Bakırköy City in Istanbul

Bakırköy is a suburb which has features of being sea side and of being historical district based on too past. Also, Bakırköy was the largest district which has largest surface area until 1989, however, Küçükçekmece has left the Bakırköy first and became a district. Then Bahçelievler, Bağcılar and Güngören became districts of Istanbul. After these events, Bakırköy was seriously degraded and the population was decreased drastically.

After giving general knowledge about the county, we mention the history of Bakırköy which is important for Istanbul because the county has been protected for Byzantine Era. During Byzantine Era, Bakırköy was the center of military and political and in these times the name of district was Hebdomon. Later, several times the name was changed such as Jeptimun, Makrohori, Makriköy and in 1925 Makriköy, which was called in Ottoman Empire Era, was changed as Bakırköy in the Republic of Turkey Period. Yeşilköy (green village), where the name was Ayastefanos in ancient time, was under the occupation of the Russian that caused seriously the deterioration of structure. In addition, one of the most important events was the French occupation. After the War of Salvation, occupation had been removed and the county was taken the first step to the Republic, therefore, the most important and historical places are located in Yeşilköy, with old name in Ayastefanos.

The economy of Bakırköy is based on industry and trade. Commercial shopping centers of Bakırköy which provide the needs of people are Galleria, Carousel, Town Center, Capacity and Marmara Forum. There are also many classrooms and special schools that caused to increase the level of social life and culture as well as mobility and commercial life. These keep alive the county. You should visit Bakırköy to witness of historical heritage.

Beykoz City in Istanbul

Beykoz near the west part of Kocaeli- Catalca is located in Kocaeli Peninsula. Because of the Bosphorus appearing clearly from Istanbul, Beykoz has a special feature of the town of Istanbul. At the same time Beykoz is a county of having both Black Sea and Marmara Coasts. Beykoz and the surrounding are generally covered by forests which consist of linden trees, oak trees, hornbeams, hazelnut trees.

In general Beykoz was a region with factories due to industrialization in the early years of Republican period. Increasing in the number of factories, the settlements in this area was actualized by the workers. The relocation of the Bosphorus, one of the most beautiful places in the next few years was a huge increase in interest. The Bosphorus shores of the region especially in recent years have started to overflow with villas. Constructing with this respect, a very different dimension of Beykoz district seems to be carried and will carry even more. Beykoz is one of the districts referred by people who have high levels of economic income.

Besides the positive aspects, you can view the problems as a lot of common problems of Istanbul in this county. Unplanned urbanization can be seen clearly. Many of the houses in this district without a title deed and the so-called squatter settlements are tending. This reconstruction problem which occurred in the district laid the groundwork due to the sub- structure. Beykoz district also contains the settlements within the former. These settlements are Merkez, Yalıköy, Anatolian Fortress and Kanlıca, Paşabahçe. Detached houses belonging to people in these places to be in the style of old-style houses that smell of these regions by two wall, and this aspect has been a factor in the county has added a different air.

Eyüp City in Istanbul

It will not be wrong to say that Eyüp is the most important and special place among the districts of Istanbul. The history of Eyüp based on very ancient time and has vital importance. If we consider the name of county, we can see it came from ancient time too so we should talk about history.

Eyüp was located outside the walls of the province covering the area in the Byzantine Era, but there was a village. The reason of that, there were two rivers and large amounts of clean water was supplied from these rivers. During this period, there was a church located in the village. This church was used as a cemetery for a while. A person whose name was Zaid bin Khalid from the Prophet had been attended the conquest of Istanbul and killed during the conquest. The person was known as Eyüp Sultan and the grave of Eyüp Sultan was buried in here and gave the name to the region. The grave is located in Eyüp Sultan Mosque. From this time, the region has been called as Eyüp. Tourists visit the county certain times of the every year.

Istanbul had been growing unplanned in 17th and 18th centuries. In these centuries, Turkish communities and Caucasians began to come in the city Istanbul from the Balkans so Eyüp began to lose its former importance because factories had been established along the banks of Golden Horn with the effect of the industrial revolution. The first established factory was Feshane which was established to produce fez for the Ottoman Army.

