History of Basilica Cistern

The Basilica was a church in Rome. The Cistern, also known as the Cisterna Basilica, is the oldest of several hundred ancient cisterns underneath Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern was founded in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and is situated 150 meters (490 feet) southwest of Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu. It is now held with only a limited amount of water for public access inside the room. When you visit Istanbul, check the Basilica Cistern, having an important place among historical places in Istanbul.The Basilica Cistern, situated southwest of Hagia Sofia, is one of the most majestic tourist spots in Istanbul. This large underground water reservoir was constructed for Justinianus I, the Byzantium Emperor (527-565), and is known to the public as the "Yerebatan Cistern'' because of the underground marble columns. It's also known as Basilica Cistern because it used to be a basilica on the site of the cistern.

Construction of The Basilica Cistern

The cistern is 140 meters long and 70 meters tall, and it is a massive structure that occupies a rectangular space. The Cistern, which can be reached through a 52-step staircase, is home to 336 9-meter-high columns. The columns are made up of 12 rows, each of 28 columns, and are spaced at 4.80 m intervals. The columns transport the cistern's case-bay across arches. The majority of the columns are made up of a single part, with one of them being made up of two parts. The majority of the columns are thought to have been compiled from ancient spots in Istanbul and sculpted out of different types of marbles. Sections of the heads of these columns have various designs. 98 of them are in the Corinthian style, while the rest are in the Dorian style. The cistern's walls are 4.80 meters high, and the floor is bricked and plastered with a dense coat of brick dust mortar for water resistance. The cistern has a gross area of 9,800 sqm and a water storage capacity of 100,000 tons.The basilica was said to have gardens, which were enclosed by a colonnade and faced the Hagia Sophia, according to ancient texts. Emperor Constantine constructed a building that was later reconstructed and expanded by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532, which then destroyed the region.According to historical accounts, 7,000 slaves were used in the building of the cistern. The expanded cistern acted as a water filtration facility for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other First Hill houses, and it continued to provide water to the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern times.

Medusa Heads The bases of two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern reuse blocks etched with Medusa's face. The origins of the two heads are uncertain, but they are believed to have been carried to the cistern after being removed from a late Roman structure. There is no written evidence that they were historically used as column pedestals. The blocks are said to be oriented sideways and inverted to negate the Gorgons' force of gaze; however, it is generally assumed that one was oriented sideways only to be the right size to carry the column. Since the upside-down Medusa will be the same height right-side up as the normal Medusa, she was put that way.

During your Istanbul travel, experience the mesmerizing beauty among many historical spots in Istanbul. the Basilica Cistern will take your Istanbul sightseeing to the next level.

https://www.iamistanbul.com/history-of-basilica-cistern

Popular Areas In Istanbul: Kadıköy

Kadikoy, with its vibrant atmosphere, historical buildings, market, large young and student population is a must place during your visit in Istanbul. Its cultural events & arts, shopping centers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and lively nightlife, especially along its famous "Bar Street" and the nearby residential suburb of beautiful Moda, is one of the most popular and covetable spots in Istanbul. In Kadikoy, you can see and feel how Istanbul residents live.

The best things to do in Kadikoy are strolling around the Kadikoy Square, Moda, and Fenerbahce Kalamis areas and watching the crowds, taking a break and drinking tea or coffee at one of the many cafes by the shore, and visiting Bahariye Street and doing some shopping in Istanbul. The Kadikoy shoreline is extremely common among the youth.

The Bull Statue

The Bull Statue is one of Kadikoy's most well-known landmarks and gathering spots. The statue's official name is "battle bull statue," and it has a fascinating backstory that you may not realize when staring at it and assuming it's just a statue. The Bull Statue was created by a French artist in Paris in the 1860s to commemorate France's victory over Germany in World War I. It also represents strength and force. However, in the 1870s, Germany defeated France and the Bull Statue was relocated to Germany. The Bull Statue was given to Turkey by the German Emperor in 1917.

After being located in different places, finally, in 1990, the Bull Statue was relocated to its current location for the final time. The Bull Statue is over 150 years old and has moved from Paris to Istanbul. Isn't this an unusual statue?

Kadikoy Market and Bahariye Street

The most popular places in Istanbul are the Kadikoy Market and the famous Bahariye Street. The Kadikoy market area is referred to as "the Beyoglu of Istanbul's Asian side," and Bahariye Street is referred to as "the Istiklal Street of Istanbul's Asian side." At the Kadikoy market district, you'll find everything from greengrocers to fishmongers, spice shops to patisseries, cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Istanbul.

The traffic-free Bahariye Street is the most vibrant and well-known location in Kadikoy. From Kadikoy harbor, there is also an old tram that runs. Bahariye Street is still bustling and busy. The Bahariye Street has a number of lovely cafes, pubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as quality shops and cultural event centers. The Sureyya Opera House is the most prominent structure on Bahariye Street.

Istanbul Toy Museum

The Istanbul Toy Museum is a charming museum located in Kadköy's Goztepe neighborhood. Sunay Akin, who is a Turkish poet and novelist, founded the Istanbul Toy Museum on April 23, 2005, on National Sovereignty and Children's Day. The Istanbul Toy Museum houses the most famous examples of toy culture to the present day. Sunay Akin has been collecting toys for the museum for the past 20 years from antique shops and auctions in over 40 countries. When you travel in Istanbul, you should see this Museum.

Moda

Moda is a very quiet and green neighborhood in Kadikoy, and the Moda shores and parks are very common among the local youth. Moda, on Istanbul's Asian side, is also a prominent residential area. Within 15 minutes, you can reach Moda by walking along the Kadikoy shoreline. Along the Moda coasts and inland, there are a host of lovely cafes in Istanbul, tea gardens, and restaurants. Taking a break in one of Moda's cafes and watching the sunset is another common activity. The House Museum of Baris Manco (a world-famous Turkish singer and artist) is also in Moda. Long story short, you should discover Kadikoy and Moda when you visit in Istanbul. https://www.iamistanbul.com/popular-areas-in-istanbul-kadikoy

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Modern Museums in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of Europe's cultural hotspots right now. The galleries in this area, which are also regarded as a bridge between Western and Eastern culture, show the work of some of the most thrilling artists from Turkey and beyond. During your Istanbul visit, you can visit these modern museums we’ve gathered for you. Sometimes you have to stop visiting the historical places in Istanbul and have a relaxing, chill art break.

Istanbul Modern

Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first museum of modern and contemporary art, opened in 2004. The museum hosts a wide range of interdisciplinary events in order to share Turkey's creative imagination and cultural identity with the local and foreign art worlds. Visit Istanbul to see what this museum can offer!

