6 DAYS IN ISTANBUL FOR HISTORY LOVERS
Istanbul is like an oasis for history lovers. Wherever you look, it is possible to encounter a historical structure. Istanbul is definitely a location that will satisfy a history lover with its past.
If you want to spend 6 days as a history lover in Istanbul, you can follow our route and spend your days full of history and joy.
FIRST DAY
SULTANAHMET MOSQUE
Sultanahmet, known as the blue mosque, has long been the main mosque in İstanbul (now the main mosque is Hagia Sophia). The tiles inside are from Iznik and Kütahya. It is especially famous for its ceiling decorations. Entrance is free. It is necessary to allocate at least half an hour.
HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE
It is the most historical structure of Istanbul. It is the world’s first cathedral. It witnessed the conquest of Istanbul and was changed to a mosque. It has preserved its museum identity for a long time and still serves as a mosque today. Entrance is free. It is necessary to allocate at least 1 hour.
TOPKAPI PALACE
It is the home of Ottoman sultans. It is a unique and gigantic building with nature and sea views. It provides the chance to observe the lives of the Sultans on site. It has sections such as Divan-Humayun, Supply Room, Sacred Relics, and a harem. The entrance fee is 100 TL for a student and 50 TL. It is a place where you can spend at least 2 hours.
SECOND DAY
EMİNÖNÜ
It is one of the old settlements of Istanbul. It has been able to bring its historical texture to the present day. New Mosque, Sirkeci Railway Station and Egyptian Bazaar are located in this area. It is famous with grilled fish sandwich.
SÜLEYMANİYE MOSQUE
It is the signature work of the famous architect Sinan in Istanbul. It is the most important example of Ottoman classical architecture. It is very plain outside and very splendid inside. It is also the mosque with the most unique view in Istanbul. Entrance is free. There are tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan in the garden of the mosque.
It is the city’s historical bazaar. There are more than 4000 shops. You can find many authentic and antique items.
You can get everything here about Turkey. You can also exchange money. It is the ideal place to buy souvenirs. You must spend at least 2 hours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
THIRD DAY
MINIATURK
It is an open air museum with miniatures of Turkish works. You can have detailed information about the historical buildings in Turkey. It includes especially Seljuk and Ottoman architectural structures. The entrance fee is 20 TL. You must spend at least 2 hours.
ISTANBUL ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS
It contains 3 separate museums. More than 1 million pieces in total are exhibited. In the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, rare artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Early, middle and late bronze period, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods are exhibited. The entrance fee is 50 TL. You must allocate at least 1 hour.
TURKISH ISLAMIC ART MUSEUM
There are works from the Abbasi, Mamluk, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. In the museum, there are unique Turkish and Islamic artifacts such as handwritten Korans, miniatures and antique carpets in carpet, manuscript, wood, glass-metal-ceramic and ethnography sections. The entrance fee is 50 TL.
FOURTH DAY
RUMELI FORTRESS
It is the building that personally helped the conquest of Istanbul. It was built by the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Its role in the conquest of Istanbul is enormous. As a history lover, you should definitely see this building.
MAIDEN’S TOWER
It makes it enjoyable to watch the view from Üsküdar. It was built in 410 B.C. It is now used as a restaurant. It is possible to reach by ferry. The entrance fee is 30 TL. You can prefer watch it from Üsküdar or visit.
BOSPHORUS TOUR
It is impossible to visit all historical buildings in Istanbul. You can provide yourself a visual feast with a Bosphorus tour. You can watch the city from where you sit and marvel at the abundance of historical buildings. Istanbul is a city full of surprises. The fee varies between 7.50 lira and 25 lira.
FIFTH DAY
EYÜP SULTAN MOSQUE AND TOMB
It is a peaceful mosque with plane trees decorating its courtyard. It was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet and renovated by Selim III. It is the mosque where the sultans wear swords. The flag from the time of Hz. Muhammad (SAV) should be visited.
PANORAMA 1453
Turkey’s first panoramic museum. It was established to make its visitors experience the conquest of Istanbul. Various stages of historical events are animated with reliefs and models. It is the new favorite place of history lovers in Istanbul. The entrance fee is 10 TL. At least 1 hour should be allocated.
PIERRE LOTI
It is a unique hill where you can watch Istanbul in a panoramic view. You can taste Ottoman cuisine dishes accompanied by the view of the city and drink your Turkish coffee.
SIXTH DAY
DOLMABAHÇE PALACE
Dolmabahçe is the palace where the late Ottoman sultans and the founder of the republic, Atatürk, lived. It was designed by taking the European architecture as an example.
There are reception hall, the courtyard of the sultan’s rooms, the harem section and many areas to visit. Especially the reception hall is very magnificent. Entrance fee: 90 TL.
ISTANBUL MILITARY MUSEUM
The largest museum in the maritime field inTurkey. There are approximately 20,000 works in his collection. 14 sultanate boats that have survived are worth seeing. The entrance fee is 8.5 TL per adult. It is free for students.
GALATA TOWER
It is one of the oldest towers in the world with its panoramic estuary and Bosphorus view. It is located in the heart of Istanbul and is the landmark of the city. It is especially beautiful at night with its lighting. The entrance fee is 25 TL.
Tips
- All mosque entrances in Istanbul are free.
- We recommend that you take a jacket with you especially in order not to get cold during the Bosphorus tour.
- Ottoman dishes may contain spices that you are not used to. We recommend that you have medication with you, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Before coming to Istanbul, reading the novels about the conquest of Istanbul will help you tour the city.
- Don’t forget to get maps from the airport or tourist offices in city centers. It will be of great benefit in reaching the location you want.
