Top 3 Must See Monuments in Istanbul

One of the most fascinating cities on the planet, Istanbul is a unique destination located in the very place where East meets west. Featuring countless historical and cultural attractions and monuments, Istanbul has much to supply inquisitive travelers. Among these, listed here are the most notable 3 not-to-be-missed monuments this city features.

Aya Sophia - A Church without Denomination

The Aya Sophia, or Haghia Sofyia, the Church from the Holy Wisdom, is really a beacon of veneration for worshippers of countless faiths. Commissioned from the byzantine emperor Justinian inside 6th century, it had been the imperial church and also the "holiest of holies" for 900 years, until Mehmet the Conqueror seized the location for the Ottomans. The church became a mosque until in 1934; it was become a museum available to all faiths.

The Church was created as being a Grand Temple to bring divine grace upon the ruling empire and also to awe its rivals. The largest covered space for 1000 years, the core of the basilica houses an enormous dome spanning 30m and standing 56m high at its pinnacle. A mind-boggling feat during the time it absolutely was built, it gives the sense the dome was suspended from heaven.

The carved minbar above the apse with mosaics displaying the Virgin Mary and archangel Gabriel are breathtaking. Passing over the:Gates of Heaven and Hell" above, you achieve the galleries which house impressive golden Byzantine mosaics glorifying its rulers - most notable, as scene of emperor Constantine and Empress Zoe paying homage to Christ wearing vibrant blue robes.

The Aya Sophia is Turkey's jewel and something of the world's greatest architectural accomplishments, and it is definitely the 1st of Istanbul's not-to-be-missed monuments.

Sultanahmmet (Blue) Mosque - One with the Most Beautiful Buildings inside the World

Standing outside Aya Sophia and turning 180 degrees, the Sultanahmmet, or Blue Mosque, looms over the lovely gardens and fountains of Sultanahmmet Square. The picture is stunning - six minarets distributed from the mosque's base while a central dome is divided by many gold-flecked mini-domes to generate a mesmerizing spectacle. The curvaceous masterpiece was one of the last great mosques to get built with the eponymous Sultan Ahmet I, who nearly exhausted the imperial treasury to finance it.

Inside, over 20 000 tiles in multi-shades of patterned blue decorate the walls, craigs list 200 windows adorning the structure to make a place of light and an atmosphere of peace. Passing through a succession of arches, you gaze up with a titanic space the location where the main worship area reveals half-dome above half-dome, reaching 30m above. The mosque would be to this day a place of worship and an oasis of spiritual calm one of many noise and crowds of Sultanahmmet.

Topkapi Palace - Decadent Home of Ottoman Sultans

No stay in Istanbul is complete without a stop by at the Topkapi Palace, you will find the Ottoman sultans and caliphs of Islam until 1853. This was the palace of one of the most memorable dynasties ever sold - a dynasty that time, forgot its warrior roots and became absolutely decadent - harem girls, eunuchs, grand viziers along with the famous "Cage", where most from the Ottoman sultans were deposed, poisoned or murdered after being imprisoned here.

The Palace is composed of four courtyards. The "First Courtyard" lies outside its walls and was open to people. The turrelated "Gate of Salutations" marks the entrance of the palace proper and the "Second Court" - a square lawn dotted with Mulberry trees and fountains. The covered cloisters in the edge bring about kitchens which fed 5000 people and to the "Gate of Felicity", which leads deeper in to the palace, and also the furthest anyone was allowed. Beyond this courtyard was the individual home of the sultan and the harems.

The displays during the entire palace are magnificent and provides the tales of the sultans - paintings, diamonds, daggers and relics collected by the sultans, and maybe most fascinating - the pristine exhibits in the Imperial Wardrobe Collection, featuring its sumptuous embroidered silks.

Topkapi Palace represents the glory, majesty and madness from the Ottomans of their prime and provides great comprehension of a period of absolute rule within the region.

Hi! I’m Carmina, also known as Nana. I love Diy projects, parties, crocheting, and traveling. In this blog I share patterns, recipes, Diy projects, pet tips, party ideas, and travel tips.