Istanbul is a dream city for history and culture lovers. This magical city unites two continents with its bridges and attracts people with its history. Sultanahmet, located in the heart of Istanbul, stands out as a region that best reflects this historical and cultural richness. Sultanahmet is one of the most central places in the city and is almost like an open-air museum. This is an indispensable point for those who want to explore Istanbul's historical and cultural heritage. These places help us understand the city's past and today's Istanbul. Here are the places to visit in Sultanahmet;
Sultanahmet Square
Istanbul stands out as a city famous for its historical and cultural richness. Sultanahmet Square, located in the center of this magnificent city, is a reflection of these riches. Sultanahmet Square represents the historical legacy of an area that was used as a hippodrome during the Byzantine Empire. This square, which has been considered the center of Istanbul for years, is still one of the city's most important squares today.
Among the list of places to visit in Sultanahmet, Sultanahmet Square is located in the center of the region called the Historical Peninsula and this region hosts the most important touristic and historical places of Istanbul. The area around and inside this square is full of fascinating historical buildings. The first building that catches your attention is the German Fountain. This fountain, which was built in Germany and then brought to Istanbul piece by piece and assembled here, dazzles with its eight columns and tiled exterior. The German Fountain further enriches the historical atmosphere of Sultanahmet Square.
When you arrive at Sultanahmet Square, a pleasant break as well as historical and cultural discoveries await you. Having a cup of coffee or a delicious meal in the cafes and restaurants around the square is a great opportunity to enjoy a day on the streets of Istanbul. The square is a meeting point for tourists, artisans and art lovers. Curious tourists plan to shop in the surrounding shops or visit the surrounding museums.
Sultanahmet Mosque
Istanbul welcomes visitors from all over the world as a city steeped in history and culture. Sultanahmet, located right in the center of this fascinating city, is famous for its historical and touristic places. Sultanahmet Mosque, which is at the top of the list of places to visit in Sultanahmet, is one of the most magnificent and eye-catching buildings of this district.
The Blue Mosque was built at the beginning of the 17th century by the famous architect Sedef Mehmet Aga. This fascinating mosque is not only a place of worship, but also an elegant example of art and architecture. The architecture of the mosque bears a beauty that reflects the wealth and splendor of the Ottoman Empire of the time. One of the most striking features of the Blue Mosque is the blue tiles used in its decorations. These tiles are covered with elegant patterns and figures that decorate the interior of the mosque. For this reason, the Blue Mosque is also called the Blue Mosque. These magnificent blue tiles transform the interior of the mosque into an art gallery.
Sultanahmet Mosque is not only a visual feast. The mosque also fascinates with its rich history and culture. As a complex structure, there are many important areas within the mosque that are open to visitors as well as worshippers. These include the mosque's library, a guesthouse and a museum displaying religious artifacts. These spaces offer visitors the opportunity to discover more closely the historical and cultural significance of the mosque.
Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive and important buildings in the world. Rising in Sultanahmet Square in the heart of Istanbul, this magnificent structure was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 4th century. The most remarkable feature of Hagia Sophia is that it is one of the churches with the largest dome at that time. The building has become the symbol of Constantinople, the center of the Byzantine Empire.
Having undergone many changes throughout its history, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire after the conquest of Istanbul in the 15th century. During this period, minarets were added to the building and it was reorganized under the influence of Islamic art. Hagia Sophia was used as a mosque for about 500 years. However, in 1935 it was restored by the Republic of Turkey to be used as a museum. With this decision, Hagia Sophia became a fascinating museum, opened to share its rich history and cultural heritage with visitors. This historic building is filled with artifacts of great religious and artistic significance.
Obelisk
The Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, full of historical riches, is a magnificent destination that welcomes thousands of tourists every year. One of the eye-catching beauties of this region is the obelisk decorated with hieroglyphic engravings. The obelisk is a unique artifact thought to have been brought from Egypt and erected in Sultanahmet Square in 390 BC.
When it comes to places to visit in Sultanahmet, the obelisk is a monument rising in the center of Istanbul, which has been home to different civilizations throughout history. The fact that this monument weighs 200 tons and is 20 meters high is considered a great engineering marvel, not only because it was brought from Egypt, but also because it was transported and erected. The rise of this majestic obelisk in Sultanahmet Square not only contributes to the history and cultural heritage of Istanbul, but also arouses great curiosity about how this great monument was transported. How this stone, brought from Egypt, was brought to Istanbul and erected nearly a thousand years ago remains a mystery.
