- is a city with a millennial history, which can still be explored simply by walking along the streets of the old city of Fatih, Beyoglu, Eyup, Yuskudar districts ... there are a huge number of Istanbul sights, both historical and modern. We set ourselves the task of telling you about all the sights of Istanbul in Russian on our website. At the moment, not all interesting places Istanbul is described in articles, but every day there are more of them.

All sights of Istanbul

Istanbul attractions: the most comprehensive list

We have prepared the most full list sights of Istanbul with photos and descriptions. For your convenience, we have divided all the sights of Istanbul into headings, according to the theme (palaces of Istanbul, Istanbul mosques, Istanbul churches, and so on) and each heading into 3 groups:

1. Necessarily(must see) - what you need to see, without which a trip to Istanbul cannot be "counted".
2. Desirable- what is very interesting and what can be seen after the main list or in subsequent visits to Istanbul.
3. Exclusively- not the most "promoted" sights, something that is rarely written in guidebooks and in the main reviews, but something that may be of interest to connoisseurs and true "travel gourmets".

Istanbul city landmarks

Palaces and fortresses of Istanbul (more)

In the official part of Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul

Undoubtedly, the two main palaces of Istanbul, personifying the Ottoman Empire, are Topkapi Palace - the first permanent residence of the Sultan in Constantinople after its capture by the Ottomans in 1453 and - an architectural gem on the Bosphorus, built in the 19th century for Sultan Abdul Majid the First and which became the place of death of the first president. and the founder of the Republic of Turkey - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

The two fortresses of Istanbul - Rumeli Hisary and Anadolu Hisary played a decisive role in the capture of Constantinople by the Ottomans and the end of the era of the Byzantine Empire.

But, there is also a fairly large number of various palaces, pavilions and mansions that belonged to different times to various famous people. On our website you will find .

Istanbul museums (more)

Shock and awe at the art of the ancients.

Attractions of Istanbul:

Istanbul has a huge number of different museums: archaeological, historical, technological, literary and so on. Except that Istanbul itself is a museum city.

Of course, such museums of Istanbul as Ayasofya are widely known outside Turkey, Archaeological Museum Istanbul or, for example, Erebatan sarnichi, but in ours you can also find less "promoted", but from this no less (and sometimes even more) interesting museum attractions of Istanbul.

Istanbul Mosques (more)

Istanbul has a huge number of mosques.

Attractions of Istanbul:

The city of Istanbul is very rich in various sights, but perhaps of them it is the mosques in Istanbul that are the most. Both old - 15th century, and completely new religious buildings of modern architects of Turkey.

Perhaps everyone knows such famous sights of Istanbul as the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), the Suleymaniye Mosque or the New Mosque in Eminonu. We have prepared for you those of interest for a tourist, of course, without registering in it various small or everyday mosques in the sleeping areas of the city, otherwise our list would consist of more than two thousand (!) Items and you would not have enough a year in Istanbul for to visit them all!

Churches of Istanbul (more)

Church of St. George on the territory of the Patriarchate of Constantinople

Attractions of Istanbul:

As a city that was once the center of the Orthodox faith in the world, Constantinople at that time possessed the most large quantity Orthodox churches. Today, after more than five centuries of Muslim rule, the city still has a sufficient number of interesting sights dedicated to the Christian era - these are churches, monasteries and other religious buildings.

Of course, not all of them have come down to us in their original beauty, many have been converted into mosques, but we have tried to collect for you (both Byzantine (Orthodox) and other Christian religions). In it you will find both the world famous sights of Istanbul, such as the Hagia Sophia or the Constantinople (Ecumenical) Patriarchate, as well as completely "exclusive" ones, such as the Church of St. Stephen (built of cast iron) or the monastery of St. George on the island. Buyukada.

Architectural monuments of Istanbul (more)

Somewhere between Europe and Asia

Attractions of Istanbul:

Istanbul is rich in various architectural monuments, some of these sights of Istanbul have become its symbols, for example, the world-famous Galata Tower or.

We have tried to collect for you different eras, from Byzantium to modern installations on the streets of Istanbul.

