Istanbul is such an interesting city to explore as it stands at the crossroad between liberal Europe and traditional Asia. Even though most Turkish people view Istanbul as a more European metropolis; the city has managed to honor its past by preserving its oldest district. If you come to Istanbul and don’t know how to begin your metropolis exploration, visit the Old City, where the legacy of this great city started.
The Old City of Istanbul encompasses the Sultanahmet and Eminonu sections, which are situated on the peninsula surrounded by the Golden Horn River and Bosporus Sea. This is truly a historic area, as it was where Constantinople, the glorious Byzantine capital was located. As the previous administrative capital for the Ottoman Empire, the Old City flourished. The palaces, government offices and other historical monuments built around the area are reminders of the city’s development and growth. To appreciate these structures up close, go for a walking tour around the area. If your feet are not up to the task, you can also ride the tram network, which has stops near most tourist landmarks.
One of the most impressive buildings in the Old City is the Ayasofya Muzesi. It was originally built as an Orthodox Church during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. By the 15th century, it was converted into a mosque. Today, the building is now the Hagia Sophia Museum, and has served as an iconic landmark for the Istanbul. Walk across Ayasofya, to visit another highly distinct landmark in the Old City, which is the Blue Mosque. Locally known as Sultanahmet Camii, it is considered the biggest and one of the most historically important in the Istanbul. Do not be surprised this mosque’s exterior is not blue, as it has taken its name from the blue tiles used to decorate its interior walls.
Another architectural masterpiece you should not miss visiting is the Yerebatan Sarinci or the Basilica Cistern, which is the largest of its kind in Istanbul. Built under the order of Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the cistern features more than 300 marble columns that support a huge ceiling.
When it comes to design and historical value, the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) should also on the top of your itinerary. A former residence of the Ottoman Empire Sultan, the palace is quite enormous with four courtyards and spacious imperial rooms. A tour around the entire Topkapi Palace may take quite a bit of time, but it can definitely give you a fascinating glimpse of how a sultan lived his lavished life. The Old City is also home to some of the best museums in Istanbul, which includes the Great Palace Mosaic Museum and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
After an exciting exploration of all the magnificent architectural pieces within the Old City, walk your way to the Grand Bazaar locally known as Kapali Carsi. This huge closed market has been in existence since the 15th century, and features various types of shops. Here, you can find the products that are of great value to the Turkish culture. Go buy a souvenir or two to bring home a part of Istanbul with you.
