One Day in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t start with Hagia Sophia as a priority. The date of this masterpiece goes back to 4th century. It was the biggest church of East Roman Empire at past. The emperor Constatine started to build this magnificient piece. After 15th century, during the Ottoman Empire time, the Sultan converted it into a mosque. Lastly, during Turkish Republic time in 1935, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum. Now, it is a mosque and it welcomes to everybody.
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque is the most famous one known by tourists owing to its location. There are around more than 3000 mosques in Istanbul. Some mosques are outstanding in virtue of its historical importance, architecture and location. Sultanahmet mosque is one of them because of its imperial aspect, location and interior design. The other name is Blue Mosque because it comes from its interior design which displays an amazing harmony with its green, turqoise and blue Iznik tiles.
Hippodrome
As many of you recall from your etymology lessons, the word hippodrome is derived from “hippos”(horse) and “dromos”( race). You can easily imagine how many parades, ceremonies and chariot races happened there. It is a historical breeze from 3rd century when you walk there if you are into history. There are also Serpent Column, Obelisk and German Fountain which you may want to see. Also, it is a good location to take a photo of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Basilica Cistern
This Cistern invites you to make you live an authentic atmosphere seeing the marble columns, mythological Medusa sculpture while it you feel a dark breeze from the deep water from the 6th century. It was build by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. By any chance, you can recall from the movie and book Inferno in whose movie adaptation Tom Hanks was starring.
Topkapı Palace
The conqurer Fatih Sultan Mehmed ordered to built this administration and residence of sultans after a while he conquered Constantinopole. The palace has four courtyards and Harem , Hagia Irene Church which are intereting for tourists mostly. Hagia Irene was build by Konstantin and it means holly wisdom. Fatih Sultan Mehmed never converted it into a mosque. It is still in the courtyard of Topkapı Palace from 4th century.
Gülhane Park
Gülhane literally means rosehouse. If you just leave from the Topkapı Palace and want to give a break to drink coffe or tea while enjoying the company of the historical ruins, colorful tulips, flowers and gorgeous long trees, you should definetly visit this place. Inside the park, there is a restaurant and coffee/tea place running by municipality of Istanbul.