Istanbul parks (more)

Gulhane Park in the center of Istanbul

Attractions of Istanbul:

The city of Istanbul is known for its green parks on the shores of the Bosphorus. The Byzantines, and then the Ottomans, were very fond of the shady coolness of these places. Modern Istanbul cannot boast of an even distribution of recreational areas and greenery throughout the entire area of ​​a modern metropolis. The most famous city parks, which have become real attractions of Istanbul, are mainly located in the old districts of the city, such as Fatih, Besiktas, Beyoglu, etc.

The culture of bazaars in Turkey goes back many centuries, but even now ordinary townspeople love to visit various bazaars, which often work one day a week, in order to buy the freshest food or a few useful little things. And some districts of Istanbul are almost entirely markets in our understanding, because it is here that our compatriots rush for consignments of "goods" produced in the sweatshops of Istanbul.

Turkey has always attracted travelers. Among all its cities, Istanbul occupies a special place. It is so popular that many foreigners are simply convinced that it is the capital. This is not so, but there is still some truth in such misconceptions. Indeed, in the Ottoman era, this city bore the proud name "capital of capitals", and even earlier, during the existence of the Byzantine Empire, in its place was Constantinople, from which the emperors ruled.

Many silent witnesses of those legendary periods have survived in Istanbul; it is literally imbued with the spirit of history, but at the same time continues to keep pace with our time. Contrasts make the city on the shores even more attractive to visitors, and the location on two continents makes it a unique metropolis.

Sights of istanbul

This article lists the landmarks located in Istanbul with their brief description... Each of these places is interesting in its own way. Some tourists will like the churches and cisterns of the Byzantine era, others will choose for excursions and palaces built during the existence of the Ottoman Empire. Someone wants to enjoy the waters of the Bosphorus and Marmara, someone will like Istanbul parks with amazing roses and tulips, and there is also such a category of people for whom a real attraction is some or.

Listing the sights of Istanbul, we will not specify their opening hours or addresses. All this can be found in individual articles on our site. Here we will try only to orient the reader so that he does not get confused and knows what he wants to visit and in which part of Istanbul to look for such sights.

The main attractions of the Asian side of Istanbul

The Asian side of Istanbul is a great alternative to the European side, where the city's best attractions are believed to be located. Tourists pay much less attention to the Asian part, although there is something to see there. Quiet and mostly prestigious, which is separated by the Bosphorus, you can see Istanbul in a completely different way, without crowds and constant chaos.

Many visitors try to combine a visit to the Asian part of the city with a Bosphorus cruise or a day trip to Beylerbey Saray. summer palace Sultanov. But there are many more attractions there that are worthy of a traveler's attention. For those with a limited amount of time, it is advisable to visit the main areas - and... Located in Uskudar the largest number architectural gems this part of Istanbul, including beautiful mosques, several monuments and synagogues. Kadikoy has a noisy shopping center, Bazaar, Opera House and some of best restaurants cities.

And so, to the list the most famous sights of this coast Istanbul includes:

• Kadikoy market,
• Baghdad street,

Kadikoy district and the market of the same name
The best way to start exploring Asian Istanbul is to take a ferry to Kadikoy and visit the market under open air... This perfect place to spend some incredibly interesting hours browsing and shopping. There are many good pastry shops, bookstores and cafes to take a break from. On Tuesday, the market is the busiest, but on any other day of the week closer to the pier there is also active trading. True, it will be a little less exciting.

After visiting Kadikoy, you shouldn't miss the opportunity ride a nostalgic tram, which runs between Kadikoy and Moda districts. This type of public transport allows you to explore the surroundings of the most beautiful areas of the Asian part of Istanbul. At Moda İskele pier, you can relax in a nice cafe or restaurant, enjoy local coffee while listening to the splashing of the Sea of ​​Marmara. In the southwest of the Kadikoy district, you will find pier:

• Kalamysh
• and Fenerbahce.

