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5 Historical Sights to Savour in Istanbul

Noyna Roy

Last updated: Sep 24, 2019

Istanbul is not an ordinary city; it is a melting pot of culture, history, and modernity. While the unique sights and smells of the destination will take you in almost instantly, we recommend you keep some time aside to delve into the rich history and heritage of the place. Here are some places of historical significance in Istanbul where fascinating stories abound.

The Blue Mosque

blue-mosque

Built as a symbol for power by Sultan Ahmed I, the majestic Sultan Ahmed Mosque— more commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque—was a way to reassert the Ottoman power after they lost the war against the Persians in 1618.

As you turn your gaze around, you will realize that the architecture of this impressive structure was indeed ahead of its time. Gigantic domes decorate the ceiling with minarets proudly pinning the building down. The interior of the mosque is decorated with 20,000 Iznik tiles with nature-related drawings such as flowers and trees hand-painted on them. The matching stained glass windows towards the east direction represent the direction of Mecca. As the light filters through the stained glass windows, the mosque becomes a spectrum of colours. In the middle of the room, a massive chandelier with several small lights brightens up the already well-lit room.

Read more: 7 Awesome Things to Do in Turkey

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is one the most timeless monuments in Istanbul. Built in 537 AD as a Greek Orthodox Church, the Hagia Sophia has stood proud through conflicts as time ticked onwards. The church was converted into a mosque in 1453 when Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople (the old name of Istanbul). Despite many parts of the city crumbling due to the lack of funds, Hagia Sophia was allocated a percentage of the budget and has always been well-maintained. After the conversion to a mosque, some Christian symbols such as the bell, altar, relics, and paintings with Jesus and Mary were destroyed or covered up. Many Islamic features were brought in such as minarets, minbar, and the Islamic pulpit.

Topkapi Palace

Built in the late 1460s as a residence for Sultan Mehmed II (the one who designed the Hagia Sophia), the Topkapi Palace is a large compound with huge buildings surrounded by towering walls. The Ottoman empire was rapidly growing, and the Sultan wanted his house to reflect the ongoing power of the empire. One of the most devastating events that occurred in the Topkapi Palace was the kitchen fire of 1574; however, not only did the architect expand the kitchens, but he also extended the baths and privy chambers. Gardens and nature play a key role in Islam, and the same is reflected throughout the palace.

The Topkapi Palace has the third-largest pottery collection in the world hidden within its ancient kitchens that used to cater to about 4000 to 5000 people a day. The kitchen is divided into four parts, each representing the stages of development of pottery throughout history. At first, pottery was made out of terra cotta, followed by celadon, blue pottery, and finally coloured pottery which came in the 16th century.

For connoisseurs of theology and culture, the palace has a room filled with ancient Islamic relics including a mould of the prophet's foot, Moses’s staff, the prophet’s sword, and the Kaaba key.

Basilica Cistern

Built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian 1, the Basilica Cistern is an underground chamber with an area of around 9800 square meters to store water for the historic Constantinople. Now, it is a home for fish and Greek art. When Islam came to Constantinople with Sultan Mehmed II, Hagia Sophia was a Greek Orthodox Church. There were two Medusa heads stored in the church as they didn’t want to invaders to destroy their deity. The Medusa is now stored in the dark cistern under a pillar and is placed upside down, because according to legends, if it is the right way around, the Medusa head could transform mortals into stone.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, built in 1461 is an entirely different shopping experience compared to the regular shopping malls. Tucked inside an old building with low ceilings and yellow walls, the bright and enchanting lights from the lamp shops will entice you towards them, while the rich aromas from the Turkish delis and spice shops waft around you. The market—which is a riot of colours and curious objects—is almost like travelling back in time.

So plan a vacation steeped in culture and history—Istanbul will not disappoint!

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Noyna Roy

At 13 years of age, Noyna is our youngest and most enthusiastic travel writer. She lives in Singapore and shares beautiful experiences of her travels from around the world.

Comments

Ckmisra | on 30 April 2018

I fully agree with Noyna Roy regarding Places to visit in Istanbul. However, visit to Turkey is incomplete without experiencing mind blowing cave houses in Cappadocia... !!!! Eerie feeling of life in caves thousands of years back, is a unique experience... !!!! Perfect blend of Islamic history With modern Christian culture !!!! Awesome indeed ...