10 sights of Istanbul that you must get acquainted with

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

1.Hagia Sophia.

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

2. The 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 divides 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 in international shipping, and hundreds of ships pass through here every day.

3. Baklava.

You don't need to look at this "attraction", you need to eat it. This is a very ancient sweet that originates from the cuisine of the Turkish tribes of Central Asia. Probably, baklava is the most popular and delicious Turkish dessert, which 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. The Blue Mosque.

Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque is the largest in Istanbul and has great historical and architectural value. It is located directly opposite the Hagia Sophia. The mosque is called Blue, because inside it is lined with 20 thousand ceramic tiles of azure color. The construction of this structure began in 1609 on the initiative of Sultan Ahmet I, when he was only 19 years old. The mosque was built for 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 Abdul-Majid I in the period from 1850 to 1856. This palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the west, which the last Ottoman sultans used as a residence.

6. The Big Bazaar.

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

7. The Basilica Cistern.

The Basilica Cistern, also called the Flooded Palace, is one of the largest and best preserved ancient underground reservoirs in Constantinople, which has some superficial resemblance to the palace complex. It is located in the historical center of Istanbul in the Sultanahmet district opposite the Hagia Sophia. The name comes from a large public square-the 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, preserved to this day. In Turkish, the word "topkapi" means "gate with cannons". The name comes from the huge cannons located near 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 over the Golden Horn, which connects the historical center with the Eminonu quarter. The Eminonu district is home to the most important religious buildings of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the Imperial Palace.

10. Aya-Sofia Hurrem Sultan Hamam Swimming Pool.

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 bathhouse becomes even more important if we take into account 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. The restoration began in 2008. The current bathhouse was restored in compliance with the classical Ottoman style.