To get there, it is enough to move parallel to the sea with Moda until you see the Fenerbahce football stadium. Then you need to go to Kalamış Park, it will be on your right, and then there will be a marina. Continuing in the same direction, you will not immediately see the sea, but do not worry. After passing Kalamis Kiosk on your right you will see Fener Kalamış street. Turn there and keep driving until you come to. There are many good cafes, green area overlooking the Sea of ​​Marmara.

Haydarpash station
If you take the ferry to Kadikoy, the first stop at Asian side will be opposite a huge, magnificent building of the currently operating t

Yerminala railway station Istanbul Haydarpasa. Built between 1906 and 1908 in the neoclassical style, the station was a gift to the Turkish sultan from Kaiser Wilhelm II, it was located on the Istanbul-Baghdad and Istanbul-Damascus-Medina railway lines.

Baghdad Caddesi
Bağdat Caddesi is the most famous street in the Asian side of Istanbul, easily accessible by any mini-bus heading to Bostanci. It is surrounded by upmarket residential areas, but the street itself is like a large open-air mall, known for its chic brand stores, department stores, restaurants, cafes and bars. The atmosphere is relaxed, there is a sense of style almost everywhere and most of the shops are open every day. Baghdad Caddesi has a length of 3.7 km from Bostancı to Kızıltoprak, almost parallel to the coastline.

Uskudar district
As for Uskudar, the history of its creation is no less interesting than the main attractions located there. It was founded as Greek colony in the 7th century BC. BC, the area grew outside the city walls of Byzantine Constantinople and was densely populated by Turks during the Ottoman Empire. Today there are many beautiful mosques, fountains, waterworks and palaces.

The main attractions of the area of modern Istanbul are:

• house Ostrog,
• mansion Edib Efendi,
• Beylerbey Mosque,
• Yeni Valide mosque,
• and the fountain of Ahmet III at Uskudar Square.

There are also many large old cemeteries in the area, including Jewish and Orthodox (Christian) cemeteries, Karacaahmet Mezarlığı (one of the largest cemeteries in Istanbul). You can get to Uskudare Square by taking a ferry from Eminonu and Besiktas or by taking a taxi from Kadikoy.

Maiden's Tower
Located on the top of a small island, which is located at a distance of two hundred meters from the coast of Uskudare. It appeared in the medieval Byzantine period, but only opened its doors to the general public in 2000. Today the tower has become a symbol of Turkey and can be seen in many drawings and paintings. In the James Bond film, Peace Is Not Enough, she is portrayed as the secret hideout of the villainous Electra.

Besides the fact that Kız Kulesi is a real historical value, there is a bar, cafe and restaurant. One of the best views in the town. Maiden Tower can be reached by boat from Uskudare-Salajak, or from Ortakey and Kabatas pier on the European side.

Above, we have listed only those attractions that are located near Sultanahmet Square, but in this area there are much more of them. It is impossible not to mention such important tourist sites as:

• to Edirnekapı,
• the building of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Church of St. Stephen in Fener,
• in the area of ​​the same name (" Golden Gate»),
• located north of the Aksaray district,
• west of Ataturk Boulevard,
• walls of the Old City,
• and (Eminenu).

Unknown sights of Istanbul

In the shadow of the most famous museums and architectural monuments, little-known sights of Istanbul are hidden. They are visited much less often, not because they are completely uninteresting. It's just that much less has been written about such places and tour operators are in no hurry to take their clients there, who are ready to pay for visiting the most famous sites. And the prices for such unknown sights of Istanbul are much lower, some of them can be visited for free, and this, in fact, on the contrary, should attract visitors during the next economic crisis. What are these secret attractions located in Istanbul?

Church of the Holy Virgin Mary
For example, the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in the area of ​​Unkapana ()... It is attended by representatives of different faiths, Muslims and Christians. People go there to worship special icons. Outwardly, it is practically unnoticeable. The church building itself was built in the 19th century.

Chinili Mosque
V, on Cinili Mesjit street, in quiet place is the Chinili mosque. This Muslim shrine is interesting for its external decoration. It is decorated with blue tiles on a white background. According to many architectural historians, this tile is called Iznik, while others believe that this creation belongs to an earlier period. In any case, it is very beautiful, the building of the mosque looks rich, even luxurious.

