ISTANBUL HIGHLIGHTS

 

1. HAGIA SOPHIA

The church is dating from the 6th century and it is among the most important monuments that survived up to now

within the history of architecture. After the conquest of the city Constantinople in 1453 the church was converted

to a mosque. Open: every day except Monday 09:00-16:30

 

2. TOPKAPI PALACE

The Ottomans started to construct the Topkapı Palace in 1459. During the rules of different Sultans the palace has

been constantly growing and changing till the 19th century. You certainly need a few hour to see all the collections

like; the Treasury, the Weapon Collection, Kitchens and the Porcelain collection. In 1924 the palace was turned

in to a museum. Open: every day except Tuesday 09:00-17:00

 

3. HAREM

The oldest and the most visited Harem is located in the Topkapı Palace. The Harem is dating from the 16th century

and it has 250 rooms. We suggest you to visit the Harem with a tour guide.

Open: every day except tuesday 09:00-17:00

 

4. THE BLUE MOSQUE-SULTAN AHMET MOSQUE

The only mosque in the world that was built with six minarets. The mosque silhouette that embellishes the 

scenery of the city has become the symbol of the city of Istanbul. The mosque was built in the 17th century

during the empire of Sultan Ahmet. It has 260 windows and 21 thousand Iznik tiles.

Open: every day except the praying times.

 

5. THE CISTERN

The oldest and largest cistern in Istanbul is the Yerebatan Cistern. The cistern is dating from the 6th century. 

In its construction, columns and capitals of earlier temples were used and this provides a very decorative 

appearence. You can also see the two Medusa heads which was used to form bases for two columns in a far 

corner of the cistern. Open: every day 09:00-18:00

 

6. THE HIPPODROME-CIRCUS MAXIMUS OF CONSTANTINOPLE

The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. In the ancient time it was called as the 

second Circus Maximus. The Hippodrome is dating from the 3rd century and it is called by the locals as 

Sultanahmet Meydanı. This an Open Air Museum.

 

7. ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The museum was founded by the Ottomans. The museum is known with the Sarcophagi of Alexander the Great 

and the Mourning Woman. This building is one of the prominent structures built in the neoclassical style in Istanbul.

Open: every day except Monday 09:00-17:00

 

8. THE GERMAN FOUNTAIN

One of the most beautifull fountain in Istanbul. The fountain was a gift of the German Emperor Wilhelm the 2nd 

to the Sultan and Istanbul. It was constructed by the Germans in the 19th century. Open Air Museum.

 

9. HAGIA IRENE CHURCH

One of the oldest Byzantine churches in Istanbul. The church with a cross plan, is also the only Byzantine 

church in Istanbul whose atrium has survived. It was built by the Byzantines in the 8th century. The church is 

located in the first courtyard of the Topkapı Palace. Due to its excellant acoustics it is used for classical music 

concerts. Open: every day except Tuesday 09:00-17:00

 

10. MUSEUM OF TURKISH AND ISLAMIC ARTS 

This museum is located just opposite of the Blue Mosque. The building was once the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, 

the Grand Vizier of Süleyman the Magnificent. The collection which includes hand-written books and works 

made of stone, ceramic, wood and metal, was awarded by the Council of Europe and by UNESCO. 

Open; every day except Monday 09:00-17:00

 

11. CHORA CHURCH

After the city was conqured by the Turks the church was like the Hagia Sophia converted in to a mosque. The church

is a typical Byzantine church and it was constructed in the 6th century. The church is known with its magnificent

mosaics and frescos. Open: every day except Wednesday 09:00-17:00

 

12. SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE

The Süleymaniye Mosque was built by the famous architect Sinan between 1550 and 1557 in the Süleymaniye

district. It was constructed with the order of Süleyman the Magnificent. The construction of the mosque and complex

was completed in 7 years. The cost of the mosque is $ 60 million today. Open: every day except praying times.

 

13. RUSTEM PASHA MOSQUE

The mosque was built by a famous Croatian, Rüstem Pasha, between 1500-1561. He was one of the Grand Viziers

of the Ottoman Empire. Especially the Iznik tiles of the mosque is a great art work. This is also a hidden treasure in

Istanbul. Open: every day except the praying times.

