10 Historical Buildings of Istanbul
10 Historical Buildings of Istanbul
In order to understand and get to know the beautiful Istanbul, which has been home to the greatest of civilizations for centuries, under the blue sky, for which poems and songs have been written, you must first go deep. Only then can you understand why this city, which has been the object of desire for centuries, is so important. Remember that this is just a start that will motivate you!
Dolmabahçe Palace
400 years ago, the area where Dolmabahçe Palace is now located was the largest bay of the Bosphorus. Over time it turned into a swamp and was therefore started to be filled in the 17th century. Later, this idle area was transformed into a private garden and the buildings built on it began to be called Beşiktaş Beach Palace. After these structures were demolished by Sultan Abdülmecit, Dolmabahçe Palace, which stands in front of us with its current splendour, was built in its place. The construction of the palace started in 1843 and since then it has become one of the most beloved architectural structures in Istanbul.
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace Historical Buildings of Istanbul, one of the largest palaces in Istanbul, was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet and was opened to visitors as a museum for the first time in history by Abdülmecit. The Ottoman dynasty ruled the empire for 400 years from this palace, where different structures formed a complex.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia Historical Buildings of Istanbul, built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537 AD, was used as a church until the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a mosque in 1453 and was used as a mosque during the Ottoman period. Later on, it was opened as a museum in 1934 and still welcomes its guests as a museum.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was built to carry water to the palaces in the nearby region between 527 and 565. The head of the Medusa statue used in the construction of the cistern has moved the cistern to a completely different point in its history. Many cultural activities are also held in the cistern, which you can visit as a museum today.
Maiden’s Tower
There are many rumours about why and how the Maiden’s Tower was built, located off the Salacak district in the Bosphorus. This mysterious and story-rich building has become one of the symbols of Istanbul and has become one of the places frequented by lovers. Right now, you can visit the place where there is a restaurant and have a coffee in the middle of the Bosphorus.
Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar Historical Buildings of Istanbul, one of the buildings where you can experience the old Istanbul with all its spirit, was built by Turhan Sultan in 1600. This colorful bazaar, where herbalists, delicatessens and many touristic items are sold, still welcomes thousands of visitors every day of the week with the same warmth.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower Historical Buildings of Istanbul, built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius in 528, is one of the oldest towers not only in our country but also in the world. It was designed as a lighthouse when it was first built, it was used as a shelter during the Ottoman period and finally, it was converted into a fire watchtower. Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, IV. This famous tower, where he wore his wings and practised during the Murat period, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013.
Hagia George Monastery
Hagia George Monastery, located on the 204-meter-high Yüce Hill of Büyük Ada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, is still one of the most visited structures in Istanbul. This building, built in 1751 and named after St. Georgios of Cappadocia, who was killed for his Christian faith in the 3rd century AD, is considered by Christians as the ‘sacred place’ where wishes come true and are the second in Turkey after the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus. It is considered a pilgrimage point.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp Sultan Mosque Historical Buildings of Istanbul, built in 1458 right after the conquest of Istanbul, is the first mosque in Istanbul. The mosque, which is located on the shore of the Golden Horn in the Eyüp district, has been flooded by visitors for centuries, especially during Ramadan and on Fridays. Next to the mosque, there is the Tomb of Eyüp Sultan (Halid bin Zeyd Abu Eyyub al-Ansari) and the first complex of Istanbul. Due to the respect for Eyüp Sultan His Holiness, all sultans’ sword-wielding ceremonies were held in Eyüp Sultan Tomb, and this is why the building is of great importance.
Haydarpaşa Train Station
Haydarpaşa Train Station Historical Buildings of Istanbul, whose construction started on May 30, 1906, is one of the most important works of the Sultan Abdulhamid II Period. Two German architects and 500 Italian stonemasons worked on the building for two years and it was completed in 1908. Haydarpaşa Station, which is the beginning of the Istanbul-Baghdad Railway line and connects Anatolia to Istanbul, was named after Haydar Pasha, who supported the construction of Selimiye Barracks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]