When we look at the present day, we can say the all factories which were established during the industrial revolution were shut down but the factories have been established in other places. It was known by everyone that the estuary (Haliç) was smelling too bad and after closure of factories, the odor was eliminated so Eyüp has been started to gain the importance back. Pierre Loti who was a poet was recognized with admiration of Istanbul and in Eyüp there are a café which name is Pierre Loti and it is one of the most beautiful places which have a glamorous view of Istanbul.

Nişantaşı City in Istanbul

Nisantasi is a quarter of Istanbul, Turkey, comprising neighbourhoods like Tesvikiye, Osmanbey, Macka and Pangalty. It includes the stores of world famous brands and has many popular cafés, pubs, restaurants and night clubs. It is a part of the Sisli district. Abdi Ipekci Street, Turkeys most expensive shopping street in terms of lease prices, stretches from the neighbourhoods of Maçka and Tesvikiye to the center of Nisantasi.

Nisantasi was settled by Sultan Abdülmecid in the middle of the 19th century. He erected two obelisks to define the beginning point and the ending point of the quarter. He ordered the construction of the Neo-Classical style Tesvikiye Police Station and the Neo-Baroque style Tesvikiye Mosque for a proper district, encouraging the citizens of Istanbul to settle here (hence the name Tesvikiye which means Encouragement in Ottoman Turkish).

The word Nisantasi literally means Aiming Stone (target stone) in Turkish. Before the land had been granted for public use, it was an area where Ottoman soldiers used to shoot at target stones for improving their aiming skills. Some of these target stones, which are shaped like small obelisks and have Ottoman Turkish inscriptions on them, are still found on the pavements of Nisantasi as monuments from the past.

Following the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, many Turks from Thessaloniki (Selânik, which was an Ottoman metropolis until 1912) settled in the Nisantasi district of Istanbul; including the family of the famous Turkish poet Nazym Hikmet. Apart from the Turks, the district also had sizeable Greek, Jewish, Armenian and Levantine communities.

Nisantasi is famous for its many Art Nouveau apartment buildings and is home to several prominent figures of the Turkish jet-set, culture and art. Nobel laureate Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk is one of the local residents, and the quarter formed the background in several of his novels. It is a place where you can easily see famous people walking on the street any time during a day. In Nisantasi you can have a cup of coffee at Armani Café or shop at the nearby Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Escada, Kenzo, Max Mara or any other famous boutique within walking distance. Citys Nisantasi, opened in 2008, is a Saks Fifth Avenue style shopping mall which aims at the high-end consumer group and is mostly dedicated to the famous fashion brands. People living in Nisantasi are mostly wealthy and well-educated. Also, Nisantasi has the largest community of foreign residents in Istanbul after Taksim and Cihangir.

Especially on Saturday nights Nisantasi becomes crowded with people who come to the famous pubs and cafés of this district to spend some time. On Sundays the neighbourhood becomes less crowded and is mostly left to its residents.

Uskudar City in Istanbul

Üsküdar is one of the most beautiful and interesting districts of Istanbul. Üsküdar where are many different features and contrasts has the unique historical structures. The symbol of the Istanbul, Bosphorus Bridge is located in the interior lands of the district so Üsküdar should be visited, you will feel some pleasure absolutely.

District seems to have variety the neighbor to neighbor. This difference appears in every perspective. In some places sites have been established which have high standards of living, while some places have opposite situation. Üsküdar where is one of the oldest districts was conquered by Orhan Bey in period of Ottoman Empire. After conquest, Turkish population started to increase. The district has been an important transportation center from ancient times even the period of BC. Empires which were founded in Üsküdar during BC gave the importance to the district because of the harbor and transportation.

Üsküdar is one of the most important counties of historical city, Istanbul because there are so many values. Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is located the boundaries of Üsküdar, the tower is undoubtedly the most important value. Maiden’s Tower is the only building remaining from the Byzantine Era in Üküdar. Firstly the historical building was a cemetery, then Byzantine Era was used as customs station. By the time of the Ottoman Empire, the tower was used as exile rooms and an area for festivals. Today, the building draws the tourist’s attraction. Around the tower, different mosques have founded and they are the symbols of Istanbul.