In the Sultanahmet area there is not only the famous St. Sophia Cathedral, but also its small prototype, called Little Hagia Sophia. This is the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. Few people know about its existence, but those who managed to visit it will confirm the similarity between the most famous cathedral in Istanbul and this mosque, which is still operating today. Near the temple is railway line and it collapses over time. Don't miss the opportunity to see another architectural monument of the Byzantine period.

No less amazing place- Kyuchuksu Kasra. A snow-white building on the shores of the Bosphorus, made in the Rococo style in the middle of the 19th century, was built as a hunting lodge for Sultan Abdul. It is very similar to the Dolmabahce Palace and this is not surprising, because the construction of Kucuksu was carried out by the son of the architect who erected the Sultan's residence.

Lipsa monastery
Next little known tourist site- Lipsa monastery. Today it no longer exists. That in the Byzantine era in the area of ​​the current avenue Vatan (Fatih) there was a similar shrine, only the building can speak Isa mosque... The monastery appeared in the 10th century and was rebuilt many times. It is known that the wives of the Byzantine emperors were buried there.

Another structure damaged by natural disasters from the Ottoman period. Sinan's mosque stands on one of the hills of Istanbul. Byzantine walls are visible from its windows.

Another less conspicuous mosque, named after the husband of the beautiful Mihrimah Rustem Pasha, is located at the Khasyrcilar market... It has one minaret, decorated with Iznik tiles, floral ornaments. There are more than four dozen species of tulips alone. This building was also designed by the famous architect Sinan.

Tomb of Sinan
If so many times have mentioned the genius architect who built magnificent buildings during the reign of Sultan Suleiman, then we will name another place that few people know about. This is the tomb of a talented architect. It is located in the Eminenu district, on the territory of the Suleymaniye mosque. The tomb, which is located above the burial place, was made by Sinan himself.

Emre Arrolata Mosque
We believe that the list of little-known sights of Istanbul will be successfully complemented by the Emre Arrolata underground mosque, located in the suburb of Buyukcekmece... It is really hidden underground, the interior decoration of the room is very laconic. There are no bright colors, carpets or mosaics. Of the decorative elements, only black glass on the wall can be called. Women there can be in a separate part of the prayer hall; a special gallery has been made for them.

Excursions during which you can see the sights of Istanbul

You can go to Istanbul and visit the main architectural monuments and museums of the city on your own, but in this case you will have to read a lot about the sights, study their addresses, coordinates, opening hours, find out which buses and metro lines go towards such places, etc. P. In addition, almost all individual tourists try to find out as much information as possible about where to stay in Istanbul, closer to attractions or near the airport, and then spend a lot of precious time looking for a hotel and checking in. If you do not take this matter seriously, then the proposed vacation can be tiresome. Moreover, even in a week you will not be able to get acquainted in detail with the most interesting places, not to mention having time to visit there, for example, in three days.

Another thing is tours to Istanbul, which offer good travel companies... They will settle you in advance reserved place, will show the best sights of the city, find out in advance the opening hours of museums and clarify other necessary nuances. So you can enjoy unusual places listening to stories in Russian from the best tour guides. When choosing a tour, know that weather in march or in April will be most suitable for excursions in Istanbul. And if you are going on a trip with a child, choose the program that, according to the experienced tour operator, will be the least tiring for the children.

Choice sightseeing tours the internet is just huge. In 1 day, of course, you will not be able to fully enjoy even a small fraction of the sights, so try to get a longer trip. We liked excursion routes"In the footsteps of Mimar Sinan - the great Ottoman architect" (in 5 days you can see the cathedral, mosques, baths, tombs, in the construction of which he took part), in 3 days there is an opportunity to plunge into the "Magnificent Ottoman Age" (this excursion in an extended version designed for more a long period time).
Excursion tours are no less interesting:

• "Eastern tale" (4 days),
• "Palaces of Istanbul" (3-6 days),
• "Palaces and Mosques of Istanbul" (4-8 days),
• and there are also excursions with the intriguing names "Following in the Footsteps of Robert Langton" or "Legacy of the Golden Horn".

