GULHANE PARK
You can start your day with a nice breakfast at Gulhane Park, which is next to the walls of Topkapi Palace. There are big trees, tens of different bird species nesting in these trees, and cats that will nuzzle up to your legs.
Then, to get to Topkapi Palace, you can walk up the Osman Hamdi Bey hill.
TOPKAPI PALACE MUSEUM
After Mehmed the Conqueror took over Istanbul, he gave the order to start building Topkapi Palace. It was finished in 1478. It became the first museum of the Republic when it opened on April 3, 1924. Because of this, it is one of the most beautiful palace museums in the world.
Address: Topkapi Sarayi Muzesi, Sultanahmet – Fatih / Istanbul
For more information, visit www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/saraylar/topkapi-sarayi.
HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE
Hagia Sophia is an important piece of art because it is one of the most important pieces of architecture that have survived to this day. Its architecture, beauty, size, and usefulness give it an important place in art. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is the biggest church the Eastern Roman Empire ever built. It has been built three times in the same place. It was first called "Megale Ekklesia," which means "Great Church." From the 5th century until Istanbul was conquered, it was called "Hagia Sophia," which means "Holy Wisdom." During the riots, the churches of Theodosius II, which was rebuilt in 415, and Megale Ekklesia, which was built by Emperor Constantinus II in 360, were destroyed. After Mehmed II took control of the area in 1453, the building was changed from a church to a mosque. Then, in 1935, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the Ministerial Cabinet decided that Hagia Sophia should become a museum. In 2020, a new rule made it possible for people to worship there as a mosque.
Address: Ayasofya Meydani No:1 34122 Sultanahmet
For more information, go to https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=AYS01&DistId=AYS
You can eat lunch at one of the restaurants in Sultan Ahmet Square that serve traditional Turkish food, then keep going on your trip.
A BASILICA CISTERN
The history of this building, which locals also call "Sunken Cistern" but is called "Basilica Cistern" because a basilica used to be there, goes back to the Byzantine era. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Kultur A.S. runs this beautiful building, which is also used as a museum and for many other events.
For more info, visit www.yerebatan.com.
Address: Yerebatan Cad. Alemdar Mah. 1/3 34410 Sultanahmet – Fatih/ISTANBUL
THE BLUE MOSQUE
The Blue Mosque is one of the best examples of Turkish-Islamic architecture. It was built in the 17th century by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, an apprentice of Mimar Sinan. With its large social complex, the mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
Address: At Meydani No:7 34122 Fatih / Istanbul
THE BIG BAZAR
With its size and history, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul's Beyazit district is thought to be one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. The bazaar has more than 3,500 shops, and sometimes more than 40 million people visit it every year.
Address: Kapalicarsi Esnaflari Dernegi Kalpakcilar Cad. Sorguclu Han No: 22 Kapalicarsi Beyazit-Istanbul
DAY 2
You can get a delicious breakfast at one of the places by the sea in Karakoy, or you can eat a fresh simit and watch the seagulls and ferries on the Bosporus.
Move away from the Galata Tower. Watch the fishermen cast their fishing rods and hope they catch something.
Pigeons are waiting for you in front of the New Mosque. Give them seeds.
NEW MOSQUE
It is a mosque whose foundation was laid in 1597 by Sultan Murad III's wife, Safiye Sultan. It was first used for worship in 1665, thanks to the hard work and donations of Turhan Hatice Sultan, who was the mother of the emperor of that year, Mehmed IV.
The New Mosque is the last of the great mosques built in Istanbul by the Ottoman dynasty. It adds a lot to the look of the city. It is known as the mosque that took the longest to build during the Ottoman Era in Turkey. It was built by Mimar ("Architect") Davut Aga and Mimar Dalgic Ahmed Aga. However, Safiye Sultan's death stopped the work, and it wasn't finished until Mustafa Aga, the master architect of Mehmed IV, finished it 66 years later.
THE SPICE BAZAAR
The Spice Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in Istanbul. It was built in 1660 and has had many names over the years. After the middle of the 18th century, most of the goods were coming from Egypt, so it was called the Egyptian Bazaar. Inside the bazaar, there are many shops, but most of them sell spices, herbs, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Address: Misir Carsisi No: 92 Eminonu – Fatih / Istanbul / Turkiye
Visit www.misircarsisi.org.tr for more information.
If the smell of spices in the Spice Bazaar made you hungry, you could eat a fish sandwich with pickle juice at one of Eminonu's historic fish restaurants.
We suggest going to Balat in the afternoon.
BALAT
During the Byzantine period, wealthy Greek traders used to live in this area called Petrion. They left their homes right before Mehmed the Conqueror took over the city, but they came back after he told them they would be safe and able to practice their religion. Balat, like Haskoy, had a large Jewish population for many years, which is why it still has mosques, churches, and synagogues.