More than just a historical monument, the obelisk offers visitors the opportunity to experience the magic and mystery of the past. This enormous stone, decorated with hieroglyphic engravings, has become a symbol that keeps Egypt's rich cultural heritage alive in Sultanahmet Square. The Obelisk, which is among the Places to Visit in Sultanahmet, is a place that inspires both history buffs and art lovers. When you come here, you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets underlying this magnificent work and the rich past of Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace began to be built towards the end of the 15th century and became the center of the Ottoman Empire. The palace was built on a hill overlooking a magnificent view of the Bosphorus. Initially, the palace was used not only as the residence of the Sultan, but also as the administrative center of the state. It was in this magnificent complex that the Ottoman Sultans conducted government affairs and took many important decisions that symbolized the sultanate.
When you visit Topkapi Palace, you are greeted by a fascinating array of buildings and areas. When you pass through Bab-ı Humayun, the entrance gate of the palace, you are greeted by a magnificent courtyard and flower-filled gardens. The Harem, one of the most impressive parts of the palace, is reserved for the families and servants of the sultans. The Harem tour opens the doors of this private space to visitors and offers the opportunity to witness more closely the private lives of the Ottoman rulers.
One of the most interesting collections of Topkapi Palace is found in the Topkapi Palace Museum. The museum is a treasure trove of rare artifacts and artworks from the Ottoman Empire. Here you can see the crowns and costumes of the sultans, swords decorated with precious stones, works of art from the Islamic world and much more.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to fill the gaps left by the collapsed buildings during the construction of the walls of Istanbul. This impressive underground structure was designed to bring water from Belgrade to meet the water needs of the people. It was built on 336 columns that were used to transport water at the time of its construction and these columns are the most striking feature of the cistern. Strolling through the cistern between these columns is a historical journey for the visitors.
The entrance to the Basilica Cistern is like a gateway to a fascinating underground world, where one descends by stairs and then illuminated by lightings. This mysterious space feels like a city beneath Istanbul. Inside the cistern, silence and coolness reign and this environment offers visitors some serenity and relaxation.
As you walk through the cistern, the image of the columns reflected on the surface of the water mesmerizes you like magic. This special atmosphere has also been a source of inspiration for artists and photographers. You can take a romantic walk inside the cistern or you can explore the historical and architectural details.
Gulhane Park
Sultanahmet, one of the historical districts of Istanbul, is a fascinating region that carries the traces of the past at every step. One of the pearls hidden in this historical richness of Sultanahmet is Gülhane Park.
Gülhane Park takes its name from a park depicted as a walnut tree by Nazım Hikmet, one of the great names of Turkish poetry, and described by Cem Karaca with mesmerizing melodies. This special park is a part of not only Istanbul's cultural heritage, but also that of Turkey as a whole. This fascinating area, which has been used for many different purposes throughout its history, is the perfect escape for those who want to find peace today.
Gülhane Park was used as a palace garden during the Ottoman Empire. Spread over a huge 100-acre area, this park resembles a paradise where you can get lost in flowers and greenery. The historical and natural beauties of Gülhane Park are ideal for those who want to escape the crowded and noisy streets of Istanbul and spend time in a serene atmosphere. While strolling through the park, you can observe trees intertwined with history and eye-catching flower gardens. Various sculptures from the Ottoman period, historical buildings and open-air events organized in the park during the summer months make Gülhane Park even more attractive.
Haseki Hamam
Sultanahmet, Istanbul's neighborhood full of history and culture, is home to many places to visit that will fascinate you with its rich history. The Haseki Bath, which is located in this unique neighborhood and was built at the request of Hürrem Sultan, one of the great sultans of the Ottoman Empire, is one of the places worth seeing in Sultanahmet.
The Haseki Hamam was built by the famous Architect Sinan in the 16th century and is actually known by its full name, Hürrem Sultan Hamam. This bath was built at the request of Hürrem Sultan, one of the most powerful and influential female figures of the Ottoman Empire. As Sultan Suleiman's haseky, Hürrem Sultan was one of the most influential women of her time and this bath was built to honor her memory.
German Fountain
Sultanahmet Square is a great starting point for exploring the historical and cultural richness of Istanbul. Sultanahmet stands out as a region that has been under the influence of different civilizations throughout history and has preserved these influences until today. The building at the heart of this area, also known as the German Fountain, offers a beautiful example of this interaction. The German Fountain was built by the Germans, but it was heavily influenced by Islamic architecture.
Discover the Perfect Family Stay at Star Holiday Hotel in Sultanahmet
For families visiting Istanbul, the Sultanahmet Hotel Star Holiday in is an excellent choice, combining a central location with comfort and convenience. Situated within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, this hotel allows you to explore Istanbul’s rich history with ease. The spacious and well-appointed rooms ensure a comfortable stay for families, while the hotel’s family-friendly amenities, such as a complimentary breakfast buffet, cater to the needs of all ages.