Istanbul Modern is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying, and documenting works of modern and contemporary art, photography, fashion, architecture, digital media, and cinema from around the world. It serves as a medium for the interchange of Istanbul’s culture and historical identity with the modern art community. It assists artists in their productions as well as their attempts to shape international collaborations. When you are sightseeing in Istanbul, explore Istanbul Modern, which offers education services to art enthusiasts of all ages in order to make art more available to the general public.

Arter

Since 2007, Arter has been collecting and caring for contemporary works of art, as well as promoting and supporting the development of new ones through exhibits and other means. Also, it is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for art. The Arter Collection values and embraces new concepts, discourses, and trends in modern art, including all unorthodox formats. While the Collection is international in nature, it is focused on artistic and cultural development in Istanbul and the surrounding area, with the aim of investigating parallels and differences between the styles, comments, and contents produced in Turkey and elsewhere. The Arter Collection, which dates from the 1960s onwards and includes works in a variety of medium such as painting, sculpture, photography, video and film, installation, sound, light, and performance, brings together different contemporary expressions, roles, and practices. Arter is a great Istanbul area of culture for the art enthusiasts.

Dogancay Museum

The Dogançay Museum, Turkey's first museum of contemporary art, formally opened its doors to the public in 2004. It is situated in Beyoglu Istanbul and offers a general rundown of a small portion of the prolific work of Burhan Dogancay, one of Turkey's leading artists. This mini-retrospective traces Dogancay's creative growth over five decades, from his early figurative paintings to his wall-inspired works and portraits. Adil Dogancay's art in Istanbul is displayed in one of the museum's spaces.

Since 2005, the Dogancay Museum has coordinated and presented a juried elementary school art competition in conjunction with the Istanbul Municipality and corporate sponsors. The Dogancay Museum is committed to continuing their annual competition for kids in Istanbul. The aiim of this competition is to encourage art-based education.

Istanbul Biennal

Since 1987, the Istanbul Biennial has been organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. The biennial's aim is to bring together artists from various cultures and the general public in the field of visual art in Istanbul. Through putting together new developments in contemporary art every two years, the fifteen biennial in Istanbul that were organized to date have encouraged the creation of an international cultural network between local and international art circles, artists, curators, and art critics.

The Istanbul Biennial, like Venice, So Paolo, and Sydney, is regarded as one of the most prestigious biennials. Instead of a national representation model, the Istanbul Biennial chooses an exhibition model that allows for a dialogue between artists and the public through the work of the artists. An international advisory board chooses the curator, who sets a conceptual context through which a diverse community of artists and projects are invited to participate in the exhibition. Art in Istanbul, through these biennal, grows faster than ever.

Apart from these museums, you can check some of the classical museums in Istanbul such as Pera Museum, Sabanci Museum, Istanbul Toy Museum and so on through our website. https://www.iamistanbul.com/modern-museums-in-istanbul

Bars in Istanbul

When the sun sets in Istanbul and you get thirsty, what do you do? Good news: Istanbul comes alive at night, and drinking pubs and bars are abundant. Considering nightlife in Istanbul, there are many neighbourhoods with many cool bars to visit in the evening, as well as many different styles and atmospheres, as in all major cities worldwide. On weekdays, during your Istanbul trip, most bars are filled as people leave their workplaces, while on weekends, they are packed with locals partying. We decided to group our article by zones rather than bars in order to provide you with a more diverse variety that will cater to a wide spectrum of tastes. This is the ultimate guide to not getting bored in Istanbul at night.

Of course, during your stay in Istanbul, you will come across hundreds of bars that are not on our list, but the list of addresses provided below will help you to enjoy your vacation in Istanbul. A word of advice: don't be afraid to go over there, even though it seems a little out of the way from the temples and tourist spots in Istanbul; you'll discover a whole new Istanbul where life is sweet!

Kadikoy

Kadikoy is a large district on the Asian side of Istanbul, where life is friendly and simple. This is a very secular middle-class neighborhood that, considering its isolation from the tourist traps, is well worth a visit! The easiest option is to catch the ferry early in the evening and then take the bus or train back later. You can choose from a variety of bars in the neighborhood, includingThe 360 East, a rooftop near the pier with a spectacular view of the capital, and Karga, a rock bar that first opened in 1996. Kadikoy is an iconic spot in Istanbul, so do not forget to check the district while you are out at night.

Cihangir

This neighborhood, which is close to Taksim Square, is home to many musicians, hispters, and expats. There are no designer boutiques or major chains here, but there are plenty of independent stores, coffee shops, idea bars, and conventional restaurants. The environment is less urban and chic, and the style is more relaxed. It is a must-see during your sightseeing in Istanbul. The Geyik, which is the clubhouse of the Cihangir hipsters and provides a maternal and calming environment, and the Smyrna, which is arranged like a Parisian troquet and where musicians, expats, poets, and journalists can be found, are just a few of the fun places to go for a beer. At the bottom of a passage, you'll also find some of Istanbul's finest electronic music clubs.

Nisantasi

Nisantasi is a western-style neighborhood in one of the best spots in Istanbul. It was once the home of Turkish thinkers such as Orhan Pamuk, but now it is divided into two sections: one dedicated to fashion and luxury goods, and the other more casual, where modern urban lifestyles such as vegetarianism and pubs are the norm. The Kozmonot, a bar serving hundreds of different kinds of beers and decent drinks, is one of the locations we would recommend. It is a popular gathering spot for locals. Visiting Istanbul, you can experience Nisantasi’s high-end bars and luxary brand shops. Nisantasi is also one of your best choices to live as a safe & elite neighbourhood.

Beyoglu

Beyoglu encompasses the whole area between Taksim Square and Galata, as well as the Istiklal Street. It was the epicenter of Istanbul's nightlife until three years ago, when the mayor made a series of poor decisions that forced several bars and concert halls to relocate to other areas. There are, however, hundreds of good addresses in the area; here there are  non-expensive restaurants and cafes as well as bars, and they are great places to have a beer and learn about Turkish wine culture. When you visit Istanbul, Beyoglu is probably one of the first places you are going to hear regarding nightlife. https://www.iamistanbul.com/bars-in-istanbul

Summer House In Istanbul

Summer Houses In Istanbul

Throughout your visit to Istanbul, you may want to get away from all the city hustle, white noise, and the crowd. The best way to do this is by renting or buying a summer house in Istanbul. There are tons of places where you can rent or buy villas and summer houses. When you want to escape the city traffic and experience the natural beauties of Istanbul, you will find a lot of places you can consider. This article can help you decide what is the best option suited for your needs and desires. No matter where you choose, all of these options provide the best Istanbul spots you can visit during your trip.

