6 Things not to miss while in Istanbul

Istanbul, a fascinating city built on two Continents. It is one of the greatest cities in the world where you can see a modern western city combined with a traditional eastern city. It is considered a melting pot of many civilizations and different people. Each religion that dominated the city, changed some aspects of the city. There are so many things to do around the city. So, here are 6 things not to miss while in Istanbul.

HAGIA SOPHIA

One of the constructions that suffered a lot of changes is Hagia Sophia. Also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom or Church of the Divine Wisdom. It was first built as a church, then transformed into a mosque, and now a museum. I was fascinated by how well the place was preserved, but especially by architecture. In 2020 the site became once again a mosque. Throughout history, Hagia Sophia has been a potent symbol of imperial power and religious authority. Its construction was a demonstration of the Byzantine Empire’s wealth, technology, and culture.

TOPKAPI PALACE (Topkapi Sarayi)

This glorious palace, built beside the Bosphorus, was the place where the sultans of the Ottoman Empire ruled over their dominions. It was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century. I recommend this place in order to admire the hand-painted tile-work and the beautifully decorated rooms. One of my favorites was the Imperial council chamber.

GALATA TOWER

Galata Tower, known as “Galata Kulesi” in Turkish, is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, Turkey. Constructed in 1348 during an expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople, it served as a watchtower and has since become an iconic symbol of Istanbul.

Galata Tower is easily accessible from various parts of Istanbul. It’s located close to the bustling Istiklal Street. Visitors can reach it by taking a tram to the Karaköy stop or by walking from Taksim Square. You can see how it rules over the Istanbul skyline, offering great views of the old city and its surroundings.

BASILICA CISTERN

One of the 6 things that you can’t miss while in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern. This was one of my favorite places to visit while I was in Istanbul. Also called the Sunken Palace, because of its indoor architecture. You can’t even imagine that at one point it held up to 2.8 million cubic feet of water. It was built by the Roman Emperor Justinian I, in order to provide Istanbul residents with water.

It is incredible when you see this kind of architecture. You realize it was built so long ago, in the sixth century and still standing today. The palace-like underground hall is supported by 336 built-in columns in 12 rows. The most recognizable are the column bases known as the Medusa stones.

BLUE MOSQUE

The mosque, built in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmet, takes its name from its interior decoration. Built from tens of thousands of Iznik tiles, the blue tiles that cover the dome and the upper levels of the interior.

You can visit the mosque anytime during the day, except when it is closed during the five daily prayer times for Muslims. One thing that you need to know before going is that you need to dress accordingly when visiting. That means to remove the shoes when entering and that women must cover their hair.

THE GRAND BAZAAR

Another place that is a must visit in the city, part of the 6 Things not to miss while in Istanbul is The Bazaar. An important trading centre dating back to the 15th century. And today is one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul. It is also the largest indoor marketplace in the world, with 5,000 shops covering 60 streets.

Even if you are not interested in buying something, you can always admire the traditional items like antiques, hand-painted ceramics or carpets. The objects inside don’t have a price tag, so in the beginning, I had a hard time negotiating for the final price. One tip for you: after they tell you the price they want, think of how much is half of that and start negotiating from there.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a captivating city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a vibrant contemporary atmosphere. The dynamic energy, warm hospitality, and the harmonious coexistence of the old and the new make Istanbul a destination that lingers in your heart long after you’ve returned home.

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