The present construction with the church was built-in the 11th century, and it had been transformed into a mosque once the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople during the 15th century. In 1948, it absolutely was changed into a museum.

Discover the marvel that after held the title of the planet's most significant position of worship for over a millennium, and take a look at the mosaics and also the imperial dome.

Visitors can hope to see a wide variety of artifacts from different eras and civilizations, furnishing a fascinating glimpse in to the rich and various history of Istanbul and Turkey.

It happens to be a cliché to describe Istanbul as being the bridge in between East and West. But In such a case, the cliché is undeniably correct. Ruled by a succession of empires and straddling both equally Asia and Europe, this Turkish city is usually a melting pot of different cultures and a spot jam packed with contradictions.

The transfers, accommodation and tours had been commonly very high quality. The tour operators constantly turned up promptly, were being extremely Skilled, as well as the tours have been exciting. Probably the tour operators shouldn't choose us to the factory for rug, pottery, jewellery acquire, etc at the end of Every tour The accommodations had been Situated close to restaurants and enjoyment, plus the breakfasts had been excellent.

The most important cistern in Istanbul (fundamentally a massive h2o storage tank), the Basilica Cistern, was developed way back again in the yr 532 under the instruction of Emperor Justinian. It characteristics 336 columns, almost all of which ended up saved from historic ruins.

Whenever we requested an itinerary Initially of your tour, we had been blown absent with the strategy delivered to us. We actually liked every spot we went to, as well as itinerary was place with each other perfectly. I’d recommend incorporating an extra working day to a number of the places if you have time, just to help you soak it in, but normally, it had been excellent. It absolutely was very easy to adjust the itinerary as here necessary far too. I can’t propose this business enough. It absolutely was a straightforward method to organise, as every little thing is done driving the scenes, leaving you with far more time and energy to take pleasure in your excursion. Assembly Other individuals over the tours, it absolutely was apparent that we were Fortunate adequate to possess probably the most organised and well-imagined-out itinerary, which we ended up extremely grateful for. In case you’re seeking a tour on your own trip to Turkey, certainly search no even more. This was a visit to recollect!

It's also one among Istanbul’s most popular attractions, overlooking Galata and Karakoy from its perch. Its outstanding lights might be viewed from all through the city at night.

Nearly every single visit commences with a stroll in the historic quarter, recognised by Unesco to the one of a kind architectural masterpieces. From Fatih neighbourhood and over and above, Listed below are the historical sites you could’t afford to skip.

The tiles were handmade in Iznik, a little town in western Turkey recognized for its ceramics. The mosque's inside also options intricate calligraphy and towering columns, making a sense of grandeur and awe.

Most a short while ago, the square became synonymous Together with the so-known as “Gezi Park protests” of 2013. These protests commenced in opposition into the demolition and redevelopment of Gezi Park, located next to the square, but progressed into protests that criticised the government for a variety of factors, which include grievances from All those throughout the political spectrum.

The environment inside the Basilica Cistern is mystical, highlighted via the tender lighting and also the Mild seem of dripping h2o. One of the noteworthy features are definitely the Medusa head columns, the place two large stone Medusa heads are put as bases less than two columns, just one positioned upside down and the opposite tilted for the side, their origin and purpose shrouded in thriller.

Hagia Sophia is a lot more than simply an architectural question; it is a symbol of your cultural and spiritual evolution of Istanbul. It's witnessed the rise and tumble of empires, the convergence of different faiths, plus the passage of numerous pilgrims and visitors.

From your time we landed in Istanbul till the top of our tour each individual detail was meticulously prepared which manufactured our trip seamless. All drivers and guides satisfied us on time at each leg of our tour.