We must mention the Üsküdar Çamlıca Hill, it is a natural value of Istanbul. Bosphorus Bridge is seen from the Çamlıca Hill beautiful, this view must affect you absolutely.

Ortaköy City in Istanbul

Ortakoy has had an important place in the daily life of the city during both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Turks, Jews, Greeks and Armenians still live there peacefully, side by side. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent encouraged the Turks to move to Ortaköy and live there, which marked the beginning of the Turkish presence in the neighbourhood. One of the oldest buildings in Ortaköy is the Turkish Bath built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan in 1556.

 

The famous Ortaköy Mosque, located on the coastal pier square, was originally built in the 18th century. Later, in the 19th century, the current mosque, ordered by Sultan Abdülmecid and designed by architects (father and son) Garabet Amira Balyan and Nigogayos Balyan in Neo-Baroque style, was edificed between 1854 and 1856.

In 1871, Sultan Abdülaziz built the Çyra?an Palace in Ortaköy, where he lived for some time. Çyragan Palace was also used as the Ottoman Parliament building until it was severely damaged by a fire in 1910. The palace was repaired and restored in the 1980s and is known today as the Cyragan Palace Kempinski Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Istanbul.

Ortakoy is one of the nicest neighborhoods of Besiktas districts in the European side of Istanbul on the Bosphorus Strait, right under the first Bosphorus bridge. In Turkish it means “middle village” because it was in the middle of the strait, and during the Ottoman period it was just a small fishing village and a resort for the Ottoman dignitaries because of its attractive location. After many years, the district is still a popular spot for local people and foreign visitors.

Ortakoy has many cafeterias and tea houses around a square near the water or in the alleys, moderate or expensive restaurants, bars, small shops and a market which gets very lively during the weekends. In the summer time there are even small size concerts or street shows etc. Many world class night clubs are also in this area, on the Bosphorus.

Ortakoy center lies within a triangle of a Muslim mosque, a Christian church, and a Jewish synagogue, witnessing the religious freedom and mosaic in Turkey as a secular state. Other interesting sites within Ortakoy district are: Ciragan Palace hotel which used to be a palace, Kabatas High School from late Ottoman period, Feriye restaurant which used be the hunting mansion of the sultans, Princess Hotel, Sortie night club and Reina night club. A small pier is connecting Ortakoy to other neighborhoods on the Asian side by passenger ferries.

Şişli City in Istanbul

Şişli is the very old county of Istanbul and based on a fundamental property. Şişli, has been a residential area since ancient times, contains many historical monuments.

It is suggested that the oldest district, Tatavla, was established in the first quarter of the 16thcentury. The settlement in Şişli was too little until the beginning of the 19th century. Population was very rare in here and most places were isolated. The most important reason of the situation is that there were full of fields. After the 19th century, Maçka and Pangaltı had started to be residential areas. In 1870, a major fire emerged and it took place in history as the largest fire, Beyoğlu, so buildings and residential areas were damaged very much, therefore, large part of people were homeless. After the negative situation, the buildings were constructed around Harbiye and given to these homeless people. Osman Bey , the founder of Matbaa-I Osmaniye( printing), had bought a wide soil between Harbiye and Şişli and made a mansion built. After the first step, mansions began to be built especially in Harbiye, Teşvikiye and Nişantaşı in the last quarter of the 19th century and population began to increase.

The Pediatric Hospital is one of the major medical centers of Istanbul not only the county and was established in 1890s. The boundaries of the county are quite extensive as the boundaries of many counties. There are many positive results of the wide boundaries, one of which is opportunity of culture and art activities. There can be found the ruins of Ottoman. In addition, there are some old type buildings and they have already been beautiful.

The region is a point of the conjunction the old and new life styles. It won’t be wrong to say that Şişli is the most developed county of Istanbul because Şişli has been improving in all aspects and keeping pace for changing years.

Princes Islands İstanbul

Princes’ Islands

Undoubtedly the most beautiful and interesting places are the Princes’ Islands.  The article is about to architectural structures, ethnic structures and history of Princes’ Islands. Firstly the Princes’ Islands consist of nine islands and total population of all islands occurs in 2010 nearly 20.500. The center and focal point of the Princes’ Islands is Büyükada (Big Island) and the island consists of five districts. They are listed.

