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 awe inspiring. 

Enter the Blue Mosque from the area known as the Hippodrome.  Take your time touring inside and outside as there is a wealth of exquisite ornamentation.  Exploring the Blue Mosque is the opportunity of a lifetime and we highly recommend that you take a guided tour. 

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 with a scarf  in all 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 on this day, the  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 above and to the right, is the largest of Istanbul's mosques and is visible from most of the Old City, an 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 in the Mosques were harvested from important ancient cities.  The dome of the Süleymaniye Mosque can be seen for miles, but you will only appreciate its magnificence, if you view it 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 house schools, baths, a library and kitchens.  The grounds of the  Süleymaniye Mosque  also include the mausoleums of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife Roxelane.  The architect of the mosque, Sinan, who is regarded as the "father of classical Turkish architecture", is buried in another, more modest section of the mosque complex.

 
Private Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour: Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
From Viator Tours

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.  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 now a museum.   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 Ayasofya is a place that should be on your itinerary if you travel to Istanbul.

Ayasofya is Closed Mondays.

If you need information about another travel destination, try our Destination Guide Index or Googling ThereArePlaces.

Custom Search

 

More Istanbul Istanbul Overview The Topkapi Palace The Bazaars Yerebatan Cistern Dolmabahce Palace The Bosporus Best Places to Visit in Turkey