The Church of the Holy Apostles was the second largest church in Constantinople (Istanbul) during the Byzantine period. The most important emperors in Byzantine history were buried in this church. The church dedicated to the Holy Apostles was destroyed during the Ottoman period and Fatih Mosque was built in its place. In this article you can find information about the … [Read more...] about The Church of the Holy Apostles (Istanbul) 2024
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The Story of BYZANTINE CHURCHES in Istanbul (2024)
The first three churches of Constantinople, Hagia Eirene, Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Holy Apostles have not survived in their original form. Therefore, our knowledge of the early Byzantine Churches in Istanbul consists of what we know about the early Christian churches. The first churches of Christianity were inspired by the Basilica, an ancient Roman … [Read more...] about The Story of BYZANTINE CHURCHES in Istanbul (2024)
Monastery of Christ Pantocrator (Zeyrek Mosque) 2024
Church of the Monastery of Christ Pantocrator is located in Fatih district of Istanbul. The building, which attracts attention with its grandeur when looking at the Historical Peninsula from the Golden Horn, serves as the Zeyrek Mosque today. The Pantocrator Monastery was built in the late Byzantine period, and its church was the third most important religious building in … [Read more...] about Monastery of Christ Pantocrator (Zeyrek Mosque) 2024
Saints SERGIUS & BACCHUS Church (Little Hagia Sophia)
Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus was the first architectural work of the famous Byzantine emperor Justinian in Istanbul. During the early years of Justinian's reign, he had conflicts with the Roman aristocracy and built this church as a show of strength. Built under the joint reign of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, this church had very innovative architecture … [Read more...] about Saints SERGIUS & BACCHUS Church (Little Hagia Sophia)
Blue Mosque History & Opening Hours (Updated 2024)
Blue Mosque is one of the most popular historical places in Istanbul. Located in the Sultanahmet district, the mosque dates back to the 17th century. Although the mosque is associated with blue due to its decoration, its original name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Blue Mosque has all the classical period decoration elements of the Ottoman Empire. Among them, there are blue colored … [Read more...] about Blue Mosque History & Opening Hours (Updated 2024)
Things to Do in Golden Horn, Istanbul (Updated 2024)
Golden Horn was the natural harbor of Istanbul during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Goods brought from the Silk Road and Spice Road were exported to Europe from the port of Galata in Golden Horn. Today, the Golden Horn separates Istanbul's Historical Peninsula from Beyoglu. While there are historical districts such as Sultanahmet and Eminonu in the Historic Peninsula, … [Read more...] about Things to Do in Golden Horn, Istanbul (Updated 2024)
Byzantine Mosaics in Hagia Sophia (Latest News) 2024
The mosaics in Hagia Sophia are the traces of a lost civilization that have survived to the present day. Hagia Sophia was built in 537 and remained a church for 900 years. However, the mosaics inside were controversial even in those years. After 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period and remained a mosque for about 500 years. The building … [Read more...] about Byzantine Mosaics in Hagia Sophia (Latest News) 2024
Hagia Sophia History, Architecture, Facts (Updated 2024)
Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the structures that changed the history of architecture. It remained as the world’s biggest monotheistic temple for 1000 years. Hagia Sophia served as a church for 900 years, and as a mosque for 500 years and then as a museum for 85 years. However, it was converted to a mosque again in July 2020. As an experienced tour guide who has … [Read more...] about Hagia Sophia History, Architecture, Facts (Updated 2024)
Grand Bazaar (Istanbul) Shopping Tips & Opening Hours
Grand Bazaar is the most popular shopping place in Istanbul. Istanbul actually has the largest shopping malls in Europe. However, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a 500-year-old historical building, is a different experience. In this article, you will find many tips about the Grand Bazaar. If you wish, let’s start with how to get to the Grand Bazaar. Because the bazaar has … [Read more...] about Grand Bazaar (Istanbul) Shopping Tips & Opening Hours
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE Opening Hours (Updated 2024)
Suleymaniye Mosque is located in the heart of the historical peninsula of istanbul. The mosque has a view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus from the most beautiful hill of the Old City. The Suleymaniye Mosque was built in the 16th century, when the Ottoman Empire was at the height of its power. Dedicated to Suleiman the Magnificent, the most famous sultan in Turkish … [Read more...] about SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE Opening Hours (Updated 2024)