1-Maden District

2-Nizam District

3-Kınalıada District

4-Burgazada District

5-Heybeliada District

Princes’ Islands reflect the historical features of Istanbul, perhaps the best. The islands were used as a place of banishment and exile for members of palace, so islands were named as Princes’ Islands.

The distance of the islands to the center of Istanbul is approximately 13 nautical miles or we can say 25 kilometers. The most remote island is Tavşanadası and the nearest one is Kınalıada. Transportation to the islands is easier in today. In ancient times it was more limited. The first steamship voyage was begun from Galata Bridge in 1846. Today’s the voyages are provided from Kabataş, Kadıköy and Bostancı scaffolds.

Population of islands has shown variability in each semester. That’s why is that minorities live here and political events effect people so the population didn’t increase continuously. However, this system and the social structure changed today. Greek and Armenian minorities decreased seriously and the change was a result of placement of Turks.

Finally, the names of the islands that make up the county are listed.

1) Büyükada (Big Island)

2) Kınalıada (Henna Island)

3) Burgazada (Antigoni)

4) Heybeliada (Chalki)

5) Yassıada (Plati)

6) Sivriada (Oxeia)

7) Kaşıkadası

8) Sedef Adası

9) Tavşanada

The Princes Islands’ are easily reachable from Istanbul. Frequent ferries depart from Eminonu and stop in at the four main islands.

Istıklal Caddesi in Istanbul

Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street), arguably Istanbul’s most famous street, is located in the city’s Beyoglu district on the European side. Formerly called Cadde-i Kebir (Grand Avenue) or the Grand Rue de Pera, its name was changed following the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. Literally millions of people visit this wide and gracious pedestrianised boulevard each day to enjoy the multitude of shops, cafes, bars, art galleries, restaurants, cinemas, churches, synagogues, mosques and embassies.

A nostalgic tram runs the almost 3km length of Istiklal Street, beginning at Taksim Square and ending at Tünel. The tram’s subway systems is the second oldest in the world, rivalling only that of London’s Underground. It’s a popular option for those wanting to escape the crowds or rest their feet, and is a quaint way to enjoy the 19th century architecture and energy of Istiklal from up high.

Shoppers won’t be disappointed, with a large array of big names like Mango and Bershka alongside smaller Turkish stores. As Turkey is one of the primary exporters of textiles to Europe, factory seconds for big European department stores like H&M can be bought cheaply on the side streets off Istiklal, particularly towards the Tünel end of the street. There are also a number of second hand and vintage storess.

On any given night, revellers pack Istiklal and the small side streets to eat, drink and sing with gusto. For a truly Turkish experience, head to the meyhanes off Balik Pazari (Fish Market) on Nevizade Street, as well as its pretty neighbour, Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage). If you’ve got any energy left, there are a number of nightclubs which play a variety of music including rock, hip hop, reggae, blues, jazz, salsa and Turkish pop music.

Istiklal Street also has a number of popular places of worship including the Hagia Triada, a Greek Orthodox Church; the Roman Catholic Saint Mary and San Antonio di Padova churches; the Armenian Saint Mary Catholic Church as well as the Huseyin Aga Mosque.

How to get to Istiklal Street – Taksim in Istanbul:

Istiklal street is the busiest street from Taksim Square.
From Sultanahmet: Taksim square is the heart of the new city and it is easily accessible from most parts of the city. From Sultanahmet, take the T-1 Zeytinburnu – Kabatas tram in the direction of Kabatas and get off at the last stop. From Kabatas, take the funicular to Taksim.

Rüstem Pasha Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

The Rüstem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii, 1560) in Istanbul’s Eminönü district by the Golden Horn, is among the city’s architectural gems—yet seen by few foreign visitors.

Rüstem Paşa, who was born in Croatian and was a groom, is the husband of Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman (Süleyman the Magnificent) and the famous Ottoman vizier. Rüstem Pasha Mosque located in Eminönü was built in 1561 by Architect Sinan and completed in 1563.

