One of the magnificent ancient buildings of İstanbul is the Basilica Cistern located in the southwest of Hagia Sofia. Constructed for Justinianus I, the Byzantium Emperor (527-565), this big underground water reservoir is called as “Yerebatan Cistern” among the public because of the underground marble columns. As there used to be a basilica in the place of the cistern, it is also called Basilica Cistern.
Sultanahmet Mosque, one of the most fascinating pieces of Istanbul's skyline, is also, at the same time, one of the most important symbols of Istanbul. And it is not only its magnificent appearance that makes it so fascinating. The Blue Mosque has many distinctive features separating it from other mosques such as being the first mosque with six minarets.
Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been the precious of its time..
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was an arena used for chariot racing throughout the Byzantine period. First built during the reign of Roman emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century CE, the structure was made more grandiose by emperor Constantine I in the 4th century CE. The Hippodrome was also used for other public events such as parades, public executions, and the public shaming of enemies of the emperor. Following the Fourth Crusade in the early 13th century CE, the Hippodrome fell out of use and its spectacular monuments and artworks were looted.
It served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Topkapı is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives. It has many exhibion halls, Treasury section, and Harem.
Sultanahmet Mosque, one of the most fascinating pieces of Istanbul's skyline, is also, at the same time, one of the most important symbols of Istanbul. And it is not only its magnificent appearance that makes it so fascinating. The Blue Mosque has many distinctive features separating it from other mosques such as being the first mosque with six minarets.
