Topkapı Palace

Historisch

The Topkapı Palace, or the Seraglio, is a large museum in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Construction, ordered by the Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, began in 1459, six years after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapı was originally called the "New Palace" to distinguish it from the Old Palace in Beyazıt Square. It was given the name Topkapı, meaning Cannon Gate, in the 19th century. The complex expanded over the centuries, with major renovations after the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. Female members of the Sultan's family lived in the harem, and leading state officials, including the Grand Vizier, held meetings in the Imperial Council building. After the 17th century, Topkapı gradually lost its importance. The sultans of that period preferred to spend more time in their new palaces along the Bosphorus. In 1856 Sultan Abdulmejid I decided to move the court to the newly built Dolmabahçe Palace.

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

Moschee

No other building reflects the soul of Istanbul and its turbulent past like the world-famous Hagia Sophia. Entrance to the Hagia Sophia is free of charge. Please remember that it can only be visited outside of prayer times. Hagia Sofia is one of the world's greatest cultural heritages. Those who want to learn the hidden details and stories about this magnificent monument are recommended to take a tour with professional guides. The Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) experienced almost the entire history of Constantinople and became the symbol of the Golden Age of Byzantium and the city of Istanbul. The first basilica construction with a wooden roof was completed in 360 and burnt down in 404 in an uprising. A new building under Theodosius II was inaugurated in 415 and went up in flames during the reign of Justinian in the Nika Revolt of 532. A third and last construction of the Hagia Sophia was arranged immediately afterwards and opened on the 26th of December 537. Until the end of the Byzantine Empire, the Hagia Sophia was used as a Greek Orthodox cathedral and was the venue for the most important ceremonies in the region. During the Latin occupation of 1204-1261, all holy relics were removed, and the church served as a Roman Catholic cathedral. Until the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Hagia Sophia was the largest Christian church in the world.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Historisch

Dolmabahçe Palace was ordered by the Empire's 31st Sultan, Abdülmecid I, and built between the years 1843 and 1856. Previously, the Sultan and his family had lived at the Topkapı Palace, but as the medieval Topkapı was lacking in contemporary style, luxury, and comfort, as compared to the palaces of the European monarchs, Abdülmecid decided to build a new modern palace near the site of the former Beşiktaş Sahil Palace, which was demolished. Hacı Said Ağa was responsible for the construction works, while the project was realized by architects Garabet Balyan, his son Nigoğayos Balyan and Evanis Kalfa (members of the Armenian Balyan family of Ottoman court architects).

Rainbow stairs

Sehenswert

Galata Tower

Wahrzeichen

Galata Tower, topped with a distinctive witch’s-hat roof, is one of the most impressive and popular landmarks in Istanbul. Dating back to 14th century, the tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful Istanbul and has a massive cone shaped structure that was built at approximately 38 meters above the sea level and rises to a height of 62 meters above its base. There is an amazing view of the Historical Peninsula, Golden Horn and Bosphorus through Princes’ Islands from the tower that encompasses Istanbul. We recommend you to enter this place where you can see the whole view of Istanbul. In addition, according to the rumor, you would marry the first person you watched the view with in Galata Tower. So if the person you want to marry is not with you, reconsider buying a ticket.