Büyükçekmece

Located in the west of Istanbul, Buyukcekmee offers many natural beauties to explore. As you go to the west side of Istanbul, you are getting away from the city, thus your summer house in Buyukcekmece will be tranquil and calm. In Buyukcekmece, you can go to the Marmara Sea beaches and feel the sea breeze on your skin. You can rent small but efficient villas and summer houses at the Buyukcekmece district, close to the gold-colored sand and ice-cold sea. With its natural beauty, you can watch the beautiful view of the sea and the seagulls. Buyukcekmece is also one of the best places to eat grilled fish in Istanbul, as fishes in the area are always fresh.

Kilyos

Another option for your summer house decision might be close to the Black Sea: Kilyos district. Kilyos district is like a small town with beautiful people. You can always find fresh fruits and vegetables at the local bazaar in Istanbul, and the natural beauties are a bonus. With its beautiful forests, you can go camping in Istanbul with your family and friends when you rent a summer house in Kilyos. Also, in the Kilyos village, you can visit the Genoese castle which was restored during the Ottoman era, so it is also a great choice for historical exploration. If you want to experience calm and mesmerizing village life, Kilyos district is the right choice for you in your exploration of villas in Istanbul.

Sarıyer

Sariyer is by far the most luxurious option for you. Sariyer district offers beautifully decorated houses with beautiful sea views. If you want to buy a luxurious villa in Istanbul, you can check the Sariyer district where you can swim and enjoy the beach. Sariyer also contains some luxury cafés and restaurants where you can eat the best food in Istanbul with your family and friends. You can also visit the Rumeli Fortress and the Belgrad Forrest during your Istanbul travel.

Şile

If you are not a fan of the beach and sea, then Sile can be the right choice for you. Even though it has some beautiful beaches in Istanbul, Sile’s real capacity comes from its many touristic places like the mesmerizing Sile Lighthouse, the Sile Castle, many museums in Istanbul, and more. Sile even has a yearly festival that hosts fashion events and concerts in Istanbul. Sile also contains some of the best historical places to visit in Istanbul. If you are visiting Turkey, you should definitely see what Sile can provide.

Pricing Of Summer Houses in Istanbul

The pricing of summer houses and villas in these districts can vary. As an example, renting a summer house in Buyukcekmece disctrict next to the beautiful Bosphorus sea will be less expensive than renting a summer house or villa in Sariyer district since Sariyer offers some of the luxirous villas in Istanbul. Whereas in Sile district, it would not be as expensive as Sariyer but it would not be cheap either, as it offers many important touristic places in Istanbul. Kilyos, on the other hand, would be your cheapest option. Even though it is cheap, the experience you will get can definitely live up to your expectations. https://www.iamistanbul.com/summer-houses-in-istanbul

Have Fun With Your Kids at the biggest Fun Center In Istanbul : ISFANBUL

An action-packed day out at Istanbul theme park, which includes entrance tickets and round-trip in Istanbul, will provide you with an adrenaline rush, a shopping fix, and non-stop entertainment. There's no way you'll get bored in Isfanbul, with its amusement park, shopping mall, and entertainment center. Ride the Breath Taker rollercoaster, take the kids on a lazy river cruise, and then max out your credit card at Armani, H&M, and Tommy Hilfiger stores. There's also a bowling alley, a shopping court, and a multiplex theater.

Isfanbul Theme Park is a vast facility that comprises a world-class theme park, as well as retail and entertainment centers. It is a perfect way to spend a full day with your family and children in Istanbul's Eyup district.

With your family and friends, you will enjoy the spectacular and magical world of Isfanbul Theme Park. Enjoy the world's fourth largest roller coaster, as well as a range of thrilling rides and attractions. You should also spend your free time exploring the park's shopping centre.

Isfanbul Theme Park Istanbul is unique in that it is not only a theme and amusement park, but also a massive complex that includes a theme park, retail, entertainment, and exhibition centers all in one place. During your Istanbul trip, take a look at this theme park!

This allows families to spend a great time here while their kids have fun at the variety of the attractions such as thrills, rides, roller-coasters and carousels and they can spend time at the shopping center, themed streets, great boutiques, festival and event areas, restaurants and cafes.

The huge shopping center also houses an indoor zoo named “Jungle” apart from the theme park. Travel in Istanbul to experience Isfanbul!

This encourages families to enjoy themselves while their children enjoy themselves at a multitude of attractions such as thrill rides, roller coasters, and carousels, as well as the shopping centre, themed avenues, fantastic boutiques, festival and concert zones, restaurants and cafes.

Apart from the amusement park, the enormous shopping complex also houses an indoor zoo called "Jungle."

During your trip in Istanbul, I believe that you and your children will be able to enjoy the whole day at Isfanbul without being bored. There's no way! Also, it is the safest location for kids in Istanbul.

The complex has a gross area of 600.000 m2, which is immense. Its fusion of a large shopping mall and an amusement park is rare in the world. As a result, the park is one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul by people of all ages.

Isfanbul's shopping center is unlike any other in the world; it houses more than 200 shops on its three-story open and closed shopping avenues, with a nostalgic tram running between them.

Isfanbul was named one of the top ten theme parks in the world and earned the European Star Award 2016 among the world's 800 theme parks.

Isfanbul Tips

If you are a tourist visiting Istanbul, you can visit Isfanbul throughout the week. The park gets very busy on weekends as the majority of the locals in Istanbul visit. With your ticket, you gain access to the amusement park and are free to enjoy any of the park's rides and attractions. You may not need to purchase any tickets inside, making it very simple to spend the day without having to make any estimates. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online to receive skip-the-line entry to stop the long lines. Hold your ticket before you leave the park, since you may be asked for it at any time during your stay. For the summer months, we consider wearing comfortable/sports shoes and a hat to the theme park.

Visiting Hours in Isfanbul

On weekdays, Isfanbul Theme Park is open from 11:00 to 19:00, and on weekends, it is open from 11:00 to 22:00. It's worth remembering that the amusement park is only available during the summer season. Entertainment in summer is permanent in Istanbul! https://www.iamistanbul.com/have-fun-with-your-kids-at-the-biggest-fun-center-in-istanbul-isfanbul

One Of The Best Shopping Mall In Istanbul: KANYON

Kanyon Istanbul is an extraordinary architectural shell that incorporates a unique approach to shopping in Istanbul, entertainment, and retail. Kanyon has 160 stores, nine movie screens, and a fitness centre. Top local and international brands, cafes, and open-air performances are all set in a vibrant setting. With world-famous luxury retailer Harvey Nichols and Vakko, Kanyon houses trendsetting prestigious brands. Visit Istanbul today to see Kanyon! Kanyon is a mixed-use project in downtown Istanbul that includes 179 luxury units, a 26-story office building, and 37,500 square meters of retail space. It opened in June 2006. The goal with Kanyon has been to build a Istanbul center that connects people who work, live, and shop in the area and beyond. Rather than being a traditional mall, office, or residential scheme, Kanyon acts as an indigenous part of the urban landscape.

