Hagia Sophia considered as the first and the last unique application in terms
of its architecture, magnificence and functionality has been inspiration for
Ottoman mosque on the basis of giving opinion, and is product of synthesis of
west and east.
The building is one of the wonders of the world remaining in the
present day. Therefore Hagia Sophia in addition to its historical background,
has been attracting for centuries with its architecture, mosaics and structures
of Turkish Period. Hagia Sophia was used as church for 916 years, as mosque for
481 years and was converted into museum in 1935.
The Museum is open between 9.30-16.30 every day except Mondays.
Blue Mosque
This mosque was built in the early 17th century and is probably the most famous
mosque in the city. It is distinguished by six slender minarets and walls
covered with amazing blue Iznik tiles.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace has a total area of over 110.000 square meters
and consists of sixteen separate sections apart from the palace proper. These
includ stables, a flourmill, pharmacy, kitchens, aviary, glassworks and
foundry.
Sultan Abdulhamid II (1876-1909) added a clock tower and the Veliahd Dairesi
(apartments for the heir apparent), and the Hareket Pavilions in the gardens
behind the palace.
Topkapi Palace
It is located on the promontory of the historical peninsula in Istanbul, which
overlooks both the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus.
The walls enclosing the palace grounds, the main gate on the land side and the
first buildings were constructed during the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (the
Conqueror) (1451 - 81). The palace arrived at its present layout with the
addition of new structures in later centuries.
Leander's Tower
Leander's Tower, which has become a symbol of Istanbul, was built
by the Greek commander Alkibiades in 419 B.C. to oversee enemies coming from
the Black Sea. The Byzantine Emperor Komnenos converted this tower into a
fortress.
Later, the tower was restored by the Ottomans as a wooden tower. When the
wooden tower was burned down, the current stone tower was built during the
Sultan Ahmet III period. The name "Leander's Tower" is due to the mistaken
notion that Leander drowned there in his attempt to swim the strait to see his
lover Hero, although this legendary tragedy actually took place near Abydos in
Hellenspont.
The Yerebatan Cistern
The Yerebatan Cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus in the 6th
century. The cistern measures 140x70 meters, and is one of the most
important Byzantine works that have survived the years.
It was also used by Ottomans, since the collection and storage of water has
always been one of the major challenges of Istanbul. Today Yerebatan
cistern has been emptied down to a meter deep, and a walkway has been
built inside turning the cistern into a very interesting touristic attraction.
One of the most interesting things about this cistern is the fact that many
stones used in its construction were taken from other historical
structures.
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