Türkiye
Day 1: Sultanahmet
On the first day, we explored Sultanahmet, where over a thousand years of Byzantine and Ottoman history converge in the city’s iconic mosques, palaces, and landmarks.
Hagia Sophia
We started our journey at the Hagia Sophia, one of the most legendary buildings in world history, renowned for its transformative journey through time. Built as a basilica in 537, it became a mosque after the fall of Constantinople, later a museum, and since 2020, it serves again as an active mosque. It’s awe-inspiring to see how the minarets blend seamlessly with the glittering Byzantine mosaics visible from the upper gallery. The audio guide brought the centuries-old stories to life, making the experience well worth the entry fee.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace, home to sultans for four centuries, showcases stunning architecture shaped by their legacy. The palace consists of four courtyards, each with its own unique atmosphere and story. We spent about 3 hours exploring them all, but the Harem left the biggest impression. It offers an intimate glimpse into the daily life of the sultans and their families. The contrast between the luxurious decorations and the hidden, personal stories made it the most captivating part of our visit. We purchased a combo ticket for the Topkapi Palace and the Harem (these are separate tickets). We didn’t have a guide but used the audio guide on our own smartphone with earphones.
Gülhane Park
After all that royal splendor, it was time to relax in Gülhane Park. This park, once part of the Topkapi Palace and exclusive to the royal court, is now a beloved spot for locals. We enjoyed the shade of the tall trees and refreshed ourselves by one of the fountains. In April, the park is said to be the place to admire a stunning display of colors during the Tulip Festival - something we’ll definitely return for!
Little Hagia Sophia
At the same time as the Hagia Sophia, the Little Hagia Sophia was also built. This former Greek Orthodox church now serves as a mosque. Its original name was the 'Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus,' dedicated to these two saints. The architecture shows clear differences from that of the grand Hagia Sophia. The mosque can be visited free of charge, except during prayer times.
Arasta Bazaar
Near the Blue Mosque, you'll find the Arasta Bazaar, a charming shopping street about 200 meters long. It’s filled with delightful souvenir shops offering soaps, magnets, carpets, mosaic lamps, and more. Compared to other bazaars in Istanbul (see day 2), it’s smaller, but definitely worth a visit to wander around and pick up that must-have magnet to add to your collection 😉
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The Blue Mosque, the iconic landmark of Sultanahmet, was naturally high on our list. Built in the 17th century as Sultan Ahmed I’s largest project, the mosque stands out with its six minarets and thousands of blue Iznik tiles. The sultan is buried on the northern side; he personally helped the workers every Friday to speed up construction. We strolled through the courtyard, the largest among Ottoman mosques, and admired the expansive prayer hall with its serene atmosphere. In the evening, the mosque is beautifully illuminated. Visitors are welcome daily, except during prayer times, and entry is free of charge.
