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Hagia Sophia,
one of the greatest marvels of
architecture, constructed as a basilica
in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
It has been nominated as the 8th wonder
of the world by historians.
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia,
famous with its blue Iznik tiles and
unique with 6 minarets, built between
1609 and 1616 in the name of Sultan
Ahmet 1 by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, who was
one of Sinan’ s apprentices.
The Blue Mosque: Dating from the 17th
century, an architectural masterpiece
famed for its exquisite blue tiles and
six elegant minarets.
Hippodrome, the center of
sportive (chariot races, athletics)
events and political activities of the
old city where held. Egyptian Obelisk,
Serpentine Column Constantine Column and
German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the
monuments decorating Hippodrome.
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic
Arts, The former palace of Ibrahim
Pasha, it now exhibits an extensive
collection of nomadic art and
ethnography, providing a rich glimpse
into the traditional Turkish lifestyle.
Grand Covered Bazaar, Most
attractive shopping center and biggest "souk"
in the world with nearly 4000 shops
selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets,
leatherwear and souvenirs.
Topkapi Palace, Imperial
residence of Ottoman Sultans, the maze
of buildings that was the focal point of
the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and
19th centruies. In these opulent
surroundings the sultans and their court
lived and governed. A magnificent wooded
garden fills the outer, or first, court.
In the second court, on the right,
shaded by cyprees and plane trees,stand
the palace kitchens, which now serve as
galleries exhibiting the imperial
collections of crystal, silver and
Chinese porcelain. Today the third court
holds the Hall of Audience, the Library
of Ahmet III, an exhibition of imperial
costumes worn by the sultans and their
families, the famous jewels of the
treasury and a priceless collection of
miniatures from medieval manuscripts. In
the center of this innermost sanctuary,
the Prophet Muhammet (S.A.V) brought to
Istanbul when the Ottomans assumed the
caliphaten of Islam.
Suleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece
of Sinan, built between 1550 and 1557,
it is one of the best Works of the
Ottoman Empire, built in the name of
Suleyman The Magnificent during the 16th
century, considered as the best amongst
the imperial mosques. |
