Treasures of the Ottoman Empire Sultanahmet Square

1 - BYZANTINE HIPPODROME SQUARE: During the Byzantine Empire the square was constructed and used as a racetrack. Initial Hippodrome was built by the Roman emperor Septimius, then in 306-337 years BC has been expanded. Hippodrome was decorated with various precious creations that were brought here from all over the world. It is said that the scale of the racecourse can accommodate up to 100 thousand people. During the Roman and Byzantine empires area was used for celebrations, as a place for entertainment, as well as a sports center. Also, there were to be political and social strife and bloody demonstrations. In 1204, during the occupation of Constantinople by the Crusaders, the Hippodrome was destroyed and in 1453 with the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire was renamed the Hippodrome. Today, as a symbol of the racetrack there. In the middle of the racetrack are Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and the Walled Obelisk. At one end of the racetrack is German fountain. Opposite the front side of the racecourse is St. Sophia Cathedral, on the left side - the Blue Mosque, on the right is the palace of Ibrahim Pasha. Hippodrome is located in the center of the historical part of the city.

  • Byzantine Hippodrome
  • Byzantine Hippodrome obelisk

2 - THE BLUE MOSQUE (SULTANAHMET MOSQUE): The mosque was built in 1609-1617. on the orders of the 14th in a row Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I, who rose to the throne of the sultan in 14 years. People from the CIS countries and Europe call it the Blue Mosque, but its real name - Sultanahmet Mosque. The architect of the mosque is Sedefkyar Mehmet Aga. The only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets, located on Sultanahmet Square in front of the Cathedral of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia). Today, the mosque is the main and functioning mosque.

  • Blue Mosque
  • Sultanahmet mosque

3 - HJURREM SULTAN HAMAM (WITHOUT ENTERING INSIDE HAMAM): Hjurrem Sultan Hamam is located on the central square of Sultanahmet, in the center the historical part of the city of Istanbul, close to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Hamam was built by the world-famous great architect Sinan in the 16th century (1556-1557 yy.), commissioned by his beloved wife of Sultan Suleyman - Hjurrem Sultan (Roxelana) for charitable purposes. Hamam operated until 1910, then it was closed up and was not used till 1980. After this for 28 years, ie until 2008 the room was used as a museum for historical products. After a comprehensive restoration of the building in 2008, the hammam has reopened for the visitors and is still used today.

  • Hjurrem Sultan Hamam
  • Hjurrem Sultan Hamam

4 - HAGIA SOPHIA: The cathedral was built in 532-537 years. at the behest of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The cathedral was built within 5 years. The name Hagia Sophia means "wisdom and holiness." The architects of the greatest creations are Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. The Cathedral is the most extraordinary creations of the Byzantine Empire era. Until the 10th century the cathedral was the center of Christianity, after the 10th century ceased to be its center. In 1453 after the conquest of Constantinople by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the cathedral was restored and converted into a mosque. Up until 1934, Hagia Sophia was a mosque. Since 1934, on the orders of Ataturk, the cathedral was declared a museum, and it is to this day. The cathedral was the church for 916 years and mosque for 481 years.

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Hagia Sophia

5 - FOUNTAIN OF SULTAN AHMED III: Fountain of Ahmed III was built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III in 1728 in the "Tulip Period". The fountain is situated in front of the imperial Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III built in the colonial and traditional symbiosis of Ottoman and modern european style. The fountain is a large rectangular block with five domes, with vegetable and flower ornaments around it. In 1947-1952 years the fountain was depicted on the reverse side of the banknotes in denominations of 10 Turkish liras

  • Fountain of Ahmed III
  • Fountain of Ahmed III

6 - TOPKAPI PALACE AND THE HAREM: Topkapi Palace was built in 1460-1478 years by order of Mehmed II the Conqueror. Over time the palace was made additions. Until the 1850s, the palace was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans, the control center of the empire, as well as a center of education. Within 400 years, the palace population was about 2,000 people. In the early 1850s, when the Dolmabahce Palace was built on the shores of the Bosphorus, the government center was moved to the new palace. Since the Topkapi Palace was the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, precious treasures, sacred Islamic relics and archives of the empire were kept here. There is also continued to celebrate a variety of celebration. In 1922, after the end of the monarchy, 3 April 1924 Topkapi Palace was declared a museum by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. To date, the Topkapi Palace is still used as a museum. Palace is located in the central area of ​​Sultanahmet, the right side is the Marmara Sea, on the left side - the Golden Horn, and on the front side - the Bosphorus. And on the back of the palace are located Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square and the Hippodrome

  • Toptakpi Palace
  • Toptakpi Palace Harem

7 - BASILICA CISTERN (WATER RESERVOIR): The Reservoir was built in 542 on the orders of Emperor Justinian I, in order to supply water to the entire huge Byzantine palace. According to foreign sources, the reason for which the reservoir is called the Basilica of the transfer of title from the Basilica Llius during severe revolt "Nika" in the year 532. The total area of ​​the reservoir is 9,800 square meters. Inside the reservoir is located 336 columns, each 9 meters in height. These columns are arranged in 28 pieces in a row and 12 rows up. When entering into the reservoir you feel as if you enter into an endless forest. In the far left corner of the reservoir are two heads Medusa Gorgon. According to Greek mythology, these heads have been installed to guard the structures. In different periods of the history the reservoir was subjected to restoration. To date, the reservoir continues to exist as a museum run by the Municipality of Istanbul.

  • Basilica Cistern
  • Basilica Cistern

8 - TOUR ON THE BOSPHORUS BY PUBLIC FERRY BOAT OR INDIVIDUAL YACHT: Tour on the Bosphorus overlooking the shores of the European and Asian parts of Istanbul, where there are many attractions, palaces, mansions and ancient buildings. Starting first on the European side of the embankment, ferry or yacht sails under the first Bosphorus Bridge and reaches the second bridge Fatih Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, then you return for the Asian side of Istanbul. Tour by public ferry takes about one and a half hours. If desired, you can order an individual yacht for this event.

  • Bosphorus tour by public ferryboat
  • Bosphorus tour by individual yacht

 

THIS EXCURSION IS DONE BY WALK

The average duration of excursion is from 6 to 8 hours (you can adjust the time as you wish).

The tour can be done every day, apart from Monday and Tuesday.

What will be included in the tour price:
- English-speaking guide

What will not be included in the tour price:

- Entrance fees to all attractions and visited museums

- The cost of transport for excursions (if you wish to get one)

 

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