You can walk through the narrow streets of Balat, which have houses with bay windows, recently opened boutique cafés, old churches, and a lot of color that will make you feel like there is life in the street.
DAY 3
Beyoglu was once called Pera. The third day can get off to a lively start with a breakfast and a nice, foamy Turkish coffee made on ember at a place set up in an old inn. Because there are many things to do and see in Beyoglu.
BEYOGLU
With its museums, Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue, and historic streets, Beyoglu is now a cultural hub. During the Byzantine period, the Pera region was a major trade hub where people from Venice and Genoa lived. In the 11th century, when the Crusaders came and stole things, Pera also suffered. After Istanbul was taken over, the area was once again the center of art and trade. It is thought that the city got its current name from Suleiman the Magnificent's letters to the ambassador of Venice, in which he called the ambassador "Beyoglu."
TOWER GALATA
Galata Tower is one of the most historically important buildings in Istanbul. It was built in 528, but its name has changed over time. It is thought that the tower, including its roof, is 69.9 meters tall, weighs about 10,000 tons, and has walls that are 3.75 meters thick.
Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi Buyuk Hendek Caddesi, No: 2 – 34421 Galata / Beyoglu / Istanbul
At the base of the Galata Tower, you will find a place to eat lunch that suits your tastes. You can also walk from Galip Dede Avenue to the Galata Mevlevi Lodge, which is past Istiklal Avenue.
GALATA MEVLEVI LODGE
It's the first mevlevi lodge in Istanbul and one of the most important buildings in the Ottoman Empire.
ST. ANTHONY CHURCH
It is on Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu, on the left side as you walk from Galatasaray toward the Tunnel. Its building began in 1906, and when it was done in 1912, it was put into use. Giulio Mongeri, who was born in Istanbul, is the man who designed it. The church is the biggest Catholic church in Istanbul. It is run by Italian priests. The church was built using reinforced concrete in the Italian Neo-Gothic style.
Address: Istiklal Caddesi No: 171 34433 Istanbul
You should also go shopping in Istiklal Avenue's Cicek Passage, Aznavur Passage, and Atlas Passage.
Nevizade or Asmali Mescit are both nice places to eat dinner.
DAY 4
You can start the day at Rumelihisari (Rumeli Castle), which seems far away but is actually easy to get to.
FORTRESSES MUSEUM (RUMELIHISARI)
Rumelihisari is across from Anadolu Hisari in the Sariyer neighborhood of Istanbul. It was built to defend against attacks from the Bosporus before Istanbul was taken over. After being fixed up in 1953, the building is now a museum and is one of the most impressive places to see in Istanbul.
Address: Yahya Kemal Cad. No.42 34470 Rumelihisari-Sariyer/ISTANBUL
For more information, visit https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?DistId=MRK&SectionId=HIS01)
BEBEK
In the Byzantine period, Bebek district was just a small town of Greek fishermen. Now, with its historical pavilions and other buildings, it is one of the best parts of Istanbul. Mehmed the Conqueror put an officer in charge of keeping order while Rumelihisari was being built and the city was being taken over. This officer was called Bebek Celebi, and the district was named after him. After taking a break at Bebek Park, which is also by the sea, you can keep going along the coast.
When you get to Ortakoy, jacked potatoes are a delicious way to satisfy your hunger.
YILDIZ PARK
It's a big forest that covers the hills between Besiktas and Ortakoy. This area, which is usually called Yildiz Park, is the outer grove of Yildiz Palace. It has a lot of different kinds of plants. Inside the park, there are walking paths, places to sit and rest, country coffee shops, and interesting views.
This park is a great place for both people who live in the city and people who are just visiting. It has a unique view of the changing beauty of the Bosporus, trees that are hundreds of years old and have been passed down from generation to generation, and water pools and ponds.
You can eat lunch here and then keep going on your trip after refueling.
Address: Yildiz, 34349 Besiktas/Istanbul
DOLMABAHCE PALACE
Dolmabahce Palace was built from 1842 to 1853. During the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid, it was used as an imperial palace and a government office. The palace was also the Presidency Palace when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was president. It is a very important part of the history of the Republic because Ataturk died there on November 10, 1938.
Address: Dolmabahce Cad. Besiktas 34357
For more information, go to www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/saraylar/dolmabahce-sarayi.
DAY 5
If you want your trip to Istanbul to be complete, you have to include a tour of the Prince Islands.