The most significant element of the mosque is undoubtedly Iznik tiles and the mosque is away from the simplicity of Sinan and the period. Tiles are geometric floral and leafs motifs and look like a colorful flower garden. Although the coral red had been used for a short time during 16thcentury, the color has come up today thanks to the mosque which is famous for the richest collection of tiles, but unfortunately some of these tiles were stolen. The mosque has only one minaret and its dome is completed with small scale four half domes and four full domes. In the lower parts of the mosque 24 windows are founded. The courtyard of the mosque is different from the courtyards of other mosques because its şadırvan (fountain) is on the street. Also it has spiral staircases in the two sides of the mosque. It had been damaged a fire in 1660 and repaired, but after the great earthquake (small judgment) in 1766 its dome and minaret were collapsed and they were reconstructed the period of Mustafa II so the style of Architect Sinan was lost.

Rüstem Pasha Mosque is located in a central location surrounded by shops and warehouses of the Hasırcılar Bazaar. When the mosque is seen by the same frame with Süleymaniye Mosque, there is a magnificent landscape. According to one of the most widely weekly magazine of U.S. ,Newsweek, Rüstem Pasha Mosque is the most beautiful mosque of Europe. The magazine mentions the peace and it is noted that the mosque has the most beautiful tiles of the Ottoman Empire.

Transportation can be provided from Sultanahmet easily. Although the mosque seems to lose among shops and is not known as much as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia or Eyüp Sultan Mosque, it is one of the beauties of Istanbul to be seen.

Akşemsettin Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

Akşemsettin Mosque is placed in Fatih a county of Istanbul and located at the intersection of Keçiler Street of Mimar Sinan District and Yamak Street. The mosque is 200 meters away from the Hırka-I Şerif Mosque. The lower floor of Akşemsettin Mosque is Akşemsettin Cultural Center and next to the mosque Dervişoğlu Foundation Şemsettin Cultural Center is found.

Akşemsettin Mehmet Efendi was the teacher of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and his tomb is now in Göynük, Torbalı. The mosque which is in the courtyard with the outer walls has been still standing for years. When entering the courtyard, there are three huge plane trees and at right there is an inscription about the life of Akşemsettin. The mosque has a white unusual minaret. Entering into the mosque, instead of the lectern there is a buried library and there are verses and hadiths on the white walls. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the calligraphy on the glass and you will admire them inevitably. The area is regular and there are graves from the 19th century. The mosque built in 1455 by Akşemsettin was restored in 1994 by Akşemsettin Foundation.

Akşemsettin’s real name was Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamza and he was one of the biggest Sufis and a scientist in the 15th century. In “Maddet-ül Hayat” written about Medicine, Akşemsettin is the first person who talks about micro-organisms with the sentence of “It is wrong to suppose that disease occurs one by one in humans. Diseases pass from person to person by means of seeds which are too small not to be seen.”

The mosque is still open to worship and welcomes many people every day. If you are interested in history and architecture you should see the Aşemsettin Mosque. The county, Fatih, has easy opportunities for transportation and is home to many historic mosques except Akşemsettin Mosque.

Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque is one of the last representatives of the Ottoman style built between the years 1707 and 1709 and at the same time it is a complex. Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque is located in the left coming from the Grand Bazaar to Çemberlitaş and nex to the old Şimkeşhane building. Transportation is easy.

The mosque is also a complex consisting of dervish lodge, library, hazier, madrasas and meşruta. The name of the mosque is Çorlulu Ali Pasha as we know. Çorlulu Ali Pasha was son in law of Sultan Mustafa II and one of great viziers of Ahmet III. Firstly, the mosque was built and was used as tevhidhane of a lodge at the same time.  Most of the mosque has kept its original view until today, after the earthquake on May 23, 1766 some parts of the mosque were renovated and the fountain which is placed on the Janissaries Street (former Divanyolu) was added in the same period. In 1963, the mosque was restored by the General Foundation Directorate. Now, the mosque, madrasas and dervish cells are used as souvenir shops; classrooms and the courtyard of the madrasas are used as café; library is used as the meşruta of the imam.

Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque has only one minaret. There are inscriptions on the doors of the courtyard but the inscriptions were removed. A tombstone was made for the head of Çorlulu Ali Pasha because he was executed in Lesvos and his head was buried in the area of the complex, it was written in an inscription. Darü’ül Hadis of Ali Pasha is located in the tekke rooms. The shrine, madrasa and a fountain of Sinan Pasha, the conqueror of Yemen, are found at a location close to the Ali Pasha Mosque. The structures are the works of architect Sinan.

Tombstones dating from Ottoman Empire draw your attention. You will admire to the Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque absolutely.  Foreign and domestic tourists who like hookah prefer to visit the structure. When you visit, you should drink a cup of grilled Turkish coffee for recalling the mosque for 40 years.

Ortaköy Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

The actual name of the mosque is the Great Mecidiye Mosque but it is known as Ortaköy Mosque. It is not wrong to say that the mosque is located in the most beautiful place of Istanbul. Ortaköy Mosque is located in the middle of Bosporus, in the coast of Ortaköy District in Beşiktaş County.

This mosque has a quite elegant structure and it was built by Sultan Abdülmecit, its architects were architect Garabet Baylan and his son, Nigağos Baylan. The mosque is made in style of Neo- Baroque. Ortaköy Mosque, which is composed of parts of prayer hall and the sultan, was built to reflect the lights of Bosporus inside with its wide and high windows. The walls of mosque were made of white hewn stones and the walls of dome were made of pink mosaics, all of them are hand works. The mosque has a whiter appearance thanks to water conditions and the blue waters of Bosporus. There are two minarets and when entered the mosque Allah, Muhammad and the four caliphs’ names in calligraphy draw the attraction, they were written by Sultan Abdülmejid.

The foundation of mosque was damaged by the flows of Bosporus and restored with extensive work. After a fire in 1984, the mosque was damaged and restored again then it gained current appearance.

Ortaköy Mosque is one of the main elements of the Bosporus’ views and the location of mosque is unique. Also, the transportation is easy. If you come from Eminönü or Taksim you can use public bus. The district, Ortaköy, is also famous for its waffle and hookah. You will be impressed by the view of the Bosporus.

Şehzade Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

Şehzade Mosque and Complex is also known as Şehzade Mehmet Mosque.The structure is located in the Şehzadebaşı street, Eminönü district of Istanbul and was built between the years 1543 and 1548 by Mimar Sinan.

Şehzade Mehmet, son of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman (Süleyman the Magnificent), died when he was governor of Saruhan and 22 years old. After his death, Sultan Sülayman ordered to build the mosque and the mosque was built by Architect Sinan who said to the mosque “my apprenticeship work”. However, the mosque was a dream for the Renaissance architects. The mosque has a dome and four half- domes, two minarets in 12 columns with 16 domes. Soup kitchen, madrasa, tabhane, schools and tombs are located around the mosque. Simplicity seen in the Sinan’s works ia also seen in this mosque. The tomb of Şehzade was decorated with colorful tile, Cihangir lies on the right of Şehzade and Sultan Hümaşah lies on the left of Şehzade. A wooden throne was placed on the sarcophagus of Şehzade Mehmet, the throne might be the symbol of Sultan Süleyman’s will.

The courtyard has 6 doors and the mosque has 3 doors, also there is an inscription on the main door of the mosque. The madrasa, soup kitchen, primary school and quest rooms are located in the north and they serve to be a wall of the courtyard. The madrasa was decorated with multi- colored stones and it had 20 cells. Classrooms’ of the madrasa were built to face to the Kıble. Soup kitchen consists of kitchen, dining room, storeroom and cellar.

Şehzade Mosque is the original structure in terms of its decorative properties. The colorfulness and the care on the outside make humans feel the purity of the childhood. You should see the work of Architecture Sinan absolutely while you are visiting the historical buildings in Eminönü.

Little Hagia Sophia Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

Hagia Sophia is located in Eminönü and in the small Hagia Sophia district. The structure, an architectural masterpiece, was a church but it was converted into a mosque but now it has been used as a museum. It is located exactly between the districts of Kadırga and Cankurtaran and just 20 meters away from the southern seaside of Marmara.

