Embark on a journey through time
The unique thing about this city is its presence in 2 continents Europe and Asia making it the perfect spot for Tourism. We do heard about Constantinople, the ancient capital of Roman and Ottoman Empires in our history books. And the real essence of this historical era can be experienced and seen by walking in the old style walkways of Old Sultanahmet area, by visiting the Topkapi palace gives you a journey back in past showcasing the life style of Sultans and their ruling empire. And this is how Constantinople became the Crown Jewel of Asia, The Istanbul.
The best way to start exploring the city is visiting of the old Istanbul complex that is from Galata Bridge, that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Old Sultanahmet complex is having one of the biggest “Blue Mosque” an architectural wonder with the traditional ottoman architect style dome and Minarets. Another history lies next to the Blue mosque in same area name “Hagia Sofia Mosque” which is being considered as the world’s oldest cathedral and was converted into mosque in recent years. The journey of these 2 mosques gives you the feeling of going back to the Ottoman essence of Islamic teachings and practices which exists from centuries.
The entrance to Blue mosque is free whereas recently the entrance to Hagia sofia has been placed at 25 Euro per person. And both mosques opens daily for visitors.
Grand bazaar next to these mosques complex is being considered one of the biggest traditional style market having the world’s longest inner walkways where you find the souvenirs, spices and much more related to the cultural stuff as a tourist.
Do not forget to have your lunch meal in Sultanahmet complex area in a Turkish style restaurant name “Sufficient kofta” serves the authentic Kebab and sauces.
The best thing which you may love to see in this area of Old Sultanahmet name Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, and it was the main channel of supply of water underground in the city. This underground system was able to store 80,000 cu messages of water delivered via 20km of aqueducts. Visiting this place is in real a site to behold. That how in olden days this system was constructed and maintain for centuries.
Topkapi Palace or known as Seraglio as well located in the sultahment which was once the royal seat for Ottman sultans and their main residence. And now converted into a large museum and library in the east. The complex is divided into many sections. Which houses the items that were being used by Sultans, seating areas (Majlis), showcasing the rooms for authority meetings with Sultans. The complex is covering big area with lush gardens and walkways truly shows the essence of Royal complex with its history and importance. It is being one of the iconic attraction in Sultanahmet area.
The entrance cost for Topkapi palace is 1500 Lira (45 USD) per person.
Tram which is connecting most of the areas of the city is the most convenient and reliable way to visit the historic side of the city. Do not try out to ride the taxi or your own car. As you will get stuck in the traffic.