In 2 days you will be able to see much less, but if you are thinking about whether to go or not, feel free to buy a "Weekend" tour and enjoy a definitely unforgettable weekend.

Attractions of Istanbul on the map:

Where is it better to stay in Istanbul for the first time for a few days or for a long period? Consider best deals inexpensive hotels and private accommodation for tourists with a focus on rest in good conditions and for visiting excursions.

The city is a huge metropolis, divided into many areas. If the traveler is interested in the question of where to stay in Istanbul, the answer will be one - closer to the main attractions. This will save time on the road, will help not to overcome huge distances by transport or on foot along tourist routes.

The peculiarity of the city is its location. The fact is that it is divided into two parts: European and Asian, divided among themselves by the Bosphorus. Crossing from one side to the other is as simple as walking across a bridge, using a ferry, or taking the metro through a tunnel.

• The city is divided into two parts: Asian and European:

Accommodation in Istanbul on the Asian side

This is not a tourist area, you can stay here for a few days of work or rent a house for a long period. Nearby is the Sabiha Gokce airport, beautiful embankment and many shops. Kadikoy and Uskudar are the main districts, here are such attractions: parks, Maiden Tower, Beylerbey Palace.

The best hotel rates can be found on RoomGuru, private offers from hosts can be found on Booking.com. The options below are found on these sites.

• Find hotels in Uskudar region →
• Find hotels in Kadikoy region →

Hotels economy class in this part of the city are represented by:

• Harem Hotel is a 3-star hotel with excellent sea views, comfortable rooms, price for accommodation from 2,700,000 rubles per day, accommodation is possible with pets.
• Elit palas apartments is a three-star hotel, the price starts from 1800 thousand rubles.

Hotels middle price category:

• Ramada Istanbul Asia Luxury Hotel - the price will be from 4000 thousand rubles.
• Agaoglu My City Hotel Atasehir - 3,500 rubles.
• Balsamo Hotel & Suites - from 5000 thousand rubles.

Prices are for daily accommodation, all hotels have a fairly developed infrastructure, comfortable rooms, equipped with everything you need.

Luxury 4- and 5-star hotels:

• Crowne Plaza Istanbul Oryapark is a five-star hotel, the price is about 10,000 thousand rubles.
• Volley Hotel Istanbul is a four-star hotel, the cost is from 6,500 thousand rubles.
• Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalams Marina Hotel- a five-star accommodation option, from 8,000 rubles.

The European side of Istanbul for relaxation

If you are looking for places to stay in Istanbul to visit, then the European side of the city will come in handy. It is divided into parts: Golden Horn Bay, Fatih and Beyoglu districts. It is here that all the main attractions of the city are concentrated.

Where is the best place to stay? Of course, in the districts of Fatih, Laleli, Bayazit, Sultanahmet, as well as the Sirkeci quarter.

• Find hotels in Fatih region →
• Find hotels in Beyoglu area →

Each area is somewhat unique and preferable in its own way, because this is the very heart of Istanbul. And in order for the rest to bring the maximum of positive impressions, it is necessary, based on personal preferences, to choose the most suitable option for yourself.

Fatih area for excursions

Represented by 57 quarters. Here is the Ataturk airport, a convenient transport interchange. The following attractions are located in the area:

• The Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar - the most visited in Istanbul, will help you to plunge into the local flavor and real Turkish goods;
• Topkapi Palace - the main attraction of Turkey, the residence of the padishahs;
• The Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosque - one of the most beautiful mosques, got its name from blue paintings, historical events are associated with it Ottoman Empire, was built in honor of Sultan Ahmet 1;
• Hagia Sophia or Saint - this is an Orthodox church, is under the protection of UNESCO, was built during the Roman Empire. One of the brightest sights of Turkey;
• The Basilica Cistern, or underground palace, is located in the heart of the city. This is a unique structure from the time of Justinian.

