İstiklal Avenue (Turkish: İstiklal Caddesi, lit. ‘Independence Avenue’) is one of the most emblematic streets in Istanbul, providing a rich tapestry of visual, auditory, and historical experiences. This 1.4-kilometer (0.87-mile) pedestrian route traverses the core of the Beyoğlu neighborhood, historically referred to as Pera, exemplifying the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The avenue is […]

The Galata Tower, a cylindrical structure with a pointed apex, stands prominently in Istanbul’s changing skyline, embodying a rich historical narrative. This iconic structure in the Beyoğlu area embodies the city’s diverse heritage, with its stone façade reflecting Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman influences. The Galata Tower Museum serves as a historical portal, attracting tourists who […]

Situated on the European shores of the Bosporus, Dolmabahçe Palace exemplifies the opulence of the late Ottoman period. Commissioned by Sultan Abdulmejid I in the mid-19th century, this magnificent structure replaced the historic Topkapı Palace as the empire’s primary royal home. Dolmabahçe is a remarkable fusion of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles combined with traditional […]

Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya; Ancient Greek: Ἁγία Σoφία, romanized: Hagía Sophía; Latin: Sancta Sapientia; meaning ‘Holy Wisdom’) is one of the most historically significant structures in Istanbul. 125 Initially erected as a Byzantine church, it was the final of three consecutive churches constructed on the same location by the Eastern Roman Empire. Completed in AD […]

Gedikpaşa Hamam, located in the historic heart of Istanbul, is a living tribute to the city’s rich cultural legacy, providing a genuine Turkish bath experience that has persisted for over five centuries. Built in 1475 under the patronage of Gedik Ahmet Pasha, a major military commander during Sultan Mehmed II’s reign, this historic bathhouse still […]

Rumeli Hisarı, also known as Yenicehisar, Boğazkesen Hisarı, Yenikale, Başkesen Hisarı and Kara Kale, is a unique witness of Ottoman military construction. This stronghold, located in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district on the European side of the Bosphorus, plays a vital role in the city’s historical environment. Its name refers not only to its architectural splendor, but […]

Taksim Square (Turkish: Taksim Meydanı, IPA: [ˈtaksim ˈmejdanɯ]) is a prominent landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the dynamic district of Beyoğlu on the European side of the city, it functions as a vital nexus for tourist, recreation, and business. Taksim Square, characterized by its vibrant restaurants, chic hotels, and numerous shopping outlets, is regarded […]

Balat, a district of Istanbul’s Fatih municipality, is situated on the European shores of the Golden Horn, a historic inlet of the Bosphorus. Balat, celebrated for its vivid, colorful residences and diverse cultural heritage, is among the oldest and most scenic districts in the city. Despite its diminished grandeur, it continues to be an essential […]

The Grand Çamlıca Mosque, also known as Büyük Çamlıca Camii, is located on Çamlıca Hill in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district and is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Finished in 2019, this mosque is not only the biggest in Turkey but also a stunning fusion of contemporary engineering with classic Ottoman elements. The Çamlıca Mosque has become increasingly […]

Istanbul is a city of layers, history and modernism, East and West, anarchy and peace. And çamlıca Hill is the best position you could find where you could enjoy all from above. Rising 288 meters (945 feet) above sea level in Istanbul’s Üsküdar area, this hill provides an experience rather than only a viewpoint. From […]

On the Asian coast of the Bosphorus, architectural wonder Beylerbeyi Palace is evidence of the magnificence and wealth of the Ottoman Empire. Built between 1861 and 1865 and commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz, the palace was designed as a vacation home as well as a prestigious guesthouse for foreign officials. Its appeal was reinforced by its […]

The Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Turkish: Rüstem Paşa Camii, is evidence of Ottoman Empire artistic and architectural inventiveness. Tucked in the vibrant Tahtakale area of Istanbul’s Hasırcılar Çarşısı (Strawmat Weavers Market), close to the renowned Spice Bazaar, this mosque is a canvas of exquisite tile work and sophisticated design rather than merely a place of worship. […]

Miniatürk, inaugurated on May 2, 2003, is an expansive miniature park recognized as one of the largest globally. This outdoor exhibition spans 60,000 square meters (roughly 650,000 square feet) and showcases 135 intricately designed versions of Turkey’s most renowned monuments. These structures are meticulously reduced to a 1:25 size, rendering Miniatürk a visual delight for […]

The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi), alternatively referred to as Leander’s Tower (Tower of Leandros), is prominently situated on a diminutive islet near the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait. This landmark monument, situated just 200 meters from the Üsküdar coast in Istanbul, Turkey, has been pivotal in the city’s history, mythology, and cultural landscape for […]

The Bosphorus Bridge (Turkish: Boğaziçi Köprüsü) spans the waters of the Bosphorus Strait, exemplifying contemporary engineering and underscoring Turkey’s significant geographic and cultural location. The 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Turkish: 15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü) is the southernmost of the three suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia in Istanbul. In conjunction with the Fatih Sultan Mehmet […]

The Galata Bridge (Turkish: Galata Köprüsü) spans the beautiful waters of the Golden Horn and is an enduring symbol of Istanbul’s rich history and diverse cultural scene. This bridge, which connects the historic area of Eminönü to the cosmopolitan Karaköy, has long served as a metaphor for the old and the new, tradition and modernity. […]

Pierre Loti Hill, located northwest of Istanbul, serves as a relaxing vantage point with an unrivaled panoramic view of the Golden Horn. This exquisite location is not just a haven for tourists, but also a treasured getaway for individuals seeking to soak in the ethereal glory of a sunrise. As the first light of day […]

Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi, located in the heart of Istanbul, exemplifies the city’s Ottoman heritage. Originally used as a religious school and dervish lodge, this 300-year-old monument of history encouraged spiritual illumination inside its arched chambers. It changed over ages, initially as a busy marketplace and then into its modern shape as a peaceful haven […]

The Fatih Mosque (Turkish: Fatih Camii), a significant architectural and cultural symbol of Istanbul, exemplifies the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire. Originally built on the revered grounds of the Church of the Holy Apostles between 1463 and 1470, this striking construction is situated off Fevzi Paşa Caddesi in the old Fatih district. Designed under Sultan […]

The Church of St. Anthony of Padua, colloquially referred to as Sent Antuan Kilisesi, is the largest Catholic church in Istanbul and a significant symbol of the city’s diverse cultural past. Located on the vibrant İstiklal Avenue in the Beyoğlu area, it exemplifies the impact of the Italian community in Istanbul throughout the late 19th […]