Kanyon’s Beautiful Design

Kanyon (Turkish for "canyon") is a multi-purpose complex situated on Büyükdere Avenue in Istanbul's Levent business district. It unites a 160-store shopping center (covering 37,500 m2), a 30-floor office tower (26 floors above street level), and a 22-floor residential block of 179 residential apartments into a complex undulating around a stunning architectural "canyon" that opened on June 6, 2006.

The designers of Kanyon, who are the world’s leading ‘experimential’ architects, have created the best architecture you can find when you travel to Istanbul. Their emphasis on constructing a ‘place' rather than just a ‘building' is special. Their key interest is how people communicate with space, how this energy animates the atmosphere, and how spaces can have a greater significance in people's lives than just the physical space. It blends nature, knowing and directing human conduct, architecture, and urban planning in a specific way.

Kanyon residences in Istanbul have a home in the center of the action while still catering to our need for peace and access to green and outdoor space.

During your Istanbul trip, you will see that Kanyon provides balconies, private terraces and parks, windows that open to let in fresh air, and 3,500m2 of garden space, unlike most other contemporary residences. Kanyon residents would not feel as if they are staying in a hotel in Istanbul.

Life in Kanyon

Kanyon offices provide a work-life balance for professionals. Kanyon's social life is as lively as its work life, with cafés, pubs, and bars located across the complex. In addition, the 4000 m2 health club provides an opportunity to relax and incorporate exercise with busy work schedules. Kanyon is one of the must-see spots in Istanbul. The retail mix at Kanyon, which is spread over four floors and largely open-air, creates four distinct avenues, each with its own vitality and vibe. This unusual location helps guests to interact with brands while also making navigation more intuitive and thrilling. Kanyon often mixes open-air with convenience, allowing travelers to enjoy the best of each season while most walking areas are enclosed and temperature controlled. More than that, when you have a trip in Istanbul,  Kanyon builds an exciting one-of-a-kind atmosphere by merging the comfort of a shopping center with the lively spirit of the street.

Kanyon Istanbul is home to 160 stores, complete with gourmet supermarket, grand bazaar, cinemas, restaurants, health club, and outdoor performance areas. The world’s top fashion, luxury, electronic, and entertainment brands satisfy every retail desire. Apart from this, the experience and luxary you will find at Kanyon is going to change your ideal of shopping in Istanbul. https://www.iamistanbul.com/one-of-the-best-shopping-malls-in-istanbul-kanyon

Shopping Streets in Istanbul

Istanbul hosts many streets where you can shop whatever you want, ranging from luxorious brands to antique shops. If you are visiting Istanbul, you may want to take some time to relax and rewind with some shopping. With its population of 20 million and cosmopolitan texture, the city offers tens of streets to choose from when you are shopping in Istanbul. In this article, I’ve gathered the most visited tourist spots in Istanbul to go shopping with your family or friends.

Nisantasi District

Nisatasi is where you'll find the best of the best when it comes to fashion, food, and music in Istanbul. Istanbul's ultimate retail district mixes elegance with authenticity, giving you a taste of both traditional European environment and a neighbourhood vibe. Make a note on your calendar to visit this fascinating, elegant place, and read our guide to get the most out of your Istanbul visit.

As soon as you enter, you'll find that the streets are lined with a number of well-known designer shops. You will find chic clothes for any budget at Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Emporio Armani, Zara, Marks and Spencers, and H&M. Nonetheless, shops run by top Turkish designers are worth a look. Stop by Beymen, the nearby shopping mecca that carries world-class brands as well as its own collections, for a full experience.

Bagdat Street

Bagdat Caddesi, lined with shopping malls, elegant designer boutiques, and top foreign brands, is one of Istanbul's best spots. It is a perfect way to spend a day strolling and shopping in stores like Longchamp, Michael Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as local Turkish brands like Vakko and Brandroom, which stretch 14 kilometers in Istanbul's Anatolian side.

Nispetiye Street

Because of Akmerkez, one of the best malls in Istanbul, Nispetiye Caddesi is one of the city's most famous streets. Akmerkez, a four-story mall with over 250 shops spread over 180,000 square meters in Istanbul's Besiktas district, is located in the Etiler neighborhood. Local brands and department stores such as Beymen, Vakko, and Mavi Jeans coexist with some of the world's most well-known brands, providing a convincing shopping experience for everyone in their Istanbul travel.

Istiklal Street

Istiklal Caddesi, located in Istanbul's Beyolu neighborhood, is one of the city's most popular and busy avenues. With well-known Turkish and foreign brands lining the street, this pedestrianized thoroughfare is perfect for shoppers. Although it is not as upscale as some other streets, it does have a number of shops that sell high-quality merchandise. The Aznavur arcade is worth a visit if you're looking for Istanbul souvenirs. It's located in the middle of the street and sells everything from clothes to jewelry to one-of-a-kind presents.

Nuruosmaniye Street

If you're looking to invest in fine carpets, jewelry, or antiques, head over to Nuruosmaniye Caddesi in Istanbul. One of the major streets leading up to the Grand Bazaar is the pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with beautifully colorful shops. Armaggan, a Harrods-sized shop with seven floors of traditional crafts, furniture, locally sourced paintings, textiles, and jewelry, is located on this lane. It's a must-see for those interested in local art and Istanbul's history.

Abdi Ipekci Street

For those looking to go luxury shopping in Istanbul, the Nişantaş neighborhood is a common option. The upscale district is one of the most fashionable, attracting similarities to cities like Paris. The shopping is comparable to that of major European cities, especially along Abdi Pekçi Caddesi in the district's center. Here you'll find exclusive luxury boutiques like Cartier and Louis Vuitton, as well as Beymen, Turkey's premier department store, which is a must-see.

During your Istanbul visit, if you have spare time from visiting historical places such as Galata Tower and the beautiful Topkapi Palace, you can take a look at these streets to chill and shop! https://www.iamistanbul.com/shopping-streets-in-istanbul

1 Perfect Day in Taksim

If you visit Istanbul, you are probably going to hear about Taksim at some point. This area is so important, you may want to reserve a whole day only to experience Taksim. This article can help you plan your amazing day that you will spend in this district. Whatever you do, do not forget to visit Taksim throughoutly during your Istanbul trip!

Taksim Square, with its restaurants, stores, and hotels, is a popular meeting spot for locals, and it is here that you can get a true sense of modern Istanbul. Before you travel to Istanbul, take a look at what Taksim has to offer.

