Places You Must Visit In The Historical Peninsula
Historical Peninsula is one of the important points of Istanbul with its history and facilities. That is where Constantine conquered and conquered Istanbul. In this respect, this region has always been a central location. You can use this tram to get around the centre of Sultanahmet or Gülhane stops.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom”, is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in this region. The world’s first cathedral, this place is the world’s fourth largest cathedral in 1500 years since its construction. The relics and mosaics are works of art. However, a significant portion of the buildings in Hagia Sophia was plundered by the Venetian occupation in 1204 and was taken to Italy. The glorious building did not lose its splendour so that the kings continued to be inaugurated here. Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque with the conquest of Istanbul. This place, which was used for worship for a long time, was restored in 1930 by order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and started to serve as a museum.
Hagia Eirene Church
The Hagia Eirene Church, which can be visited today as a museum and well preserved, means “Holy Peace”. It was built by Constantine in place of the Temple of Jupiter and was used as an arsenal in the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
Gulhane Park
Gülhane Park, which is used as a garden of Topkapı Palace, can easily be visited today. You can also breathe by coming to Gulhane Park while you are in this area. This park has witnessed critical historical events. For example, the Tanzimat Edict was announced here.
Sultanahmet Patties
Would you like to go to the Historic Peninsula and eat the Sultanahmet patties? If you are tired while travelling here, you must definitely visit Sultanahmet Köftecisi. In this place which is located between Yerebatan Sarnıcı and Sultanahmet tram stop, you can taste delicious soufflé, bread, meatballs and special sauce.
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square, which is visited extensively around the clock, is one of the most vibrant spots in Istanbul. You can take a rest in the historical peninsula and enjoy your surroundings. You can also see the German Fountain, Obelisk and Tomb of Ahmet I.
Sultanahmet Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is named after the Blue Mosque. The building was completed in 1617 and built by Sultan Ahmet I. The building was designed and constructed by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a student of Mimar Sinan.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a must for the historical peninsula tour. This palace was home to the Ottoman dynasty for 400 years. The palace built during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror was used until Sultan Abdülmecit until he moved to Dolmabahçe Palace. The palace was tried to be a museum during the time of Abdülmecit but was officially converted into a museum on April 3, 1924, by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In the palace, there are significant sections such as the Department of Sacred Relics, the Has Room. These sections must be discovered.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern near Sultanahmet Square is also known as the Basilica Palace or the Basilica Cistern due to the presence of a basilica in ancient times. This place, built at the request of I. Justinian, was built to meet the water needs of the city. The structure was used for a period of time in the Ottoman period. However, the Ottoman’s religious beliefs within the framework of the water flowing, rather than water, has stopped the use of love. And the structure has been forgotten after a while. The forgotten structure was noticed again by two travellers in the 1600s. Nowadays, with the Theodosius Cistern and The Cistern of Philoxenos, it is one of the must-visit places in this.
These articles may also be of interest to you:
Everything You Need to Discover About Hagia Sophia Mosque