Hagia Sophia is one of the most important structures built in history. This 1500-year-old structure is a must-see for those who come to Istanbul. However, there are many people who want to get to know Hagia Sophia even though they cannot come to the city. As a local guide, I would like to introduce Hagia Sophia with photos taken from inside and outside. First of all, it … [Read more...] about Hagia Sophia Interior & Exterior Photos 2022
OLD CITY
Uncovering The Mosaics of Hagia Sophia
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 Uncovering The Mosaics of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia History, Architecture, Facts
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
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 History and Hours 2022
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 History and Hours 2022
Spice Bazaar (Istanbul) Opening Hours & Shopping Tips
Spice Bazaar is located in Eminonu, in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Eminonu is one of the transportation hubs of Istanbul and therefore it is crowded with people all day long. You can go to popular districts such as Kadikoy and Uskudar on the Asian side by ferry from Eminonu. In addition, you can take a Bosphorus cruise with the Turyol ferries on the Eminonu … [Read more...] about Spice Bazaar (Istanbul) Opening Hours & Shopping Tips
Patriarchal Church of St George in Istanbul
Patriarchal Church of St George is located in Fener district of Istanbul. The church is located within the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate complex and has been the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople for 430 years. During the Byzantine Empire, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople was operating in Hagia Sophia. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the Patriarchate … [Read more...] about Patriarchal Church of St George in Istanbul
Istanbul HISTORICAL PENINSULA Districts (on Map) 2022
Istanbul Historical Peninsula is one of the most touristic places of the city today. The Historic Peninsula, surrounded by the Theodosian Walls, was the place known as Constantinople during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The district is now called Fatih. This name comes from the title "Conqueror" attributed to the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II. Today, it is possible to trace … [Read more...] about Istanbul HISTORICAL PENINSULA Districts (on Map) 2022