10 Best Historical Sites To Visit In Istanbul

10 Best Historical sites to visit in Istanbul

Anastasis fresco by Till Niermann from Wikimedia commons

It has become cliche to refer to Istanbul as the “bridge between East and West.” But in this situation, the cliché is certainly accurate. This Turkish metropolis, straddling both Asia and Europe and ruled by a succession of rulers, is a melting pot of many cultures and a place full of contrasts.

Istanbul, home to a heady combination of remarkable history, nightlife, religion, food, culture, and – despite not being the country’s capital – politics, provides travellers of all stripes with something to marvel at every turn. However, it is unquestionably a location that should be on the bucket list of every history fan.

With Istanbul being one of the world’s largest cities, it might be difficult to know where to begin when picking which historical places to visit. So we’ve produced a list of the top ten.

1. Sultan Ahmet Mosque

sultanahmet mosque by Abdullah Muashi from Wikimedia Commons

This still operating house of worship, popularly known as the Blue Mosque – a homage to the blue tiles that cover its interior – was built in the early 17th century during the reign of Ahmed I, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1603 and 1617.

The building, which is one of the most recognized in the world, has inspired the design of numerous other mosques, notably the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque in Beirut.

2. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia by Maksym Kozlenko from Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps no other structure so illustrates Istanbul’s role as a crossroads of Europe and Asia. Hagia Sophia, located opposite the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, was a Greek Orthodox cathedral for approximately 1,000 years until being converted into a mosque in the 15th century under the Ottoman administration of the city. In the early twentieth century, it was secularized and inaugurated as a museum in 1935.

Even by current technical standards, Hagia Sophia was the biggest structure in the world when it was built in 537 AD.

3. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace by David Stanley from Wikimedia Commons

This sumptuous palace was formerly the residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans and is a must-see for anybody interested in Ottoman history. The palace’s construction began in 1459, only six years after the city was taken by the Muslim Ottomans in a watershed moment that signalled the end of the Byzantine Empire and handed a blow to Christian nations.

The palace complex contains hundreds of rooms and chambers, although only a few of them are open to the public now.

4. Galata Mevlevi Dervish Lodge

Galata Mawlavi by SALTOnline from Wikimedia Commons

Whirling dervishes are one of Turkey’s most recognizable icons, and the Galata Mevlevi Dervish Lodge is undoubtedly the greatest venue in Istanbul to witness them conduct the sema (the religious rite in which dervishes whirl). It was the city’s first Sufi lodge, founded in 1491.

5. Galata Tower

The Galata Tower by Vogueeatss from Wikimedia Commons

Whirling dervishes are one of Turkey’s most recognizable icons, and the Galata Mevlevi Dervish Lodge is undoubtedly the greatest venue in Istanbul to witness them conduct the sema (the religious rite in which dervishes whirl). It was the city’s first Sufi lodge, founded in 1491.

Despite being utilized by the Ottomans for detecting flames throughout the city from 1717, the tower was destroyed by a series of fires in the 18th and 19th centuries.

6. Basilica Cistern

This hauntingly gorgeous subterranean room is the biggest of hundreds of old cisterns underneath Istanbul. Another monument that predates the Ottomans, was created in the sixth century by the Byzantines. Keep an eye out for the two Medusa heads that act as the foundation for the cistern’s two columns!

7. Princes’ Islands

This collection of nine islands is located in the Sea of Marmara, about an hour’s boat journey from the city. They got their name from the fact that during the Byzantine time, the islands served as a place of exile for princes and other members of royalty, as well as members of Ottoman sultans’ families.

More recently, between 1929 and 1933, the largest of the islands, Büyükada, was home to an exiled Leon Trotsky.

Only four of the islands are open to the public, but they are more than enough of a treasure mine for history buffs. With all motorized vehicles (except service vehicles) prohibited on the islands, hors-drawn carts are the primary mode of transportation, and these, combined with the 19th century Ottoman mansions and cottages can still be found on Büyükada, give visitors the impression of stepping back in time.

In addition, the islands are home to a plethora of churches and other religious structures, such as Aya Yorgi on Büyükada, a modest Greek Orthodox church with stunning sea views from its grounds.

8. Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, is a must-see for anybody who likes bargaining. The construction of the bazaar began in the mid-15th century, shortly after the Ottomans took the city, and it now houses over 4,000 businesses.

9. Kariye Museum

This historic Greek Orthodox church, located some way from the lights and spectacles of central Istanbul, is well worth the effort of finding. The front of the structure is grand – if a touch plain – but the interior is filled with some of the world’s oldest and most stunning Byzantine mosaics and paintings.

It predates Islam and was built in the fourth century, although it is today located in one of the city’s most orthodox Muslim neighbourhoods.

10. Taksim Square

Although the Turkish presidential palace, national assembly, and cabinet buildings are all situated in Ankara, Istanbul, the country’s largest metropolis, is not immune to political activity. Taksim Square has played a crucial part in this activity, serving as the site of countless demonstrations throughout Turkey’s independence years.

Most recently, the square became associated with the 2013 “Gezi Park demonstrations.” These protests began in opposition to the destruction and reconstruction of Gezi Park, which is located adjacent to the plaza, but grew into rallies criticizing the government for a number of causes, including complaints from across the political spectrum.

So, is it worthwhile to fly to Istanbul? Without a question, this one-of-a-kind metropolis that connects Europe and Asia is well worth a visit. Istanbul, the ancient capital of two great empires, is rich in arts, culture, and gastronomy. Today, Istanbul is a hotspot with a lot to offer visitors as Turkey’s financial centre.