The architectural history of the Maiden Tower dates back to 341 B.C.It consisted of a monumental tomb at that time.Then,it was transformed into a customs station controlling the entrance and exit of the Bosphorus in 410 B.C.In 1110,it was converted into a tower by Emperor Manuel Comnenos and it was used as a desensive fortress until 1453.In the Ottoman Empire period,it was used for defense purposes.After th eearthquake of 1530,the damaged structure was restored and a lantern was added to guide the ships.The structure ,which has undergone various modifications,was turned into a quarantine hospital in 1830,so that the cholera epidemic did not spread to the city.It is one of the most important symbols of the Bosphorus. The tower, about which many stories have been told, was built on a small islet close to the coast of Üsküdar. According to a rumor, the oracle told the king that his daughter would die as a result of snake bite. The king, upset by this situation, sent him to the Maiden's Tower to protect his daughter and met with other people. The girl craves grapes and a basket of grapes is sent to the tower. The snake hidden in the basket causes the girl's death
It was built by Sultan Abdulmecit in 1843-1855 in Beşiktaş district.The area where the palace was located was a large bay in the Bosphorus.This bay, where maritime ceremonies were held,became unusable as it turned into a swamp.The bay was started to be filled in the 17th century and it was named as Dolmabahçe (''Filled Garden'' in Turkish).
The Dolmabahçe Palace extending from Kabataş to Beşiktaş covers an area of 250 square meters and has the Bosphorus view.Architect Garibet Amira Balyan and his son Nigagos Balyan built the palace as a mixture of European architecture.The palace has three floors and 285 rooms and 43 halls.The largest ballroom among World palaces is located in Dolmabahçe Palace.Baraque,rococoand empiricial motifs are used on walls.Mabeyn-ı Hümayun,where state affairs are managed ,is the most important part of the palace in terms of its function and splendor.
Since 1984,the palace has been used as a museum.
The Reception Hall and gardens are reserved for national and international receptions.
Accoreding to estimations,it was builded by Eastern Romans by wood in 507.It gained its present shape in 1348 after Genoese people rebuilded it. it is estimated that the tower weights 10 thousand tons.At the top, you can see the entry point of Bosphorus,Golden Horn,Historic Peninsula,Maiden Tower and both continents.There is also a restaurant at the top.After you leave,you can continue your trip in various narrow streets of Beyoğlu
Taksim is one of the most popular spots in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul.In Istiklal Avenue,where tourists and young people travel around and enjoy themselves.It is a district that offers hours of entertainment with its bars,cafes,restaurants,shopping malls,cinemas and historical texture.Tunel(tunnel),also known as the second oldest subway in Europe,is located at the end of İstiklal Street.Istiklal Street,which is open to pedestrians,resembles and open -air museum with historical buildings on both sides.
Galatasaray High School is an axample of these buildings.The majority of foreign embassies are on Istiklal Street.There are many historical buildings such as St Antuan Catholic Church,the Greek Orthodox church of Aya Triada,Galata Mevlevi House.You should also see the Algeria Street,Çiçek Pasaji,Avrupa Pasaji and Nevizade Street where you can eat,drink or relax on Istiklal Street.
It is constructed by Eastern Roman Emperor I.Justinianus in today's historic peninsula between 532 and 537.Hagia Sophia ,masterpiece of Byzantine art,impresses with its architecture,size and grandeur.
It is also known as eighth wonder of the World.
Otooman Empire,it was turned into a mosque by Turkish architect Mimar Sinan.It served as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years.It remained open as a mosque since 1930.After that, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ordered it to be turned into a museum.After restoration works like cleanning of mosaics,it reopened as a museum in 1935.
Hagia Sophia is currently open to visitors as both a mosque and a museum.
Hagia Sophia is located next to Sultanahmet Square.