Hagia Sophia was built between the years 532 and 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. With the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque after adding a minaret. The second minaret was added by Sultan Beyazıt II and later two minarets were added by Sultan Murat III. Now it has four minarets. Sultan Mahmut I ordered to add the minber, mihrap, mahfil and boards so Hagia Sophia has been a complex. On February 1, 1935, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum by the order of Atatürk.

The building has an 8-pointed main dome and large garden with 24 rooms. In the middle of the garden there are Hüseyin Aga Madrasas, tomb of the Sultans and the tombs of relatives of the Sultan.

Emperor Justinian gave the name of “Sergios and Bachos” to Hagia Sophia. It is expressed by the Byzantine historians that earlier emperors from Justinian built two different churches in the same place but the structures were ruined by fire. Justinian wanted to make a church built unprecedented size and select two architects one of whom was a mathematician Anthemius and the other one was Isidorus an expert in the geometry. Justinian gave more importance to church’s internal view than its physical appearance.

Hagia Sophia is evaluated as a synthesis of the East and the West and today everyone is a fan of the structure. It is preferred especially by tourists. Hagia Sophia had been used as a church for 916 years, as a mosque for 481 years and it has been used as a museum since 1935. When you visit this historical building, you can see the harmony of the west and east in mosaics, tombs, ceramic arts.

This structure which is the oldest cathedral in the world standing for 15 centuries has been home to religious worship for 15 centuries. Hagia Sophia is visited by hundreds of people from all over the world every day.

Ahi Celebi Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

Ahi Celebi Mosque is located at the corner of Değirmen Street and Yoğurtçular Street, in Eminönü, in Fatih district of Istanbul. It is estimated that it was built towards the end of 15th century and in the beginning of 16th century.

The mosque was named after the one of the famous Ottoman doctors Kemal Ahi Can Tebrizi. He was senior official in the period of Ottoman ruler Mahmut Han.

The mosque has one dome and was built in the form of rectangular. Ahi Celebi Mosque is also called ‘Yemişçiler Mosque’ and ‘Kanlı Fırın Small Mosque’. The Mosque that survived two huge fires is one of the works of Mimar Sinan.

Ahi Celebi Mosque has an important place in the Turkish and Ottoman tradition.  Evliya Chelebi, the famous 17th century Ottoman traveler and writer, had his famous dream in this mosque. He had a vision of the Prophet in which, stammering as he was, blinded by glory, he had asked, not as he meant to, for the intercession of the Prophet (shifaa’t) but for travelling (siya’hat). Traveling had been granted, in abundance.

Damad İbrahim Pasha Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

Damad İbrahim Pasha Complex

Damad Ibrahim Pasha Complex is located on the point where Dede Efendi and Şehzadebaşı Streets intersect.This complex was built in the 18th century by the order of Damad Ibrahim Pasha who held the office of Grand Vizier three times of Ottoman Empire.

Damad Ibrahim Pasha Complex was built with the aim of being used as Darul Hadis Madrassa and library. In the south part of the yard of the complex there are graves of Damad Ibrahim Pasha and his sons. There are also iwan rooms that were used by the students studying in the madrassa.

The fountain of the complex was damaged during road works. Classroom in the complex was turned into a mosque. In that year, a balconied minaret was added to the structure. This structure is the only remaining part of the complex that has survived until today. The water-tank with a fountain of the mosque is located at the woodland in the complex.

Damad Ibrahim Pasha Complex reflects the characteristics of Tulip Era. This complex provided service with its sophisticated training staff.

Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque - Istanbul's Mosques

Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Complex

Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Complex was built by the order of Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of one of the most famous Ottoman Emperor Süleyman the Magnificent. The complex is located on Fevzi Pasa Street Fatih.

The Complex was built between 1562 and 1565 and its construction lasted three years. It had a large damage during the earthquake in 1719. The complex consists of a madrasah, bath, bazaar, mosque and Ottoman elementary-primary school.

 

Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

In the middle of Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, which was built on an area of approximately 1100 square meters, there is a dome whose diameter is 20 and height is 35 meters. A marble pulpit (minber) and the stained glass of the windows make the mosque look really attractive and magnificent.

The architect of Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Mimar Sinan built the minaret of the mosque with a single sherefe (minaret balcony). However, after the earthquake which occurred in 1719, it is doubtful that the damaged parts were rebuilt in a way of betraying its original character.