In addition, this is where the most popular tourist areas, which are convenient for living, because are as close as possible to all attractions and the very center of the city.

• Laleli;
• Shishli;
• Bayazit;
• Galata.

The Laleli area is also known as "semi-Russian". Tourists from Russian-speaking countries prefer to stay here. This is where the most cheap hotels booked on an all inclusive package located directly in the center of Istanbul. Convenient transport interchange, metro station, main attractions within walking distance, many shops.

Where to stay in the Laleli area?

Since the prices are quite democratic 5 star hotels here you can buy in the price range from 3000 thousand rubles per day. There are such options:

• DoubleTree By Hilton Istanbul - Old Town, rating 9, price - from 3000 rubles.
• Wyndham Istanbul Old City, rating 8, price from 3500 thousand rubles.

4-star hotels, middle category:

• Darkhill Hotel, rating 8.8, price from 2200 thousand rubles.
• Hotel Zurich Istanbul, rating 7.8, price from 2,000 rubles.
• Bekdas Hotel Deluxe, rating 8, price from 2300 thousand rubles.

Economy hotels class, 3 stars:

• Barin Hotel, price from 1600 thousand rubles.
• Hotel Buyuk Keban, price from 1800 thousand rubles.
• Corner Hotel, price from 2,000 rubles.

Hotels in the Laleli area are represented by hostels and rented private housing, apartments and houses, so to speak, without stars, the price of which will depend on the area and interior. We recommend this area to independent tourists who come to Istanbul for shopping with a stop for a few days of rest.

Areas Beyazit, Sirkeci recommended for accommodation of those tourists who came to Turkey for the first time. They are distinguished by convenient and simple transport interchange, which allows you to get to any place in Istanbul without unnecessary confusion. These are quite quiet and peaceful areas, with many parks and attractions.

District Sultanahmet- it history Center Istanbul, represented by the Marble Embankment.

Besiktas is the most respectable, it is here that expensive hotels, spas, hammams, etc. are concentrated. Tourists come here, whose purpose is not only sightseeing, but relaxation in comfortable conditions. For an excursion in this area, you can choose the Dolmahache Palace. This is a majestic architectural structure that replaced famous palace Topkapi, which was the seat of Turkish padishahs, has historical significance.

District Shishli- a modern business center with a very developed infrastructure, shopping malls... Ideal for tourists who like shopping. Beylog.

Also in the European part of Istanbul there are districts Karakei, Galata.

Galata is the most populous area, famous for its fun and noise, it is here that it is in full swing night life cities located here the best bars, restaurants, night clubs. There is also Istiklal Street - the longest pedestrian street where you can taste real Turkish cuisine and Taksim Square.

And also a local landmark - the Galata Tower, built in the 5th century, rising 61 meters and allowing you to see Istanbul from this height.

The Karakoy area is very quiet and calm, its location allows you to easily get to all the sights of Istanbul, there is also a pier, from where you can visit any sea excursion.

The Golden Horn is the best and harbor in the world, of natural origin, is itself a landmark of the city. But she became famous not only in our days, it was from here that the military and merchant ships of the Ottoman Empire, and earlier the Byzantines, came out.

Now, this is one of most popular places for recreation in the city, many come here to fish with a rod, directly from the Galata Bridge, you can also admire a beautiful view of the city, watch the sunset. This is the border between the two parts of Istanbul - Asian and European.

How to get to the city?

How to get to Istanbul inexpensively? For any independent traveler, saving is a priority. Cheap flights to Istanbul can be bought through the online search system on Aviasales, the search engine even searches among low-cost airlines, which will not only be a convenient way to get there, but will also allow you to find a ticket at a low price.

• Sabiha Gokce and Ataturk to Istanbul ⇒

• A transport card will help you get to attractions and hotels:

• You can get to some of the sights of Istanbul by metro:

Map with metro stops

Map of main attractions

Many tourists do not know where to stay closer to the attractions. Firstly, a map of tourist places will make it possible to imagine in which direction you will need to look for housing, and secondly, the services for booking accommodation, which will be discussed below, have a map of the location of real estate, therefore, finding a hotel or a private version of an apartment will not be difficult ...