Best Spots in Taksim

During your Istanbul tour, start at the center of Taksim Square and look at the Republic Monument, which was sculpted by the famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. You will experience this sculpture best at the sunset, and you should arrive early at Taksim if you are going to spend the whole day there, since it is one of the most important spots in Istanbul waiting for your discovery. The sculpture commemorates the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, five years after the Turkish War of Independence, and includes nationalist leaders such as Ataturk and Ismet Inonu.

After that, you should visit AKM, or Atatürk Kultur Merkezi, which is a multi-purpose cultural center and opera house with a bleak future. It has organized theater activities in Istanbul, including the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, concerts by the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Contemporary Folk Music Ensemble, and Classical Turkish Music Choir, as well as the Arts and Culture Summer Festival, and is a notable example of Turkish architecture from the 1960s. Travel Istanbul at night to see the legendary building illuminated and drink in the stunning view.

During noon hours, you should head to Istiklal Street, which is one of Istanbul's most well-known streets among tourists and Turks, and it serves as a center for many tourist and entertainment events in Istanbul. In addition, many historical monuments from the Ottoman era and the Middle Ages, as well as many historical landmarks in Istanbul from the nineteenth and eighteenth centuries, can be found on this popular street.

From Taksim Square in the north to Tunel Square in the south, Istiklal Street leads to GalipDede, with its historic gate and Dervish Lodge. If you walk downhill, you can reach Galata Tower, which is located just on the other side of Galipdede Lane. In the center of Galatasaray Square, there is a break. In Istanbul, this one-and-a-half-kilometer street is lined with luxury and antique shops, restaurants, and bars in the famous Beyoglu neighborhood. Furthermore, owing to its beauty, the nightlife on this street is indescribable. Noon-time is great for shopping in Istiklal Street Istanbul.

Taksim Nightlife

A wander around Taksim in the evening will remind you of its grandeur. Spend some time listening to talented street musicians' lovely melodies and wandering the side streets to have your own commentary on the surrounding graffiti. After all, art can be found all over Istanbul.

There are several tourist spots in Istanbul. One of the most popular and thrilling of these is Taksim Square, which is situated in the European neighborhood of Beyolu and is renowned for its numerous restaurants, pubs, clubs, and shopping malls. Tourists and locals alike flock here to have a nice time, make new friends, and witness a different side of Turkish society that shines after daylight hours. You can watch the sunset at bars located at the top of tall buildings, or have a drink at a vintage bar. No matter what you are looking for, Taksim has the best bars and cafes.

There are a bewildering range of choices on a Saturday night in Istanbul's Taksim Square. Do not forget to live your one in a lifetime experience moments in Taksim’s nightlife. https://www.iamistanbul.com/1-perfect-day-in-taksim

Top 5 Museums in Istanbul

Istanbul hosts many great museums, varying vastly in between them. Whether you want to experience a historical museum visit in Istanbul, or a contemporary avant-garde art in the old, cosmopolitan city; in Istanbul, there is something for you. Throughout the centuries, Istanbul was home to tens of museums. Museum culture in Istanbul has improved majorly as curators and collectors saw something in this amazing city and decided to open exhibitions and donate private collections.

This article will tell you more about the best museums in Istanbul, and you can find many more during your Istanbul visit.

Hilmi Nakipoglu Museum of Photography

This is an unexpected start, as many few think of this museum when you ask about the best spots in Istanbul. However, for a photography lover, this museum is one of the best to travel in Istanbul. If you like photography and would like to visit a new gallery, the Hilmi Nakipoglu Museum of Cameras is the place to go. Nakipoglu is a successful businessman who also enjoys photography. His collection of photos and cameras expanded so quickly that he eventually turned it into a museum. As much as you enjoy taking photos, you may want to stop by this Museum during your Istanbul travel to learn more about photography's roots.

Pera Museum

Via partnerships with leading foreign institutions, galleries, and foundations, Pera Museum has delivered a plethora of critically acclaimed art in Istanbul. The Pera Museum's mission is to spread not only the artistic charm of its three collections, "Orientalist Paintings," "Anatolian Weights and Measures," and "Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics," but also to create historical sites in Istanbul.

The museum's Orientalist Painting Collection contains works by European and Ottoman/Turkish artists, including Osman Hamdi Bey's most famous painting, The Tortoise Trainer. This collection will open the doors of Ottoman history in Istanbul to you amid the vivid and beautiful colors and amazingly detailed paintings. Today is the best time to visit Istanbul to see the most stunning Ottoman paintings!

Istanbul Toy Museum

The Istanbul Toy Museum is a delightful museum in the Goztepe neighborhood of Kadköy. On April 23, 2005, on National Sovereignty and Children's Day, Turkish poet and author Sunay Akin founded the Istanbul Toy Museum. The Istanbul Toy Museum holds some of the most well-known representations of toy culture from the past to the present. Sunay Akin has been collecting toys for the museum from vintage shops and auctions in over 40 countries over the past 20 years. This museum is a must-see for anybody visiting Istanbul.

Sakip Sabanci Museum

The Painting Collection at the Sakip Sabanci Museum includes early Turkish paintings as well as works by foreign artists who worked in Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire's final years. The series, which was begun in the 1970s by Sakp Sabanc, is a cultural treasure that contains important clues about the early phases of Turkish painting, proving to be a historic continuation of the SSM's The Arts of the Book and Calligraphy Collection. The collection is largely composed of works made between 1850 and 1950, with several works by local artists thrown in for good measure. If you want to see the old local Istanbul artists’ best works during your Istanbul travel, then check this museum out. You should not consider these artworks something seperated from the city, as they are also taking part in the history of Istanbul.

The Museum of Innocence

The Museum of Innocence is both a famous novel by Nobel Literature Prize laureate Orhan Pamuk and also a museum he has set up. From the very beginnings of the project, since the 1990s, Pamuk has conceived of the novel and museum together. The novel is a love story set between 1974 and the early ’00s, and describes life in Istanbul between 1950 and 2000 through memories and flashbacks centred around two families – one wealthy, the other lower middle class. The museum presents what the novel’s characters used, wore, heard, saw, collected and dreamed of, all meticulously arranged in boxes and display cabinets.

Apart from these museums, you can find many more museums and historical places in Istanbul.Istanbul hosts many great museums, varying vastly in between them. Whether you want to experience a historical museum visit in Istanbul, or a contemporary avant-garde art in the old, cosmopolitan city; in Istanbul, there is something for you. Throughout the centuries, Istanbul was home to tens of museums. Museum culture in Istanbul has improved majorly as curators and collectors saw something in this amazing city and decided to open exhibitions and donate private collections.

This article will tell you more about the best museums in Istanbul, and you can find many more during your Istanbul visit.

