Istanbul has many squares that draw tourist attention. Some like Sultan Ahmet Square for Byzantine history, Beyazit Square for Roman history, and Taksim Square for Republican history. Intro The squares in Ortakoy, Kadikoy, Besiktas, and Eminonu are popular for those wanting Bosphorus views, while Eyup Sultan Square has a market and Ottoman history. Sultan Ahmet …
Built in 537 in the imperial capital of Constantinople, Hagia Sofia was the largest Eastern Orthodox Church of the Byzantine Empire. Its name means sacred wisdom of a holy and divine nature, and indeed lives up to the hype. After Constantinople was conquered in 1453 the church fell into the hands of the Ottoman Empire …
The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, now called the Kayrie Museum, is a religious complex that dates back to Byzantine times. Many mosaics and frescos of Jesus, Mary, and the Disciples have survived the church’s tumultuous history and welcome the droves of tourists who stop by today. History Throughout the ages, the Chora …
Located in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern is an underground treasure trove of Byzantine history in Istanbul. Over time, it has stood its ground, showcasing its magical splendor for generations to see. While there’s nothing religious about it, the Basilica Cistern is simply called that because it’s a cistern built under a basilica. Aside from its …
The parks of Istanbul are full of life all year-round. They have gardens, forests, and even arboretums packed inside these well-nested areas. Many of Istanbul’s parks offer gorgeous views of the Bosphorus, or of waterfalls, lakes. and ponds that are neatly tucked away from the concrete jungle. In a city known for its skyscrapers and …
Water was the lifeblood of Constantinople, and as such, many monuments erected to direct it’s flow still stand today in Istanbul. Between the cisterns, fountains and aquaducts, there are water-related historical monuments and landmarks everyhere you look. Famous Cisterns of Istanbul The Basilica Cistern is by far the most famous in Istanbul, but it’s not …