Marble fountain and 19 rooms in the inner courtyard are worth seeing.

Other Buildings

When you enter the mosque, you will immediately realize a building which is covered by three domes. This structure was used as the Ottoman elementary-primary school (Sıbyan Mektebi). There is Güzel Ahmet Paşa Tomb next to the school. The structure referred as twin baths were used until the first quarter of the 21st century.

Unfortunately, madrasah and bazaar do not exist today. There are 60 shops in the bazaar which are located in the northern of the courtyard.

Binbirdirek Cistern

CISTERN OF PHILOXENOS

Cistern of Philoxenos is a splendid masterpiece reflecting the fascinating atmosphere of Sultanahmet. It was given the name of “Binbir Direk (1001) Cistern”, because columns were constructed in the form of an imbricate structure. While this place was a water cistern in Eastern Roman Empire period, it was used as a silk atelier during the Ottoman era.

Cistern of Philoxenos is situated just below the Courthouse and is the second biggest cistern in İstanbul. It is thought that this unique masterpiece from Roman period was built in 4thcentury. Even after 1600 years, the cistern is still standing.

SIGHTSEEING

Cistern of Philoxenos is on the top of the sightseeing places that you should visit. Although it was restored in a wrong way, the place still maintains its own authentic atmosphere and elegancy. You will spend good time while viewing and trying to figure out structure of the rising mains.

Today, Cistern of Philoxenos is serving as a restaurant. This entity which doesn’t ruin the historical fabric hosts the guests in its authentic environment. Here, while you can find mouth-pleasing dishes from both Turkish cuisine and other world cuisines, a cup of “Turkish coffee” will also help you to deepen your friendships. Above all, this entity offering such delicious meals does a great job, by maintaining this structure.

Rahmi Koç Museum - Istanbul's Museum

Rahmi Koç Museum

Rahmi Koç Museum, which is known for giving particular importance to transportation, is also the first museum having been brought into service in industry and communication sectors.

The museum is situated in Hasköy on the north shore of Golden Horn. In the museum there are many miniature vehicles as well as real ones being exhibited. The museum was founded with the support of businessman Rahmi Koç and therefore it is called Rahmi Koç Museum. Worldwide organizations are frequently made in the museum. Thanks to these organizations being made in the museum, our country’s name is frequently mentioned. One of the organizations which was made 6 years ago is Leonardo: the universal genius exhibition. In this exhibition, works created from the original drawings made by Leonardo da Vinci was exhibited. The exhibition attracted world’s attention so much that it has been one of the most fundamental elements in the introduction of our country. After the exhibition, all countries praised our country. The museum generally consists of three sections. These sections are: Lengerhane, Dockyard and the exhibition area. Rahmi Koç Museum deserves praise with these 3 basic sections providing service for many years.

Lengerhane: In this part of the museum, anchor and chain are produced. There is also Rahmi Koç gallery in the dockyard.

Where is Rahmi Koç Musium located?

It is located in the suburb of Hasköy on the north shore of the Golden Horn and it continues serving as an industrial museum. You can reach the museum by metro or İETT. You can also go there with your own vehicle because there are free parking lots.

Transportation

Buses:

-          47 Eminönü-Alibeyköy Route

-          54 HM Hasköy-Mecidiyeköy Route

-          54 HT Hasköy-Taksim Route

-          Alternative Bus Routes

-          47E- 47Ç-  47- 36T

Minibus

-          Şişhane – Alibeyköy Route

Seaway

-          İDO

-          Üsküdar – Eyüp Route Ferries

What is the cost?

-          Entrance fee is 12, 5 TL. If you are a student, the fee is 6 TL.

-          The entrance fee for the submarine part is 7 TL for adults and 5 TL for students.

-          The fee for the discovery globe (keşif küresi in Turkish) is 3 TL for adults and 2 TL for students.

Visiting Hours

The museum is open every day except Mondays. You can visit the Rahmi Koç Museum between 10:00 a.m. – 07:00 p.m. on weekdays. From 1 April to 30 September the museum will be open between 10:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m. on weekends.