Turkey Travel Guide:

Best Places to Visit in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque, named for its interior, is known for its unusual compliment of six minarets.  ©ThereArePlaces or Its Suppliers

Sultan Ahmet I Camii, the Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and massive dome is one of Istanbul's major landmarks. Dating from the early 17th century, it features beautiful architecture, delightful gardens and impressive fountains.  The name for the Blue Mosque is a result of the blue tinge that thousands of tiles give to its interior. The windows of the Blue Mosque feature beautiful stained glass,  its walls are adorned with outstanding mosaics and the engineering of its dome is a feat worth contemplating.  Enter from the area known as the Hippodrome.  Take your time touring inside and outside to notice the exquisite ornamentation.  This is the look of a lifetime.   A guided tour is a must.  Unless you practice Islam, avoid the mosque during prayers.

If you plan to visit any mosque, your clothing should be modest and cover arms and legs. If you are not appropriately dressed you will not be allowed to enter. (At some mosques that are also major sightseeing attractions, attendants will be provide a wrap for cover if you are not appropriately dressed (shorts and armless shirts or blouses are not appropriate and women’s hair must be covered in mosques)).  Also, leave your footwear outside the mosque (it will be safe).  Some mosques provide temporary footwear.   Finally, mosques  are closed to non-believers  for approximately 30 minutes during each of the five daily prayers.  Friday is the Muslim holy day and mosques may be closed longer during the mid-day prayer.

The Süleymaniye Mosque, built to honor Süleyman the Magnificent, is a masterpiece of design and its details are beautiful..  ©ThereArePlaces or Its Suppliers

The Süleymaniye Mosque,  shown in the picture at the right, is the largest of Istanbul's mosques and is visible from most of the Old city area known as Sultanahmet.  The mosque, considered by many to contain the most sophisticated architecture of Istanbul's legendary mosques, sits atop a modest hill and is an extraordinary sight.  Built by the famous architect Sinan for the Süleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century, the mosque is ornate and many of the columns contained is the Mosques were harvested from historically important ancient cities.  The dome of the Süleymaniye Mosque can be seen for miles, but you will only appreciate its magnificence, if you view from the floor of the main chamber that it covers.

The construction the Suleymaniye Mosque took only seven years to complete, including the surrounding buildings which housed schools, baths, a library and kitchens.  The grounds of the  Süleymaniye Mosque  also house the mausoleums of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife Roxelane.   Sinan, regarded as the "father of classical Turkish architecture", is buried in another, more modest section of the Mosque.

Hagia Sophia, also know as the Ayasofya -Church of the Divine Wisdom, is one of world's greatest examples of Byzantine architecture.  It was commissioned by the Emperor Justinian in the sixth century A.D. and the construction of its hallmark dome,  marked a significant engineering feat in its day due to its size.. Unfortunately, Istanbul is earthquake prone and the original construction has been damaged and repaired a number of times, including replacement of a part of the original dome.

After the Ottoman conquest, the church was transformed into a mosque and is a museum today.   Many of the Christian mosaics were plastered over during the Ottoman era and are now being uncovered, preserved in almost original condition. 

Ayasofya is a gorgeous place to visit and one that whispers of past glories.  Whether you are of a religious persuasion or not, this building has a special feel and a noble bearing.  There is an interesting mix of both Muslim and Christian religious symbols in its decorations and it is a place that should be on your itinerary if you travel to Istanbul.

Ayasofya is Closed Mondays.

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