Hilmi Nakipoglu Museum of Photography

This is an unexpected start, as many few think of this museum when you ask about the best spots in Istanbul. However, for a photography lover, this museum is one of the best to travel in Istanbul. If you like photography and would like to visit a new gallery, the Hilmi Nakipoglu Museum of Cameras is the place to go. Nakipoglu is a successful businessman who also enjoys photography. His collection of photos and cameras expanded so quickly that he eventually turned it into a museum. As much as you enjoy taking photos, you may want to stop by this Museum during your Istanbul travel to learn more about photography's roots.

Pera Museum

Via partnerships with leading foreign institutions, galleries, and foundations, Pera Museum has delivered a plethora of critically acclaimed art in Istanbul. The Pera Museum's mission is to spread not only the artistic charm of its three collections, "Orientalist Paintings," "Anatolian Weights and Measures," and "Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics," but also to create historical sites in Istanbul.

The museum's Orientalist Painting Collection contains works by European and Ottoman/Turkish artists, including Osman Hamdi Bey's most famous painting, The Tortoise Trainer. This collection will open the doors of Ottoman history in Istanbul to you amid the vivid and beautiful colors and amazingly detailed paintings. Today is the best time to visit Istanbul to see the most stunning Ottoman paintings!

Istanbul Toy Museum

The Istanbul Toy Museum is a delightful museum in the Goztepe neighborhood of Kadköy. On April 23, 2005, on National Sovereignty and Children's Day, Turkish poet and author Sunay Akin founded the Istanbul Toy Museum. The Istanbul Toy Museum holds some of the most well-known representations of toy culture from the past to the present. Sunay Akin has been collecting toys for the museum from vintage shops and auctions in over 40 countries over the past 20 years. This museum is a must-see for anybody visiting Istanbul.

Sakip Sabanci Museum

The Painting Collection at the Sakip Sabanci Museum includes early Turkish paintings as well as works by foreign artists who worked in Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire's final years. The series, which was begun in the 1970s by Sakp Sabanc, is a cultural treasure that contains important clues about the early phases of Turkish painting, proving to be a historic continuation of the SSM's The Arts of the Book and Calligraphy Collection. The collection is largely composed of works made between 1850 and 1950, with several works by local artists thrown in for good measure. If you want to see the old local Istanbul artists’ best works during your Istanbul travel, then check this museum out. You should not consider these artworks something seperated from the city, as they are also taking part in the history of Istanbul.

The Museum of Innocence

The Museum of Innocence is both a famous novel by Nobel Literature Prize laureate Orhan Pamuk and also a museum he has set up. From the very beginnings of the project, since the 1990s, Pamuk has conceived of the novel and museum together. The novel is a love story set between 1974 and the early ’00s, and describes life in Istanbul between 1950 and 2000 through memories and flashbacks centred around two families – one wealthy, the other lower middle class. The museum presents what the novel’s characters used, wore, heard, saw, collected and dreamed of, all meticulously arranged in boxes and display cabinets.

Apart from these museums, you can find many more museums and historical places in Istanbul. https://www.iamistanbul.com/top-five-museums-in-istanbul

History of Chora Church (Kariye Kilisesi)

The Kariye Mosque (in Turkish, Kariye Camii), also known as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, is a medieval Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul's Edirnekap neighborhood that is now used as a mosque. The neighborhood is located in the western part of the Fatih district municipality. The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora was designed in the Byzantine style. The Christian church was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman period in the 16th century; it became a museum in 1945, but was converted again into a mosque in Istanbul in 2020.

The building's interior is decorated with some of the earliest and most beautiful Byzantine Christian mosaics and frescoes, which were unearthed and rebuilt after the structure was secularized and converted into a museum. When you visit Istanbul, take a loot at this structure; but first let’s take a quick look at the history of this beautiful touristic spot in Istanbul.

Construction of Chora Church

The Chora Church in Istanbul was originally constructed in the early fourth century as part of a monastery complex outside Constantinople's city walls, to the south of the Golden Horn, erected by Constantine the Great. When Theodosius II completed his powerful land walls in 413–414, the church was integrated into the city's defenses, but the name Chora persisted.

The current building's fabric dates from 1077–1081, when Maria Dukaina, Alexius I Comnenus' adoptive mother, reconstructed the Kariye Kilisesi as an inscribed cross or quincunx, a common architectural design at the time. Probably due to an earthquake, the church partly collapsed in the early 12th century.

Alexius' third son, Isaac Comnenus, restored the church. The church as we know it today was not finished until the third period of construction, two centuries later. Many of the church's fine mosaics and frescoes, which you will see when you travel to Istanbul, were donated by the influential Byzantine statesman Theodore Metochites. Between 1315 and 1321, Theodore completed his outstanding interior decoration. The mosaic work is the most outstanding example of the Palaeologian Renaissance. The names of the artists are uncertain. Theodore was banished by the usurper Andronicus III Palaeologus in 1328. Two years later, he was allowed to return to the area, where he spent the last two years of his life as a monk in this church.

Atk Ali Pasha, the Grand Vizier of Sultan Bayezid II, ordered the Chora Church to be turned into a mosque — Kariye Camii — fifty years after the city fell to the Ottomans. Kariye is derived from the Greek word Chora. The mosaics and frescoes were veiled under a sheet of plaster owing to Islam's ban on iconic images. The artwork has suffered as a result of this, as well as the region's numerous earthquakes.

The Byzantine Institute of America and the Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine in Istanbul Studies sponsored a restoration program in 1948 to clean, restore, and conserve the frescoes in Chora, which had been plastered and whitewashed over repeatedly to conceal all representational imagery while the Byzantine era church was used as a mosque during the Ottoman persecutory period. The project continued for twelve years, spanning the 1950s. Chora was opened to the public as a museum in Istanbul in 1958, known as Kariye Muzesi.

Chora Church Today

The Association of Permanent Foundations and Service to Historical Artifacts and the Environment sued in 2005 to overturn the Chora Church's status as a museum. The Turkish Council of State, Turkey's highest regulatory court, requested that it be transformed to a mosque in November 2019. It was designated as a mosque in August 2020. Both Greek Orthodox and Protestant Christians in Turkey condemned the decision to turn Chora Church into a mosque. Turkey retaliated with a strong rebuke.

Muslim prayers were held for the first time in 72 years on Friday, October 30, 2020, just like Hagia Sophia.

visit Chora Church, one of the most impressive Byzantine Empire relics, which is one of the best things to do and a top-rated tourist destination in Istanbul among the other historical places today. https://www.iamistanbul.com/history-of-chora-church-kariye-kilisesi

Advantageous Real Estate Investments in Istanbul

After thousands of years as a city for millions of people, Istanbul has resurfaced as a global market and investment centre. Turkey's economy, which is fast-growing, especially in Istanbul, is one of the many reasons for its radiance. Multinationals are welcome to invest in Istanbul as well, as it is simple to invest in Turkey while focusing on Istanbul. Istanbul's economy has expanded so rapidly that it now outnumbers the economies of more than 130 countries. You should immediately begin investing in Istanbul!

