10 Istanbul sights you must see

Istanbul is different from other cities with its rich history and diverse tourist attractions. In this place, continents, cultures, civilizations, religions, history, past and future meet. The most creative people around the world, looking for new experiences and inspiration, have turned their eyes to the potential of this city with its amazing elegance and rich culinary traditions. Istanbul is the perfect destination for lovers of history, art and culture, gourmets, nature lovers and even fashionistas. So, what is the first thing to see in Istanbul?

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1. Hagia Sophia.

This is one of the most important sights of Istanbul and one of the most incredible buildings in the history of architecture. The temple is also called Aya Sophia or the Cathedral of the Wisdom of God. Ayasofya has a classic basilica plan. The cathedral was built from 532 to 537. on the initiative of Emperor Justinian I. In Byzantine times there was a Christian church here, which became a mosque under the Ottomans. Now there is a museum here, and under its dome there are Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, the traditions of Christianity and Islam.

2. Bosphorus.

Also known as the Istanbul Strait, the Bosphorus connects the Sea of Marmara (south of Istanbul) with the Black Sea (north of the city), and also separates Europe and Asia. It even passes through the heart of Istanbul, passing by the Museum of Modern Art, several Ottoman palaces, at least two fortresses, forested hills, and villages with Ottoman architecture. The length of the strait is 32 km. It is the narrowest in the world, and its depth varies from 500 m to 3 km. However, the strait is used for international shipping, and hundreds of ships pass through every day.

3. Baklava.

This "attraction" does not need to be looked at, it needs to be eaten. This is a very ancient sweet that originates from the cuisine of the Turkish tribes of Central Asia. Probably the most popular and delicious Turkish dessert, baklava is made from thin layers of dough stuffed with walnuts, hazelnuts or pistachios and sweetened with honey or sugar syrup, seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

4. Blue Mosque.

Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque is the largest in Istanbul and is of great historical and architectural value. It is directly opposite the Hagia Sophia. The mosque is called the Blue Mosque, because inside it is lined with 20,000 azure-colored ceramic tiles. The construction of this structure began in 1609 at the initiative of Sultan Ahmet I, when he was only 19 years old. The mosque was built only seven years.

5. Dolmabahce.

Dolmabahce Palace is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus and is the most luxurious in Turkey, as well as one of the most beautiful in the world. It covers an area of 110,000 sq.m. It was built by order of Sultan Abdulmejid I in the period from 1850 to 1856. This palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the west, which was used as a residence by the last Ottoman sultans.

6. Big Bazaar.

This is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. There are 60 streets, more than 4,000 shops and stalls. Every day it is visited by 250 to 400 thousand people from all over the world. Here you can find everything - Turkish rugs, leather clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, patterned products made of copper and brass, cotton, wool and much more.

7. Basilica Cistern.

The Basilica Cistern, also called the Flooded Palace, is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient underground reservoirs in Constantinople, with some superficial resemblance to the palace complex. Located in the historical center of Istanbul in the Sultanahmet district opposite the Hagia Sophia. The name comes from the large public square - Stoa Basilica - under which it was built. Construction began in 523, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, to collect rainwater and provide Istanbul with drinking water.

8. Topkapi.

This is the best preserved palace in Turkey. The largest and oldest palace in the world that has survived to this day. In Turkish, the word "topkapi" means "gate with cannons." The name comes from the huge cannons located next to the gates of the palace. In 1924, by order of Ataturk, the palace was turned into a museum. This place best reflects the greatness of the Ottoman Empire and the lifestyle of the then sultans.

9. Galata bridge.

One of the most charming sights of Istanbul. This is the oldest bridge across the Golden Horn, which connects the historical center with the Eminonu quarter. The Eminonu area contains the most important religious buildings of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the Imperial Palace.

10. Ayasofya Bath Hürrem Sultan Hamam.

Of all the baths in Istanbul, this is the best. It is located on Sultanahmet Square. It was built for the wife of Suleiman I the Magnificent - Roksolana. The bath becomes an even more important attraction when you consider the fact that it was built on the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. The bathhouse worked until 1910, but then it was closed for many years. By 2007, she managed to visit a prison, a warehouse for paper and fuel, as well as a carpet store. Restoration began in 2008. The current bath has been restored in keeping with the classical Ottoman style.