Author: laforge

New Mosque: A Sanctuary in the Heart of the Old City

Standing tall and proud against the old city skyline is the New Mosque or Yeni Valide Camii, a traditional Ottoman style imperial mosque. This impressive structure is a major landmark of Istanbul, located in Eminonu, Istanbul, on the Golden Horn. Learn more about the history of the New Mosque and appropriate protocol for visitors.

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Visiting Hagia Sophia: An Istanbul Museum Not to be Missed

Considered by many as one of the world’s most magnificent Byzantine structures, the Hagia Sophia is known by many names including the Church of Divine Wisdom, Sancta Sophia, and the Church of the Holy Wisdom. This incredible Istanbul museum features some of Turkey’s most prized historical relics, tombs, and mosaics set amid its striking architecture that take you back in time, where you can literally feel the rich history of this revered Istanbul landmark.

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Hagia Irene: Constantine’s First Church

An impressive structure within the grounds of the Topkapi Palace is the Hagia Irene, an Eastern Orthodox Church with its beginnings going back to the time of Constantine. It has byzantine elements and is one of the most important Istanbul churches, especially from a historical standpoint. This landmark of Istanbul and early Christianity during the era of Constantine is found sequestered in the outer courtyard of today’s Topkapi Palace. Discover more about the Hagia Irene Museum today.

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Grand Bazaar: The World’s Largest and Oldest Covered Market

Within the walled city, in the district of Fatih, stretches the immense and impressive Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise, with over 91 million annual visitors and recently ranked as the No.1 most visited tourist attraction. This Ottoman structure once housed traders of textiles and grew to encompass many unique and popular goods of interest for today’s visitors. Explore the story of the Grand Bazaar before your trip.

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Traveler Tips for Visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Still an active mosque to this day, the Sultan Ahmed (SultanAhmet) Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a top attraction in Istanbul. The culmination of its breathtaking exteriors and the captivating interior spaces are simply irresistible to travelers from around the world. Those seeking a truly memorable experience while in traveling in Istanbul will not want to miss this gem of the old world.

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