Istanbul is an amazing city with many attractions. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that throughout its history it passed from one empire to another: from Roman to Byzantine, from Byzantine to Ottoman. Consequently, Istanbul received a huge legacy. If this is your first time here, be sure to rate these places!
An airport
The first place you are likely to get is the airport. But Istanbul has two airports: one in the European part and the other in the Asian part. Imagine, Istanbul is a city located in both Europe and Asia.
Now we’ll talk about the airport of the European part - Sabiha Gokcen Airport. This is the new Istanbul airport. Previously, the main air harbor was the airport. Ataturk. But, unfortunately, not so long ago it was closed, and in the European part of the city there remained one heavenly pier.
Now Sabiha Gokcen Airport is one of the largest airports in Europe. That is why his visit can be considered successful.
And to see the other attractions from our list, you will need to get to the main historical district of Istanbul - Sultanahmet district.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Mosque, is one of the main attractions of Istanbul. It has six minarets. And immediately an interesting fact: the Sultan wanted the mosque to be golden, but very “attentive” subordinates did not hear the word “golden”, but “six”. Therefore, she has just such a number of minarets.
One of the main differences between Islam and Christianity: Islam forbids icons. This is considered idolatry. Therefore, in mosques, instead of icons, the names of God and the prophets are written.
In the pictures, the Blue Mosque looks great, but if we look at it in reality, then we will be slightly disappointed, because everything will not work for two reasons. Firstly, for tourists the area is very small, because you will not be allowed to go where they pray. Secondly, the mosque is constantly being restored, and many elements are closed by scaffolding.
And now it’s not a big life hack: since you need to take off your shoes at the entrance to the Muslim shrine (by the way, and women should also wear scarves and skirts), put your shoes in a bag, otherwise you won’t find it later.
Hippodrome Square
Before you go to this square, take a little walk around the area with such houses.
Hippodrome Square. Previously, this entire territory was a large hippodrome, that is, a place for horse and chariot competitions. Previously, it accommodated up to 40 thousand people. Now only three columns remain from it: the Serpent Obelisk, the column of Constantine and the Egyptian Obelisk.
The most interesting thing is that this racecourse accommodated more people than the largest stadium in Turkey today.
Many valuable materials were stolen by knights during the Crusades. Such they were villains! This can be seen if you look closely at the column of Constantine.
Also on this square is the monument "German Fountain" (or rather, the source).
A bit of beauty
If you go through the Hippodrome Square towards the Hagia Sophia, you will see a wonderful place. Behind your spinal column should be the temple of Hagia Sophia, in front of you is the Blue Mosque, to your left is Hamam Sultan.
Now you can take photos of extraordinary beauty.
Hagia Sophia
This temple is very ancient. To make you understand, he served about 1000 years as a temple, about 500 years as a mosque and 84 years as a museum. This building burned down several times (and the remains of the most ancient versions lie near the entrance).
To save resources during the construction, many columns were brought from other places. For example, from ancient Greek temples.
This place combined two religions into a single whole. After the capture of Byzantium by the Ottoman Empire, this Orthodox church became a mosque. Since icons are forbidden in Islam (idolatry), all Christian frescoes, mosaics and other images were hidden. And now, when the Hagia Sophia Cathedral has become a museum, Islamic shields and Orthodox murals are opened in front of us in one place.
Inside the cathedral is the “Crying Column”, which fulfills wishes. But during the Ottoman Empire, it was closed, because making wishes in front of some column was considered, again, idolatry. But persistent people, with the help of their fingers and time, made a hole in this skin. Therefore, in order to make a wish, you need to put your finger in this hole and scroll it clockwise.
Tip: do not touch this hole. On a day, thousands of tourists stick their fingers there, so the number of bacteria there is unthinkable.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is the place where the whole history of the Ottoman Empire was decided until the 19th century. It was the main residence of the Turkish Sultans.
By the way, if you watched the series "The Magnificent Century", then you will definitely see the whole story in fact.
There is a small building in front of the entrance to the first courtyard, somewhat reminiscent of our gazebo. These are places for ambassadors. They came and asked that the Sultan receive them. Here they drank water and waited for an answer. If the sultan accepted them, they went to him, if the sultan refused them, then they returned.
Topkapi Palace consists of four courtyards. Everyone was allowed into the first courtyard, and then permission was needed. So it is now: anyone can go to the first yard, and then a ticket is needed.
Now Topkapi is a museum in which there are many different small museums. Therefore, we’ll say right away about some “museum workers,” and some will be described in more detail.
The museum, which stores all the "relics" of Topkapi. For example, the sword and cloak of the Prophet Muhammad (Muslim shrines). Of course, everything looks incredibly beautiful, but the lineup is always so huge that there is a feeling that you will lose several hours in it.
And now in detail about the museums.
Weapons museum
This museum is also full of beauty. There is no longer a queue. But there is one catch: you can’t take pictures. They don’t say this at the entrance, but they will say it at any time when you start taking pictures of something.
Harem
The harem is the main place of all intrigue and gossip. Concubines could be of different nationalities and profess different religions. The mother of the Sultan was in charge of the harem. The main happiness of the concubine is to get into the chambers of the Sultan, and after giving birth to a boy from him and become his wife.
The entrance to the harem, unfortunately, is not included in the ticket price. Cost: 35 Turkish liras. Attention! Only Turkish liras. Neither dollars, nor euros, nor rubles, nor hryvnias are accepted. Only lira and bank cards. Therefore, do not forget to take your card!
Inside, you will see everything: the “golden way” to the chambers of the Sultan, and the rooms of the concubines, and their boors, and places for all kinds of events.
Sultan's Reception
This place cannot be called a full-fledged museum, but its importance is very great. It was here that the most important issues of the empire were decided.
Near the entrance is an inconspicuous crane. Water flowed first into one bowl, and then into another, like a fountain. It was included during negotiations so that no one would overhear or create gossip.
Beautiful view
On the territory of the fourth courtyard is a playground overlooking modern Istanbul, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn Bay. Of course, you cannot call this place a museum, but it is worth highlighting it.
There are a lot of tourists here, so to take a good selfie, you will need to wait.
At the exit of the Topkapi Palace, you should go to the souvenir shop (there is also a toilet). True, most souvenirs cost space money.
Egyptian Bazaar
Previously, Egyptian spices were traded at this bazaar. And now it is a big bazaar with a wide choice: from Turkish delight to women’s bags.
It is worth buying here natural Turkish delight on honey. It is very tasty. But do not rush to the first shop. Walk a few meters from the entrance. There it will cost half as much (without exaggeration).
Do not buy goods in the store immediately. Just walk around, maybe you will find a better option. Do not forget to bargain.
Bosporus strait
This strait divides Europe and Asia, as well as Istanbul into two parts: European and Asian. And he connects the Black and Marmara seas.
Three bridges connect Europe and Asia; each of them was built on the anniversary of an important event of the past.
Houses near the strait cost incredible money. In the Asian part of Istanbul, near the Bosphorus, many Turkish stars live. And from the middle of the Bosphorus, a beautiful view of St. Sophia Cathedral, Topkapi and the Golden Horn Bay opens.
If you sail along the strait, you will see the Dolmabahçe Palace (mid-19th century), many institutes and academies.
Interesting fact
Another interesting fact about Istanbul and Turkey in general: here, presidential elections are held every year. Therefore, on the streets of Istanbul you can see the election campaign. Here, during agitation, music is turned on loudly and people dance.