Travel Guide

Sultanahmet, the historical center of Istanbul, is like an open-air museum that keeps the splendor and mystery of the past alive. Bearing the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, this neighborhood attracts millions of visitors every year.

In this article, we will examine the historical monuments you should see in Sultanahmet.

1 - Hagia Sophia

Built in 537, Hagia Sophia has maintained its title as the largest church in the world for centuries. Conquered by the Ottomans in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and turned into a museum in 1931. World famous for its magnificent dome, mosaics and frescoes, Hagia Sophia is one of the most important symbols of Istanbul.

2 - Topkapi Palace

For 400 years, Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans resided, was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1465. Consisting of sections such as Harem, Treasury, Divan-ı Hümayun, the palace reveals the wealth and splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Topkapı Palace, which serves as a museum today, is a unique source to learn about Ottoman history and culture.

3 - Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the "Blue Mosque", was built by Sultan Ahmed I between 1609-1616. One of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture with its six minarets and blue tiles, the mosque is an important religious building that attracts tourists as well as being open for worship.

4 - Basilica Cistern

Built in 542, the Basilica Cistern was built to meet the city's water needs. Decorated with 336 columns and impressive medusa-headed columns, the cistern fascinates visitors with its mysterious atmosphere.

5 - Hippodrome

Dating back to the ancient Roman period, the Hippodrome was an important center during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The Hippodrome, where horse races and various shows were organized, today has historical monuments such as the Serpent Column, Knitted Column and Obelisk.

6 - Hagia Irene Church

Hagia Irene Church, located right next to Hagia Sophia, was built in the 6th century. Hagia Irene, the first great church of the Byzantine Empire, has been used as a church, mosque and museum throughout its history. Hagia Irene Church, which serves as a museum today, is one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine architecture.

7 - Ibrahim Pasha Palace

Built in the 15th century, Ibrahim Pasha Palace was built by Ibrahim Pasha, the vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent. The palace was included in Gülhane Park in the 19th century and today it serves as the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. The architecture and garden of the palace are quite impressive.

8 - Haseki Hürrem Sultan Bath

Built in 1556 by Haseki Hürrem Sultan, the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent, the bath was restored and put back into service today. The bath is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Turkish bath architecture. You can visit Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamam to enjoy a hammam in a historical atmosphere.

Sultanahmet is a neighborhood that attracts millions of visitors every year with its abundance and diversity of historical monuments. The historical monuments mentioned above are just some of the places you should see in Sultanahmet.

We recommend you to visit these historical monuments to take a historical journey in Sultanahmet and follow the traces of the past. A different historical story awaits you around every corner. In this neighborhood, you will feel the splendor and mystery of the past and have an unforgettable experience.