Sultan Ahmet Imperial Mosque also known as Blue Mosque
Istanbul has lived through four empires in history, dating back almost 2,700 years. It is not only the largest city in Turkey, but also the heart of the country’s economic, cultural, and historical standing. This historically rich city is world renowned for its amazing architecture. From its stunning mosques to the various museums and monuments, it can be quite overwhelming to decide which places to visit during a short break to this beautiful city. Here’s a list of the iconic architectural gems that will truly leave you amazed.
Topkapi Palace
Words won't suffice to describe this historical palace. It was the main royal residence during the reign of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries, which was also used for state occasions and royal entertainments. Topkapi provides endless interesting and quite fascinating stories to discover. It is definitely a must-see when in Istanbul; the palace is actually the largest and oldest one to survive to this day and apart from its history, its impressive structure represents sheer beauty of Islamic architecture. The palace is also surrounded by lush gardens, fountains, and pools adding to its already stunning designs. You can easily find yourself spending an entire day simply marvelling at this architectural wonder and learning more about Ottoman history.
Sultan Ahmet Imperial Mosque
This historic mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is listed among the top tourist attractions of Istanbul. It is referred to as the Blue Mosque because of the stunning blue Iznik tiles that dominate the interior, as well as the beautiful blue light that shines through the windows providing a truly spectacular view. The mosque is famous for having six minarets, complementing the overall architecture design. The cascade of domes and the rectangular shape of the iconic mosque complete the unique exterior. The mosque’s courtyard is the biggest of all Ottoman mosques. To really appreciate the designs, enter the mosque via the Hippodrome (west side) rather than from the Sultan Ahmet Park. As the mosque is still used for worshiping and prayers by hundreds of Muslims, the mosque is closed to tourists for half an hour or so during the five daily prayers.
Hagia Sophia Museum
East Roman Philon once referred to the Hagia Sophia as “the eighth wonder of the world,” thanks to its unique architectural beauty. It was originally built as a church, but later was turned into a mosque following the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed. In 1935, the first Turkish President Mustafa Kamal Ataturk decided to convert it to a museum. All three constructions of the Hagia Sophia were done in different styles, but occupying the same location. It is the largest among all other churches built during the same time period, with a central dome that is much bigger and higher as well in comparison. The Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular and most visited monuments in the world and your trip will not be complete without it.
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