 

14. VALENS AQUEDUCT

The Valens Aqueduct is located in the Fatih district. It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Valens (364-378)

The lenght of the aqueduct was 1000 meters during the Byzantine period. But now it has a lenght of 971 meters and

a maximum height of about 28 meters. Open Air Museum.

 

15. ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE

The patriarchate was established after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. The Armenian Patriarchate is an autonomus

See. And it has jurisdiction over the Armenian Churches of Turkey and İsland of Crete, Greece. The church is located

in Kumkapı.

 

16. BORUSAN CONTEMPRORY ISTANBUL

Borusan contemprory is a multi-platform program of exhibitions, events, educational activities and site specific 

installations. The building includes different galleries and a cafe. Open: Only on Saturday and Sunday 10:00-19:00

 

17. CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OF SAINT ESPRIT 

The cathedral was built in 1846 and it is the second largest Roman Catholic Churches in Istanbul. The church has 

a baroque style and it is located in Karaköy. Open: every day.

 

18. DOGANCAY MUSEUM

This is the first modern art museum in Turkey and it is located in the Beyoğlu district. Burhan Doğançay, the founder 

of the museum is one of Turkey's leading artists. You will see his figurative paintings, wall-inspired works and

his photographs. Open: every day except Monday 10:00-18:00

 

19. MOSAIC MUSEUM

The museum is located in Sultanahmet on the historical peninsula. The museum is known with its 6th-century

mosaics from Constantinople's Great Palace. You can see here the most beautiful examples of mosaics from

the Byzantine Empire. Open: every day except Monday 09:00-17:00

 

20. THE YAMBOL SYNAGOGUE

The Yambol Synagogue was built by Sephardi Jews who moved from the Bulgarian town Yambol to Istanbul in the

18th century, during the Ottoman Empire. It is also known as the 'Bulgarian Synagogue'. The main building is made

of wood and it is located in the Balat district.

 

21. SPICE BAZAAR-MISIR ÇARŞISI

The bazaar is dating from the 17th century and is located in the Eminönü district. Many types of spices and

healing herbs can be found in the Spice Bazaar. Besides the spices many types of nuts,Turkish Delight,

oriental perfumes, natural sponge for bathing are all among specialities of the bazaar. The surrounding 

of the Spice Bazaar is also very interesting to see. Open: every day 09:00-18:00

 

22. TARIHI MODA ISKELESI 

This pier is located on the Asian continent. It is a café / restaurant with a nice vieuw and it is especially known

by the locals.

 

23. FENER RUM LISESI-GREEC ORTHODOX SCHOOL

The Fener Greec Orthodox school is the oldest and most prestigious Greek Orthodox school in Turkey. This is

an imposing red brick building which was constructed in 1881. The school is located near the Greek

Orthodox Patriarchate in Balat, the Holy Place of the Greec's. The Fener and Balat districts are on the list of the

UNESCO heritage sides.

 

24. GRAND BAZAAR

The world famous and historic bazaar is built in the 15th century by the Ottomans. It is certainly one of the world's

most exciting shopping experience. It is known with its gift shops, copperware, evil eyes, Turkish ceramics and

Turkish coffeesets. The Grand Bazaar is located on the Historical Peninsula. Open: every day except sunday

09:00-19:00

 

25. FIRE BRIGADE MUSEUM-ITFAIYE MUZESI

In this museum you will witness the struggle of the Ottoman firefighter against fire in Istanbul for three centuries.

The museum houses former water-pumping tools, steam-operated water-pumpers and horse-drawn water

pumping tools. The museum is located in the Beşiktaş destrict. Open: every day except saturday and sunday.

08:30-16:30

 

26. FLORENCE NIGHTANGALE MUSEUM

During the Crimean War in 1854, Florence Nightingale came to Istanbul to organize a nursing unit for the Turkish

and allied soldiers in the Selimiye Barracs in Usküdar. In 1954 her rooms were converted into a museum. In order

to visit the museum you have to take an official permit in advance and you should send a copy of your passport to

the administration of the Selimiye Barracks. It is still a military barrack.