Historical Places to See in Istanbul | The 20 Most Beautiful Places

Istanbul, home to many civilizations, stands out with its buildings that bear traces of the past. Discover these unique structures with many stories behind them!

 

 

Historical places to see in Istanbul

 

Istanbul, a melting pot of history, culture, and numerous civilizations, captivates everyone with its structures that bear traces of the past. Home to numerous structures from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, the city is practically an open-air museum. With its mosques, palaces, towers, and inns, Istanbul is a treasure, especially for history enthusiasts, offering beauty where you can feel the traces of history with every step you take.

 

We've compiled a list of impressive must-see structures that will deeply imbue Istanbul's historical atmosphere. From the Hagia Sophia Mosque to Topkapı Palace, from the Galata Tower to Dolmabahçe Palace, let's explore these historical sites, where you'll have the opportunity to experience the Ottoman and Byzantine heritage firsthand.

 

1. Topkapi Palace

 

Topkapı Palace, which served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, stands out with its sacred relics, rich collections, and Harem section. Built in 1478 by Mehmed the Conqueror, the palace covers an area of 80,000 m². Displaying a wealth of important artifacts and items, from sacred relics and sultan's robes to jewelry and miniatures, Topkapı Palace comprises sections such as the Harem and Enderun Courtyard. This unique structure, reflecting the lifestyle of the Ottoman Empire and the importance of Istanbul, is a must-see.

 

2. Hagia Sophia Mosque

 

Used as a church during the Byzantine period and converted into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia Mosque is among the first historical structures that come to mind when one thinks of Istanbul. Its magnificent dome, mosaics, and magnificent structure draw attention, and it holds a significant symbolic significance for both the Christian and Islamic worlds. Having served as a church during the Byzantine period, a mosque during the Ottoman period, and a museum during the Republican era, the mosque, which has served as a mosque since its restoration, continues to welcome numerous visitors every day, making it a must-see in Istanbul.

 

3. Sultanahmet Mosque

 

The Sultanahmet Mosque, one of Istanbul's symbols, is also known as the Blue Mosque due to the vibrant colors of the Iznik tiles that adorn its interior. Built in the 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I by Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, one of Mimar Sinan's students, the mosque stands out with its six minarets. Designed to allow everyone to hear the imam even when at full capacity, the mosque is a must-see historical landmark during your visit to Istanbul.

 

4. Basilica Cistern

 

Commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is among Istanbul's most enigmatic structures. Built to meet the water demand, the cistern is notable for its massive columns, dim lighting, and inverted Medusa head sculpture. Welcoming numerous visitors each year, the Basilica Cistern should definitely be on your list of must-see places in Istanbul.

 

5. Dolmabahce Palace

 

Built during the final years of the Ottoman Empire with a Western architectural style, Dolmabahçe Palace, a magnificent structure blending Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, stands out with its crystal chandeliers, ceremonial hall, and the room where Atatürk passed away. Built on an area of 250,000 square meters, the palace stretches magnificently along the Bosphorus. A must-see during your Istanbul trip, Dolmabahçe Palace is open to visitors every day except Mondays.

 

6. Suleymaniye Mosque

 

Described by Mimar Sinan as his "apprentice work," the Süleymaniye Mosque stands out for its impressive architecture and expansive courtyard. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, the structure stands on one of the city's highest hills in the Fatih district of Istanbul. The mosque, with its remarkable acoustics, was designed to allow sound to reach the congregation. Situated on a large site, the mosque houses the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan.

 

7. Galata Tower

 

Built by the Genoese in the 14th century and considered one of Istanbul's symbolic structures, Galata Tower takes its name from the district in which it stands. Historically used as an observation tower, fire tower, and prison tower, the tower is now open to visitors as a museum. Offering unparalleled views of Istanbul, the lower section of Galata Tower bears traces of Genoese architecture, while the upper section bears traces of Ottoman architecture. This tower, famed for its supposed flight from here to Üsküdar, is a must-see.

 

8. Grand Bazaar

 

The Grand Bazaar, a historic structure dating back to the 15th century, is known as the world's first shopping mall. With its labyrinthine streets and numerous shops, you can find a wide variety of goods, from traditional handicrafts and jewelry to carpets and spices. This bazaar, considered one of Istanbul's most iconic structures, is a must-see.

 

9. Rumeli Fortress

 

Built by Mehmed the Conqueror before the conquest of Constantinople, Rumeli Hisarı stands at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, directly opposite Anadolu Fortress. The structure, notable for its stunning Bosphorus view, consists of three massive towers: the Inner Castle, Ortaköy Tower, and Sarayburnu Tower. Built for military purposes, the castle now hosts concerts and events.