PRINCE ISLAND (ADALAR)
They are natural rock formations that make Istanbul look nice. Throughout history, Adalar has been called different things, but the most common name is Prince Islands. Since 1846, when the first ferry service started, the Prince Islands are regularly reached from the ports of Bostanci, Kadikoy, and Kabatas by urban lines and private transportation companies. You can get more information and see the schedules at https://www.sehirhatlari.istanbul.tr/tr/seferler/ic-hatlar/adalar-hatlari-176.
BUYUKADA
In the sixth century, the first building was built on Buyukada. On its highest hill is the Church and Monastery of St. George. There are also the ruins and remains of many churches and monasteries that have made it to this day. Because cars aren't allowed on the islands, the air quality and noise level are both good. The most famous of Buyukada's four mosques is the Hamidiye Mosque, which was built by Abdulhamid II. This mosque was built in the style of the West, and it is on Ada Camii Street.
HEYBELIADA
About 7,000 people live on the island. In addition to its natural beauty and clean air, it is known for its Naval High School, Sanitarium, and Halki Seminary. The most important ports in Heybeliada are Cam Port and Bahriye Port, which are in a pretty cove.
BURGAZADA
It is the third biggest island in Istanbul. It is one of the most popular places in Istanbul because of its seaside, pine trees, and elegantly restored pavilions. Burgazada's mansions and pavilions made it famous. There are beautiful wooden pavilions on Gonullu and Mehtap streets, which are at the bottom of a hill and look out over Kasik Island and Heybeliada, and especially on Sahilde Gezinti Avenue. To get to the old beach on the island, people need to head east from the ferry island.
DAY 6
BOSPORUS TOUR
We recommend that you set aside a day for the Bosporus tour so you can see the Bosporus from both sides. On the Bosporus ferries that leave from the Eminonu or Kabatas ports, you can also get off at the other ports along the way and try out different foods and drinks.
MAIDEN'S TOWER
The Maiden's Tower, one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul, has been around since the Ancient Times. This place is one of the most visited by both domestic and international tourists. It opened to the public in 2000 after restoration work that began in 1995 was finished.
Address: Salacak Mevkii Uskudar 34668
KANLICA
There are many rumors about how Kanlica got her name. One of the stories that most people believe is that an Ottoman sultan once told his men to find the part of Istanbul where the air was the cleanest. He also asked his viziers for advice on how it should be decided. Then, one of the viziers suggested that each district put up a pole with a piece of bloody meat on it. This way, the meat in the district with the cleanest air would be the last to go bad. The plan was given the go-ahead by the sultan, and Kanlica won by a wide margin. The Ottoman Sultan called the area "Kanlica" after this.
KUZGUNCUK
In addition to its old-fashioned houses and atmosphere, Kuzguncuk, one of Uskudar's neighborhoods, stands out today for its small cafés and restaurants. It is thought that Kuzguncuk got its name from a holy person named Kuzgun Baba who lived in the area when Mehmed the Conqueror was in charge. Kuzguncuk is still one of the areas on the Anatolian side where neighbors get along well and don't bother each other. When you think of Kuzguncuk, you probably think of homes with bay windows and big plane trees.
DAY 7
Would you like to spend a full day in the Anatolian part of Istanbul?
If you said yes, we think you should start the day by watching the Maiden's Tower while you drink your coffee.
USKUDAR
Around 1000 BCE, Phoenicians moved into the area and built trade ports and shipyards on the Salacak coast, where Uskudar is now. During the Roman and Byzantine times, the area where people continued to live was called "Skutari." After the Ottomans took over Istanbul, Uskudar became the most important city in the Anatolian Side. Mosques and masjids, bathhouses, caravansaries, countless fountains, libraries, and many palaces, mansions, and kiosks for emperors, sultans, pashas, and bureaucrats were built. Hezarfen Celebi flew from Galata Tower to Uskudar and was the first person to fly around the world.
BEYLERBEYI PALACE MUSEUM
It is on the Anatolian side, right next to the same-named district. The coastal palace building and its other buildings make up the palace complex. It was built in 1864 by the architects Sarkis and Agop Balyan at Sultan Abdulaziz's request.
Address: Abdullahaga Cad. 81210 Beylerbeyi
KHEDIVE'S PALACE
The palace is in a big forest on the side of a hill in Cubuklu. Egypt's Khedive Abbas Hilmi Pasha asked the Italian architect Delto Seminati to build it in 1907. The building, which is in a completely different style from Turkish architecture, was built on a 1000 m2 area.
Address: Cubuklu Korusu Cubuklu Yolu No:32 Beykoz / Istanbul
KADIKOY – MODA
The Kadikoy and Moda districts will make your day more enjoyable with their lively streets, movie and theater theaters, shopping centers, parks, and restaurants that serve world-famous delicacies and boutique tastes.
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