Construction started in 1461 with order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.Grand Bazaar which covers 30.7 hectares or area is a historical mall in Beyazıt district of Istanbul.It is the largest covered market in the world,where 61 streets are distributed to Istanbul.It has 18 doors.In the past,it is known that in every street there were people with certain professions.As a gigantic maze,it is also the world!s largest jewelry store.Idea of free market economy in Turkey was born here It can be considered as a giant complex with with 4400 shops.
2195 workshops,18 fountains,2 bedestens ,40 inns.2200 inn rooms,12 small mosques,12 warehouses,1 school and 1 bath.
The Grand Bazaar is crowded almost every hour of the day.Jewelery and carpets sold here are among the unique examples of traditional Turkish art.In addition to jewelery and carpets,Turkish handiworks made of silver and copper,bronze souvenirs,onyx and leather goods,ceramic goods have superior quality.These products are sold with origin and quality certificates and are exported to all parts of the world.
Istanbul Archaeology Museums are
located
in Sultanahmet district of
Istanbul. On 13 June 1891 it was opened as Imperial Museum. The museum exhibits over a million pieces. Museum consists of pieces from civilizations of Africa, Balkans, Anatolia Mesopotamia, Arabian Peninsula and Afghanistan.
Archaeological Museum: Stone works and mosaics from Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilizations, small stone works, terracotta figures, pottery, metal and glass works are exhibited.
Museum of the Ancient Orient:
Works of the Near East Countries are exhibited.
Tiled Kiosk Museum: Seljuk wall tiles, ceramics and Iznik tiles and ceramics are exhibited.
Balat is located next to the Golden Horn in the Fatih district of Istanbul. In 1985, it was taken under the protection as a part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Name Balat comes from Greek Word "palation" which means palace. Balat's streets contains restored, colorful houses. You can see mosques, churches and synagogues all in Balat. 123 years old Agora Pub is another important place in Balat. Balat Mosque, Yavuz Selim Mosque, Ismail Agha Mosque, Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, St. Stephan Bulgarian Church, Orthodox Patriarchate and Panagia Vilaherna are some other tourist attractions. Balat is also a preferred destination for photographers in Istanbul.
If you are interested in photography like me, you won't feel alone in Balat.
Ortaköy is located in Besiktas district of Istanbul. Ortaköy attracts attention with its colorful bazaar located in the triangle of mosques, synagogues and churches.
You can walk along the unique coast and enjoy the views of the Bosphorus.
Ortaköy Mosque was built by Sultan Abdülmecit between 1853-1854. Its architect is Nigagos Balyan. The mosque, which is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture, is also known as Büyük Mecidiye Mosque. This mosque has become one of the main elements of the Bosphorus landscape.
It was built by Sultan Abdulaziz and architect Sarkis Balyan. The members of the Ottoman dynasty lived here for some time. Today, it is used as a 5-star hotel under the name of Ciragan Palace
Kempinski. Çiragan Palace is home to many social activities.
St. Anthony of Padua Church is located on Istiklal Street in Beyoglu District of Istanbul. St. Anthony of Padua Church, which is the largest of Istanbul, was built in the 1730s so that catholic people who lived around that area had a place for worship. The Church has taken its final form in 1912. The walls of the Church, built in Italian Neogothic style, are covered by mosaic and the exterior walls are made of bricks. The Church is administered by the Italian priests. People visit the church in order to light candles and make wishes. The buildings on the two sides of the church were built to provide revenue to the Church. St. Anthony Apartments are the first reinforced concrete structures of Istiklal Street.
Basilica Cistern, which is one of the best old structures of Istanbul, is located at 30 meters southwest of Hagia Sophia.
It is builded by Justinianus I between 527 and 565. It is the biggest cistern in Istanbul. It is named that way because it is located under Stoa Basilica. Rectangle shaped chamber is 140 meters by 70 meters. There are 336 9 -meters- tall columns in cistern. One column which carries repeated motifs of braches, a Hen's Eye, and tears is especially interesting.
Medusa Head under one of the columns is an example of Roman sculpture.
It provided water to Istanbul for a long time but now it is open to public as a historic tourist attraction. It is also used for concerts, light shows etc.