Many gathering in Istanbul, dream of seeing all the main attractions of this many-sided city, visiting the most interesting places. But the problem is that there are so many of them in Istanbul that tourists get lost where to go first.

Temples, palaces, mosques, bazaars, museums - they all belong to different historical eras. Difficult to decide, especially if you don't have much time to sightsee in Istanbul.

And yet it is possible to distinguish 10 main places that you must see and visit. First of all, visit the historical part of Istanbul -. Because the main attractions of the city are concentrated here - Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern.

Near central square located Grand Bazaar- the largest and oldest bazaar in Istanbul. By tram, passing to the Eminonu stop, you will be taken to Egyptian bazaar(Spice Bazaar), where you can buy not only spices, but also various Turkish sweets.

Be sure to get into the fortress Rumelihisar... It is located on the shore. Apart from the historical significance of this fortress, we can only say that the walls of the fortress offer breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the bridge and the Asian part of Istanbul.

Kariye Museum, the former church of Christ the Savior, is famous for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes of the XIV century. Luxury Dolmabahce Palace will amaze anyone.

Well, this is a more modern Istanbul, although the retro tram that runs along Istiklal Street can hardly be called modern.

TOP 10 Attractions of Istanbul.

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Of course, I would add here the district and Ortakoy, the Galata Tower, the Asian part of Istanbul, and Rustem Pasha, Miniaturk, Eyup Sultan Mosque, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art ... you can still list the places that deserve attention for a long time, because Istanbul is endlessly interesting and diverse.

I am sure that everyone who has visited Istanbul has his own TOP 10. Share your impressions, add your favorite places of this amazing city to this list.

Istanbul is the capital of Turkey and the largest city in the country. It houses the main ports as well as major centers industry, culture and trade. The city stands on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, which divides it into two regions: European and Asian. They are connected by means of several bridges and a metro tunnel. In terms of the number of inhabitants, Istanbul is in first place in Europe, if we take into account the inhabitants of both parts of the city. Thanks to its ancient history, Istanbul has preserved many attractions that attract a large number of tourists every year. In this article, we'll take a look at the best sights of istanbul.

1. Hagia Sophia

The famous landmark of Istanbul, known as Hagia Sophia, is one of the first Christian churches. It was erected in 324 AD. e. The building was constructed from the best material at that time - marble, which was delivered from places such as Numidia, Karista, Hierapolis and Proconnis. Moreover, according to the imperial circular, elements of other, even more ancient buildings were actively used in the construction of the cathedral. The most famous example was the delivery of eight porphyry columns from the Temple of the Sun, which was located in Rome. The architecture of the cathedral is an oblong quadrangle, which makes it possible to form three naves at once, the middle of them is the widest, and the side ones are much narrower. Interior decoration at all times has been distinguished by unprecedented luxury. For example, a golden floor covered with mosaics, or 8 jasper columns brought from Ephesus. The main attraction of the Hagia Sophia is the Weeping Column. V ancient legend it is said that if you put your hand in a small niche, and then, feeling the moisture, make some wish - sooner or later it will come true. No less interesting is the "cold window", where a cool wind always blows, regardless of the weather.

2. Blue Mosque

Attractions of Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque are business card cities. It is also the main mosque in Istanbul. There are six minarets in it, where four, according to tradition, are located on the sides, and the last two are at the outer corners of the building. Also, the Blue Mosque is considered to be one of the greatest examples of both Islamic architecture and the world, since it combines Byzantine and classical Ottoman styles. One legend is connected with the construction of this mosque, according to which the sultan initially gave an order to build four minarets. However, due to confusion, six were built, which was a sacrilege, because the main shrine of Islam, the Masjid Al-Haram mosque, located in Mecca, also had six minarets. The Blue Mosque was built in 1616, while it was part of a large architectural complex, which included a hospital, a caravanserai, a madrasah, many kitchens and charitable institutions. Subsequently, some of these buildings collapsed, but the mosque itself has survived and proudly rises above the city.

3. Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is a fairly ancient historical area and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. The name is derived from the Sultanahmet mosque of the same name (also known as the Blue Mosque). It is from here that most tourists begin their acquaintance with the city. The main square is always filled with people and a huge number of merchants, in addition, most of Istanbul's attractions are within walking distance. Especially interesting for tourists are the Basilica Cistern, the Archaeological Museum, Topkany Palace, Gulhane Park, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. Part main square was built on an ancient hippodrome, which is why many locals call it Meydana Hippodrome.

4. Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque is the second largest mosque in Istanbul, while it is the leader in size, accommodating more than 5 thousand people. It was built according to the order of Suleiman in 1557. The height of the building was as much as 53 meters, and the width was only 26. Considerable damage to the mosque was caused by a fire that happened in 1660, and after an earthquake in 1766 part of the dome collapsed. Nevertheless, it was possible to restore it, so now any tourist can visit the Suleymaniye Mosque.

5. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is definitely included in the list of the main attractions of Istanbul. It belonged to the main palaces of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire until about the 19th century. Built on Cape Sarayburnu, it is there that the Bosphorus Strait, together with the Golden Horn Bay, begins to flow into the Sea of ​​Marmara. Subsequently, the state collapsed, and the palace turned into a gigantic museum. On display were about 65 thousand exhibits, and this is only a small part of what is hidden in it. Myself palace and park ensemble extends over 700 thousand square meters. m.

6. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is one of the modern symbols of Istanbul, which every tourist must visit. Its height is 61 meters. It was erected by the Genoese in 1348-1349 AD. Also, a part of the defensive ditch and a part of the wall have survived to this day. The tower was rebuilt and restored several times, for example, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror ordered to reduce the size of the tower by 7 meters by removing the dome. Also, the Galastka Tower was an observatory during the reign of Murad III. Now in its upper part there is a restaurant, a nightclub and observation deck, which offers an excellent view of the entire city.

7. Dolmabahce Palace

Another interesting tourist place in Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace, which belongs to the main residences of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire. The construction of the building was initiated in 1842, since Sultan Abdul-Majid I began to weigh on the former Topkapi palace complex, at the same time, he wanted to have his own baroque palace, which could compete in luxury with European residences of the 18th century. It is known that more than 14 tons of gold were spent to decorate the interior, as well as the Crystal Staircase. Now the palace has been transferred to the category of museums, however, you can see its interior and some of the exhibits only as part of an excursion. Initially, Dolmabahce Palace had a rather compact size, but over time it has expanded noticeably.

8. Maiden's Tower

The Maiden Tower is located in the Asian part of the city, on a small island in the middle of the Bosphorus, in the Uksudar region. Now the tower has become a real symbol of Istanbul and attracts many tourists. There are many theories about when exactly and why it was built. Some historians believe that the tower was erected as a watchtower during the reign of Constantine. Subsequently, the Maiden Tower was used as a lighthouse, an isolation hospital, where people sick with cholera were admitted, and criminals sentenced to death were also kept there. Currently, the tower has been converted into a restaurant.

9. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of the largest reservoirs of the former Constantinople that have survived to the present day. The Basilica itself bears little resemblance to the palace complex. The cistern is located near the Hagia Sophia. The tank served as a reliable storage facility for water in the event of a drought or other incident. In total, the Basilica could contain up to 80 thousand m³ of water, which makes this structure unique in its own way. After the conquest of the city by the Turks, the reservoir was abandoned. It was restored and cleaned only in 1987; now there is a museum on this site.

10. Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest markets on the planet. Located in the old part of Istanbul and extends over 30,700 m². More than 4 thousand shops are divided between 66 streets. More than half a million tourists pass through the market per day and local residents... A visit to this Istanbul landmark will be unforgettable! Here you can buy almost everything, from jewelry to souvenirs, ceramics and many other goods. The construction of the market began immediately after the Turks captured Constantinople by order of Mehmed II. The construction was carried out on the basis of several markets of the former capital of Byzantium. Subsequently, the bazaar was often redeveloped and continued to expand.