The Blue Mosque was built in the 17th century, when the Ottoman Empire was at the peak of its power. The mosque is a wonderful example of classical architecture and takes its name from the blue tiles inside. The mosque is located in the most touristic spot in Istanbul today. The building is surrounded by…

Dolmabahce Palace hosted the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire between 1856 and 1923. Located in one of the most beautiful places of the Bosphorus, the palace stands out with its magnificent view. The first palace of the Ottoman sultans was the traditional Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet. However, with the influence of Westernization in the…

Galata Tower was built for military purposes by the allied Genoese colony located in Constantinople in the 14th century, when the Byzantine Empire still ruled the city. During the Ottoman period, the tower became a watchtower used by firefighters. The square around the tower is today one of the most beautiful tourist centers in Istanbul….

Basilica Cistern was built by the famous Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century. The Cistern is a masterpiece of Eastern Roman architecture and is today one of the most important Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. The Cistern stands out as a Byzantine structure built in the same period as Hagia Sophia, the most famous historical…

Hagia Sophia was built in 537 and after serving as a church for 900 years, it was converted into a mosque in 1453. Although the building serves as an active mosque today, its upper floor can be visited with a ticket as a museum. Muslims who want to worship in Hagia Sophia and tourists admitted…