Turkey's economy has been largely steady over time. Istanbul has a significant role to play in this development. The city is crucial to Turkey's economy, which has a GDP per capita of $31,000, which is more than twice that of many other countries. Istanbul's GDP per capita has almost fivefolded since 2001. The size of Istanbul’s exchange is US$216 billion. The success of this growth can be credited to the 75.000 thousand international exchange companies in Istanbul.

Attractions in Istanbul as an investment destination is enhanced by its strategic position and cultural attractions. If you visit Istanbul, you will see affluent areas where houses are increasing in value every day. Investment in Istanbul real estate today will pay off handsomely.

The Mercer Cost of Living Survey is one of the most detailed and diverse surveys available, and it lets foreign businesses and politicians decide pay allowances for their employees. More than 200 elements such as housing, food, entertainment, and transportation are evaluated in each city in this study, which covers 209 cities across five continents. Businesses and lawmakers use the findings of this report to defend their purchasing power. Istanbul is ranked 142nd in the cost of living index.

As a result, Istanbul offers low-cost city living in a beautiful location at Europe's and Asia's crossroads. Istanbul is larger than some of the world's most populated cities, as you already know. Istanbul dwarfs a slew of other cities, including Toronto, Frankfurt, Dubai, Sydney, and a slew of others. As a result, when it comes to buying real estate in Istanbul, you have a lot of choices.

Istanbul is a booming metropolis that is both inspiring and lucrative. If you're still not convinced on why you should invest in Istanbul, we have two very important factors for you.

Istanbul’s Location

Istanbul is located as a bridge between Europe and Asia. This means more ships and transportation units travelling to Istanbul. Geopolitically, Istanbul is a vital spot. As much as you can tell from the historical spots in Istanbul, the city hosts many civilizations throughout centuries, and this is no coincidence. Istanbul is on one of the most important trade routes, thus your investments in Istanbul will never have a barren season.

Istanbul’s Population

Istanbul has a population of 15 million. This vast population means many customers and workers. We should also add that this number of 15 million is growing every day, with people that are looking for new houses to buy and invest upon. Istanbul’s cosmopolitan and multicultural population offers investers and enterpreneurs a broad range of demographic possibilities, therefore it is almost impossible to not find any clients to sell in Istanbul. The cosmopolitan spirit of the city attracts tens of thousands of international companies. If you are visiting Istanbul, you will see how this 15 million population affects the city’s texture. You can think like you are investing in a little Paris! Istanbul is growing constantly with its diverse population. https://www.iamistanbul.com/advantageous-real-estate-investments-in-istanbul

Best Tourist Attractions In Kadıkoy

Kadikoy is a must-see district in Istanbul, with its lively atmosphere, historical buildings, market, and huge young and student population. Its cultural events and arts, shopping centers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, especially along its famous "Bar Street" and the nearby residential suburb of beautiful Moda, are among Istanbul's most prominent and desired destinations. You can see and experience how Istanbul residents live in Kadikoy.

The best things to do in Istanbul are to walk around the Kadikoy Square, Moda, and Fenerbahce Kalamis areas and watch the crowds, take a break and drink tea or coffee at one of the many cafes along the coast, and go shopping in Istanbul on Bahariye Street. Also, Kadikoy beach is a popular hangout spot for teenagers.

Bull Statue Kadikoy

On Istanbul's Asian side, the feisty, life-size bull statue patrolling the intersection of Kadköy's Altyol Square is hard to overlook. The piece's imposing posture juxtaposes the nearby urban noise and everyday bustle in a manner that suits Istanbul's character perfectly, as it sits on one of the highest points in the neighborhood, about a kilometer away from the Asian district's ferry pier. This statue is definitely one of the most iconic spots in Istanbul.

The bull has become one of the best landmarks in Istanbul for people looking to meet, since the phrase “just meet me at the bull” has become a well-known order. The statue also offers free ‘rides’ for little children. When you visit Istanbul, take a photo with this statue.

Food in Kadikoy

If you plan to travel across the Bosporus to see the Fighting Bull, make sure you have a big appetite. Restaurants and cafes in Kadikoy, serving everything from typical Turkish cuisine, fish, and breakfasts to Korean and Thai cuisine. If you've found the monument, just walk up the hill and get lost in the hundreds of venues that line the small side streets. There are also a number of boutique shops in the city that sell antiques, clothes, accessories, and everything in between at prices designed to attract locals – so you're likely to find some fantastic bargains.

Antique Shops

You will find many beautiful shops in Istanbul. If you want to do a litte shopping, antique shops in Istanbul awaits you in Kadikoy. This street, also known as Antikacilar Street, is one of the best tourist spots in Istanbul. You can sit in the tea shop at the street's entrance for hours and enjoy the breeze while watching this incredibly colorful and lively street. Full with pottery items, ceramic teapots and all, just looking at the street is an eye feast. You can also purchase old books, old pictures, and old silver jewelry for very little money in one of the many vintage shops on the corner.

Moda Beach Istanbul

Moda is a very peaceful and green neighborhood in Kadikoy, and local youth frequently visits the Moda shores and parks. Moda is a famous residential area in Istanbul Asian side. Walking along the Kadikoy shoreline will get you to Moda in 15 minutes. Since it is one of the best tourist spots in Istanbul, you should check it. There are many lovely cafes, tea gardens, and restaurants along the Moda coast along with Istanbul sightseeing. Another common thing is taking a rest in one of Moda's cafes and watching the sunset. Moda also houses the House Museum of Baris Manco (a world-famous Turkish singer and artist). To cut a long story short, you should visit Istanbul and see Kadikoy and Moda.

Even though Kadikoy does not host places like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace or Galata Tower, you should definitely visit Kadikoy during your trip in Istanbul, as it is one of the most important districts for the locals. You can find the best restaurants and cafes there when you want to rewind. https://www.iamistanbul.com/best-tourist-attractions-in-kadikoy

Best Tourist Attractions In Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is one of the most popular tourist spots in Istanbul. A tourist center that combines history, architecture, culture, and art, Istanbul's old city and historical zone, a communications hub, and a significant sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping area for tourists to visit in Istanbul to enjoy Istanbul’s old city walking tour. Here's a fast guide to Sultanahmet in Istanbul, full with top things to do and see as well as tips from an Istanbul native.

One of the best things to do in Sultanahmet is to stroll around the Sultanahmet Square, taking in the tranquil atmosphere while admiring Istanbul's most popular landmarks, museums, mosques, churches, fountains, and historical sites, and then resting at one of the many restaurants and cafes in Istanbul.

