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Hagia
Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed
as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. It has been
nominated as the 8th wonder of the world by historians.
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles
and unique with 6 minarets, built between 1609 and 1616 in the name
of Sultan Ahmet 1 by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, who was one of Sinan’ s
apprentices.
The Blue Mosque: Dating from the 17th century, an
architectural masterpiece famed for its exquisite blue tiles and six
elegant minarets.
Hippodrome, the center of sportive (chariot races, athletics)
events and political activities of the old city where held. Egyptian
Obelisk, Serpentine Column Constantine Column and German Fountain of
Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.
Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and
biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques,
jewelry, gold, carpets, leatherwear and souvenirs.
Topkapi Palace, Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans, the
maze of buildings that was the focal point of the Ottoman Empire
between the 15th and 19th centruies. In these opulent surroundings
the sultans and their court lived and governed. A magnificent wooded
garden fills the outer, or first, court. In the second court, on the
right, shaded by cyprees and plane trees,stand the palace kitchens,
which now serve as galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of
crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain. Today the third court holds
the Hall of Audience, the Library of Ahmet III, an exhibition of
imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous
jewels of the treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from
medieval manuscripts. In the center of this innermost sanctuary, the
Prophet Muhammet (S.A.V) brought to Istanbul when the Ottomans
assumed the caliphaten of Islam.
Suleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of Sinan, built between 1550
and 1557, it is one of the best Works of the Ottoman Empire, built
in the name of Suleyman The Magnificent during the 16th century,
considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. |
