A city that has been a center of attractions for hundreds of centuries was ruled by three big empires of the time. Istanbul, one of the most beautiful metropolises city not only for Turkey but also it has its unique importance around the world. Istanbul is the only city that has its feet not only in Asia but also in Europe. Dozens of historical sites in the city, which bears the traces of all the civilizations it has hosted on its lands, have turned Istanbul into a museum on its own. A city that hosted Romans and Ottomans and was the capital of both empires proves its unique importance in front of the world. The historical and cultural heritages in Istanbul, where you can encounter a unique beauty in each district. Many cultural and historical destinations, especially palaces, mosques, museums, parks, and gardens, are among the must-see places in Istanbul.
We have compiled a list of historical places in Istanbul that are worth watching to know about the history of Istanbul. You can enjoy Istanbul more if you know its history. Let's talk about our main subject.
Aya Sofia (Hagia Sofia):
A historical mosque once was a church in the Byzantine Empire, one of the must-see place in Istanbul that defiantly deserves to be seen. Aya Sofia, also known as "Hagia Sofia," was built by Byzantine Empire as a holy church in 537AD. Later after the Ottomans captured Constantinople in 1453, they decided not to destroy the temple but brought by the Sultan of that time and converted it into Mosque. Aya Sofia was the greatest building on Earth at that time in 537 AD. Before the construction of St. Peter's Basilica, Hagia Sophia (Now called Aya Sofia) was considered the largest temple in Christendom.
Inside the Aya Sofia, there are still remainings of Christian Holy things, so it attracts both Christians and Muslims visitors to visit. After the End of the Ottomans, Aya Sofia was converted into a museum in Ataturk Period, and it remained a museum for 97 years. Aya Sofia was again converted into a mosque in 2020 in the Erdogan government. Still, in the mosque of Aya Sofia, there are many signs of Christians that are still in the same position when they were in the Byzantine period.
Inside a building of Aya Sofia, there is still a temple, but the way to go to that temple is different, and it is from the backside of Aya Sofia. Visitors can visit the temple too from the entrance of Topkapi Museum.
- Address: Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih / İstanbul
- Opening hours: It is open daily, except Mondays, from 9:30 to 16:30. The cathedral is closed to the public on Mondays.
Sultanahmet Mosque:
Sultanahmet mosque is also known as a Blue Mosque. This is undoubtedly a key place in Istanbul, which no tourist will pass by. The mosque was constructed by the architect, Mehmet Aga, at the request of Sultan Ahmet I in 1609 and was opened for the public in 1616. The mosque is more than 500 years old and is one of the greatest works by ottomans. It is located in front of Hagia Sofia. There is a square between Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia, and you can visit these two places simultaneously. Sultanahmet Square(Meydan) is one of the greatest attraction for tourists, and both are located in highly tourist area.The Mosque is opened for muslims as well as for non-muslims to visit. Non-muslims can also enter into the mosque in their particular dress which they provide to the tourists who are required.Visiting Sultanahet is totally free. You don't have to buy a ticket for visiting.
How to reach at Sultanahmet Mosque by public transport?
It is very easy to reach all the touristic places of Istanbul. Wherever you are, you have to reach at the tramway (T1). It goes directly to the Sultanahmet mosque. You can take Tramway from the famous areas like eminonu, karakoy, kabatas, and cevizlibag. After taking the tramway (T1) you have to reach at Sultanahmet station. You can see the names of the stations even in the tramway, written above the opening doors.
Galata Tower:
Galata Tower is the most prominent heritage of Istanbul. The Tower is one of the most popular site in Istanbul for both among tourists and the locals. The old name of Galat tower was Christea Turris, meaning "The tower of Christ." It was built in 1348 during an expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. Galata Tower was the highest building in Constantinople when it was built in 1348, and it remained the tallest until the construction of Beyazıt Tower in 1749. It was built by the byzantine empire to watch the activities of ottomans to prevent themselves from the attacks from the Ottoman Empire. The advantage of this tower is that you can see the whole Istanbul from above the tower.
One of the first thing you should do when you arrive in this enchanting city is to head over to the Galata Tower's panoramic balcony and look out over the stunning Bosphorus and Golden Horn and the marvelous Istanbul view.
| Ticket Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Foreign Visitor : | 100 TL |
| Foreign Visitor + Audio guide : | 125 TL |
Basilica Cistern:
Yerebatan (Basilica cistern) is a unique reservoir created underground in the 6th century BC. The area of Yerebatan is about 10 thousand square meters. Today, one of the attractions since the days of Constantinople allows tourists to relax in the coolness of the heat.
Inside, a mysterious atmosphere reigns, which is facilitated by artificial lighting. This place is highly recommended to visit because of its mysterious view. It is the most unique historical site that I have ever visited.
It is located near Hagia Sofia. You can reach here my by from Hagia Sofia. The entrance fee of Basilica Cistern is 20TL, and for students in turkey, it is 5TL. It is open to visitors from 9 to 17:30.
Topkapi Palace:
Topkapi Palace is located right beside the Aya Sofia. At the Ottomans, the Topkapi Palace was the main palace of the Ottoman Empire in the capital and the residence of its sultans. The state of the Ottomans was ruled 400 years from this Topkapi palace. This palace was built during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and it was opened as a museum during the reign of Abdulmecit. Topkapi palace is rich in Islamic history and culture. A lot of holy Islamic symbolic things are there in Topkapi Palace.
Topkapi Place Enterence fares:
The fee of the entrance of Topkapi Palace is 60 TL, the harem section is 40 TL, and Hagia Eirene Museum is 30 TL. Discounted ticket prices and details are in the table below.
| Ticket Type | FULL | DISCOUNTED |
|---|---|---|
| Topkapi Palace Full | 60 TL | 10 TL |
| Topkapi Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene | 110 TL | 30 TL |
| Topkapi Palace + Hagia Eirene | 80 TL | 20 TL |
| harem section | 40 TL | 10 TL |
| Hagia Irene Museum | 30 TL | 10 TL |
| 0-18 Ages | Free | Free |
The entrance ticket for the students studying inside Turkey is 20TL.
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