Sultanahmet is Istanbul's historical center and heart. It was named after Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I, the former heart of the Ottoman Empire. Sultanahmet in Istanbul is the first hill. Istanbul is classified as a city of seven hills. In Sultanahmet, convenient to get around on foot or by tram because the area is moretraffic-free than the rest ofthe city.  Istanbul Sultanahmet is a natural attraction for millions of visitors in Istanbul, with its variety of souvenirs and carpets, restaurants and cafes, hotels and guest houses, and famous sights from the three empires, such as the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Basilica Cistern.

Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet

Hagia Sophia is a former church and museum that was proclaimed one of the world's greatest architectures in Istanbul and accepted as the world's eighth wonder in 325. Hagia Sophia is also one of the most important of Istanbul tourist landmarks and museums.

After Turkey's administrative court annulled a 1934 decision that paved the way for Hagia Sophia Mosque's use as a museum, a decree on the 10th of July 2020 to officially recognize the Hagia Sophia as a mosque was issued.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of Istanbul's most magnificent mosques and landmarks. Sultan Ahmet I commissioned Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, the second most important architect after Mimar Sinan, to build the Blue Mosque in the 17th century (1603-1617).

It gets its name from the stunning blue “Iznik tiles” that adorn the interior. It was the world's only mosque with six minarets, but a new mosque called "Camlica Mosque" is being built in the Camlica Hill of Istanbul's Asian side in 2019.

Tulip Festival in Gulhane Park

The Ottoman Empire and Turkish society owe a great deal to tulips. This annual festival takes place in the city's most popular parks, including Gulhane Park in Sirkeci, Sultanahmet Square in Sultanahmet, Yildiz Park in Besiktas, Emirgan Park in Emirgan, Fethi Pasa Grove and Camlica Hill in Uskudar, Cubuklu Hidiv Grove in Cubuklu, and Beykoz Park in Beykoz on the European side. This is a free festival in Istanbul where tourists can enjoy billions of tulips in 120 different varieties that bloom in April. They can even participate in the photograph contest as well as a range of cultural and artistic activities in Emirgan Park and Sultanahmet Square during your trip in Istanbul.

Sultanahmet Square

The Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome and surrounded by the famous Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, is one of Istanbul's most well-known tourist attractions and a popular meeting spot. The Sultanahmet neighborhood's tourist zone is situated on the Historical Peninsula, which links all of Sultanahmet's historical sites. It is a well-known destination for all Istanbul travelers, and it is usually their first stop on their first day in the city.

The Sultanahmet Square area is historic Istanbul, and it leads to all of Istanbul's historical sights, including must-see mosques like the Blue Mosque, museums like the famous Topkapi Palace Museum and Hagia Sophia Museum, historical sites, and palaces. It's convenient to walk around the region because it's compact and relatively traffic-free. https://www.iamistanbul.com/best-tourist-attractions-in-sultanahmet

Travel Istanbul To Feel The Old City Soul!

Civilization in Istanbul dates back to thousand years ago, and the city will provide you the old cultural soul you are looking for. Four corners of Istanbul is covered with historical places, cultural sites and museums. It is the central place for the synthesis of Anatolian and European culture: if we look back at the history, we will find many historical places in Istanbul that still exist up to date. Let’s take a retrospective gaze upon the most important and popular touristic places in Istanbul, along with the most overlooked ones.

Maiden Tower

Kizkulesi was founded on a rocky outcropping at the mouth of the Bosphorus in the 5th century BC by the Athenian general Alcibiades to keep an eye on the waterway. A chain was dragged from the land to the tower, converting it into a checkpoint and customs area for passing ships. Emperor Alexius Comnenos constructed a powerful defense tower in the 12th century AD called Arcla, which means "Small Tower," after many restorations in wood and stone. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, the tower was used as a lighthouse and control tower. The final restoration was completed in 1998, and the restaurant opened in 1999 after a 3 million dollar investment.

Kizkulesi is now a well-known and elegant restaurant and cafeteria-bar. It provides panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the old city, especially at night. At some times, shuttle boats run from the European side in Istanbul's Kabatas neighborhood and the Asian side's Salacak neighborhood to the tower. It's also a popular spot in Istanbul. On Mondays, the tower is closed.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi is a palace overlooking the Bosphorus that was built between 1863 and 1965. Beylerbeyi is a rare location where history and historical characters blend with the present. It is a magnificent 19th-century monument that impresses with its set gardens and fascinates with its mansions.

Since the Byzantine Era, Beylerbeyi Palace and its surroundings have housed various structures. Sultan Abdülaziz had the house demolished and reconstructed after a fire in order to improve it. Between 1863 and 1965, the palace, along with its additional buildings covering a total area of 3000 square meters, took on its current look.

The main structure of the Mabeyn and Harem sections, as well as its additional structures serving various purposes, are open to tourists today: the sea pavilions, the historical tunnel linking Üsküdar and Beylerbeyi, Yellow Pavilion, Marble Pavilion, and the Barn Stables are all worth seeing. When you visit Istanbul, it is impossible to end your trip without seeing Beylerbeyi Palace.

Tiled Kiosk

Mehmet the Conquer designed the kiosk in 1472, and it is one of the earliest examples of Ottoman civilian architecture.

From 1875 to 1891, it served as the Imperial Museum. It was opened in 1953 as the Fatih Museum, which featured Turkish and Islamic art. Because of its location, it was given to the Istanbul Museum in 1981. The building has a single floor in the front and two floors in the back. During your Istanbul trip, pay a visit to this overlooked architecture. At the entrance, there is a marble arcade with 14 columns. Mosaic tiles are used to decorate the entrance. The museum and its storeroom include 2000 works in Kiosk.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower, or Galata Kulesi in Turkish, is one of Istanbul's tallest and oldest structures. It is in Beyoglu district. The 63-meter-high (206-foot-tall) tower offers a panoramic view of the old town. It was constructed by the Genoese colony in the 14th century as part of the defense wall that surrounded their district at Galata, which was directly opposite ancient Constantinopolis. The tower was known as "Christea Turris," or "Christ Tower." The Genoese engaged in trade with the Byzantines, and the tower was used to keep an eye on the Golden Horn Harbor. It was used to detect fires in Constantinople after Mehmet II conquered the city.

Galata Tower was rebuilt after the Republic and reopened to the public in 1967. On top of the clock, there is a cafeteria, as well as a nightclub that was demolished after the last renovation in 2013. A couple of elevators will carry you up, but you'll need to ascend three more floors by stairs to reach the panoramic terrace, which is 52 meters above ground level. Within the tower, across from the ticket office on the entrance floor, is a small souvenir shop. You can also eat grilled fish in Istanbul next to Galata Tower!