaking scenes and an opportunity to experience the medieval European influence in Istanbul.
10. Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)
The Chora Church is popular due to its spectacular Byzantine mosaics and frescoes which provide a detailed account of the Christian history in the form of pictures. It is among the most artistically important places in the city.
11. Istanbul Archeological Museums
This complex of the museum accommodates artifacts of civilizations in Anatolia, Mesopotamia and more. It is indispensable to those serious history enthusiasts because of such highlights as the Alexander Sarcophagus and ancient tablets.
12. Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress was constructed by Sultan Mehmed II prior to the fall of Constantinople and was a very important strategic site. It is located overlooking the Bosphorus and it provides an insight into the Ottoman military planning and spectacular views.
Conclusion
Travelling in Istanbul is like reading the book of world history as every single monument has a history of conquest, faith and cultural exchange. These Sights to See in Istanbul will offer an amazing time travel experience, between big mosque shrines and the primeval underground cismens. Be it your first visit or you are back to explore what the city has to offer, an itinerary planned through the advice of an expert would take the journey to the next level. Go Kite Tours assist tourists in exploring the diverse history of Istanbul through expert-designed tours and tours. This travel guide of Istanbul can be used to plan a meaningful trip that will make you deeply engaged with one of the most historical cities in the world.