 

10. Kariye Mosque

 

Known for its Byzantine frescoes and mosaics, the Kariye Mosque is among Istanbul's most important historical structures. Having functioned throughout history as a church, mosque, and museum, the building's interior, with its detailed figures of Jesus and Mary, is considered one of the most important examples of Christian iconography. Noted for its tranquil atmosphere, the Kariye Mosque is a must-see for its historical heritage.

 

11. Maiden's Tower

 

Dating back to the 5th century BC, the Maiden's Tower sits on a small island off the coast of Üsküdar. Throughout history, the tower has served as a watchtower, quarantine center, and lighthouse, and is associated with various legends. Today, the Maiden's Tower serves as a restaurant and museum, making it one of Istanbul's most iconic structures.

 

12. Fener Greek Patriarchate

 

The Fener Greek Patriarchate, located in Istanbul's Fatih district, is considered the spiritual center of the Orthodox world. Located in the Hagia George Church, the patriarchate has been operating since the 1600s. This structure, which is highly significant for witnessing the coexistence of different religions in Istanbul, is notable for its icons and sacred relics.

 

13. Beylerbeyi Palace

 

Built by Sultan Abdülaziz in the 1860s, Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Used as a summer palace, the building stands out with its Western-style construction and Orientalist decor. With its dazzling ceiling decorations and crystal chandeliers, the palace is among the must-see historical structures in Istanbul.

 

14. Istanbul Archaeological Museums

 

Founded in 1891 at the initiative of Osman Hamdi Bey, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum holds the distinction of being the first museum of the Ottoman Empire. Displaying a vast collection spanning from antiquity to the Ottoman era, the museum is among Istanbul's most important places where you can closely examine the traces of history. Home to numerous artifacts, including sarcophagi, statues, and cuneiform tablets, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum consists of three main sections: the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works, the Tiled Kiosk Museum, and the Archaeological Museum.

 

15. Nuruosmaniye Mosque

 

Located right next to the Grand Bazaar, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque is a significant example of Ottoman Baroque architecture. Built between 1748 and 1755, the mosque symbolizes the Ottoman transition from classical architecture to baroque architecture. Boasting a spacious courtyard, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque stands out with its elegant decorations and grand dome. A must-see during your Istanbul trip, the mosque serves as a gateway between Cağaloğlu and Çemberlitaş.

 

16. Kuleli Military High School

 

Located on the shores of Çengelköy on the Anatolian side, Kuleli Military High School is considered one of Istanbul's symbols with its magnificent structure. The structure, notable for both its history and architecture, is a unique example of Ottoman military architecture. Considered one of Türkiye's oldest military schools, some sections of Kuleli Military High School are currently open to the public as a museum.

 

17. Hagia Irene Church

Located right next to Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene is among the oldest surviving Byzantine churches. Built in the 4th century, it is one of the few Byzantine churches not converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. Used for many years as an armory and renowned for its acoustics, the church now hosts cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions.

 

18. Haydarpaşa Train Station

 

Built in 1908 during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II by German architects Otto Ritter and Helmuth Cuno, Haydarpaşa Station is a significant example of neoclassical architecture. As the starting point of the Baghdad and Hejaz railway lines, it served as the Ottoman gateway to the East, and stands out for its seafront location. Despite numerous fires and explosions throughout history, Haydarpaşa Station has survived and remains one of Istanbul's iconic structures.

 

19. Küçüksu Pavilion

 

Built in 1857 by Sultan Abdülmecid, the Küçüksu Pavilion is among the important structures built in the neo-Baroque style. Located at the mouth of the Göksu Stream on Istanbul's Anatolian side and designed as a summer retreat, the pavilion is notable for its interior decorations. From its furnishings to its curtains, every detail of the Küçüksu Pavilion is exquisite, and today it serves as a museum.

 

20. Eyüp Sultan Mosque

 

Built in 1458 on the site of the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the standard-bearer of the Prophet Muhammad, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque is among Istanbul's most sacred structures. Having undergone numerous restorations over time, the mosque reflects 18th-century Ottoman architecture. Throughout history, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque has hosted ceremonies where sultans girded themselves with swords, and is particularly crowded with visitors during Ramadan. A spiritual center of attraction for those seeking both worship and prayer, this historic structure is a must-see.

 

Istanbul showcases a rich cultural heritage with its historical structures intertwined with modern life. Don't forget to visit these unique structures, which offer a unique experience not only with their historical structures but also with the stories behind them.

 

Source: ENUYGUN.com