Sultanahmet Travel Guide: Journey to the Heart of History
Sultanahmet, one of the most fascinating districts of Istanbul, is a centre of attraction that attracts local and foreign tourists with its historical and cultural richness. Located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, between the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn, Sultanahmet is almost like an open-air museum. Sultanahmet takes you on a journey through time with its streets smelling of history and magnificent architecture. The fascinating dome of Hagia Sophia, the elegant minarets of the Blue Mosque and the magnificent structures of Topkapi Palace reveal the rich history of the region. Hagia Sophia was built as a church during the Byzantine period and later converted into a mosque, and today it serves as both a mosque and a museum. This building, which fascinates visitors with its architectural wonder and interior decorations, is one of the most important artefacts of world history. This region, which bears the traces of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, offers unforgettable moments to its visitors with its historical buildings, museums, mosques and bazaars.
Places to visit in Sultanahmet
Topkapi Palace
Topkapı Palace, every stone, every wall, every corner of which smells of history, is one of the glorious legacies of the Ottoman Empire, located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, on the shores of the Marmara Sea. Topkapı Palace exhibits its splendour with its magnificent architecture. The inner courtyards, gardens, porticoes and buildings of the palace are among the most magnificent examples of Ottoman architecture. A story is hidden in every corner; a pearl lies on every wall. The Harem apartment, Hünkâr Apartment, Baghdad Pavilion and Weapon Collection are treasures waiting to be discovered in the depths of the palace.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque, which adorns the historical silhouette of Istanbul and rises to the sky with its enormous dome and majestic architecture, is one of the most iconic buildings of the city and the world. Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the building, which first served as a church, was a sacred place where thousands of people raised their prayers during the Byzantine period. Later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, Hagia Sophia was one of the symbolic works of Islamic art and Ottoman architecture. Hagia Sophia, which was later used as a museum during the republican period, was reopened for worship as a mosque in 2020. Visitors to Hagia Sophia take an in-depth journey into the history and cultural fabric of Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Mosque
Rising in the magnificent silhouette of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’ among the locals, this monumental structure is a heritage reflecting the splendour of the Ottoman Empire. The Blue Mosque was built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I in the 17th century. This magnificent structure, the work of the architect Sedefkar Mehmed Aga, is an important symbol reflecting the history and cultural texture of Istanbul. One of the most striking features of the mosque is its six minarets and its interior decorated with blue Iznik tiles.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a treasure trove for those who want to go on an adventure full of history and art in the historical peninsula of Istanbul. The museum's collection has an enormous diversity, reflecting the richness of Islamic art and the cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire. It contains thousands of artefacts such as manuscripts, miniatures, examples of calligraphy, glassworks and carpets. You should definitely visit this museum to discover the magnificent cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire and witness unique works of Islamic art.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Istanbul Archaeological Museums are located in the historical peninsula of the city and consist of three different museums: Archaeological Museum, Museum of Ancient Oriental Art and Tiled Pavilion. These museums house artefacts from a wide period of time, ranging from antiquity to the Ottoman Empire. The collection of the museums covers a variety of artefacts dating back thousands of years to the present day. The Archaeological Museum houses sculptures, sarcophagi and mosaics from the Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods. The Museum of Ancient Oriental Art is full of manuscripts, calligraphy plates and ceramics reflecting the richness of Islamic art. The Çinili Köşk draws attention with its tiles and ceramic artefacts from the Ottoman period.
Grand Palace Mosaic Museum
The Grand Palace Mosaics Museum is a treasure for those who want to discover an enormous heritage from the Byzantine period in the historical peninsula of Istanbul. The Great Palace Mosaics Museum was discovered as a result of excavations in the 1950s. The museum also contains the ruins of the Great Palace, one of the old palaces of the Byzantine Empire. These mosaics date back to the 5th and 6th centuries and are considered to be one of the most important examples of Byzantine art. It offers the opportunity to see many important mosaic works. Among these, the ‘Four Seasons’ and ‘Prophets’ mosaics are the most striking.
Basilica Cistern
For those who want to discover a world lost in the historical texture of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is almost a time tunnel. This enormous structure is a treasure hidden under the city and opens the doors of a past of thousands of years to its visitors. The most remarkable feature of the cistern is its forest-like appearance formed by 336 granite columns. These columns support the ceiling of the cistern and create a mystical atmosphere. While walking around the cistern, the light games and silence created by the reflection of the water give visitors an unforgettable experience. The Basilica Cistern is a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar was built in the 17th century by the Ottoman vizier Omer Aga. The most striking feature of the Egyptian Bazaar is its magnificent architecture and colourful atmosphere. The ceilings of the bazaar are in the shape of a high dome and the shops inside are adjacent to each other. Columns decorated with colourful ceramics and large windows give the bazaar a bright and spacious atmosphere. There are many cafes, restaurants and dessert shops around the Spice Bazaar. While visiting the bazaar, you can take a break to drink tea or coffee and enjoy traditional Turkish desserts. You can also try the flavours of Ottoman cuisine in the surrounding restaurants.
Eating and Drinking Suggestions in Sultanahmet
1- Fisherman Sabahattin and Magnaura Cafe&Restaurant. Make sure you utilise them. Also @matbahrestaurant has a special place for us. They also received a Michelin award in recent months.
2- In Süleymaniye, you should visit Erzincanlı Ali Baba for dried beans.
3- Sirkeci-hotels">Hocapaşa in Sirkeci, in the bazaar of historical restaurants, there is an open-air section for Çağ Kebab (a few portions can be devoured) - does not accept reservations.
4- Renew doner at Dönerci Şahin Usta - Grand Bazaar
5- Sultanahmet-hotels">Sultanahmet for breakfast Saade Breakfast
6- For coffee, go to the fragrant Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi. Another alternative is Kuru Kahveci Nuri Toplar, which is located in the continuation of the street and cooked in wood fire.
7- Sultanahmet-hotels">Sultanahmet Çiğdem Patisserie, especially the cookies are delicious. You can take a break on the way to eat something sweet.
8- Historical Pita Bakery in Kuveloğlu Han, the roasted and kashkaval pita is very delicious...
9- Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine is frequented by many people. It has a wide menu covering Central Asian, Anatolian, Balkan and Iranian cuisine. This restaurant's cherry leaf rolls and cabbage dish with chestnuts are quite famous.
How to get to Sultanahmet?
Sultanahmet is located on the European Side of Istanbul. After arriving in Istanbul, you can reach Sultanahmet and Sultanahmet hotels by city transport.
Istanbul is accessible from many cities in our country. Especially from metropolises, you can reach Istanbul by railway, road, maritime and airline.
If you want to come with your own car, you can reach Istanbul in about one and a half hours by sea buses from Bursa. For those who want to use the motorway, some road information is as follows:
- The distance between Ankara and Istanbul is approximately 450 kilometres and 5 hours 40 minutes,
- The distance between Izmir and Istanbul is approximately 565 kilometres and 8 hours 15 minutes,
- Bursa - Istanbul is approximately 240 kilometres and 4 hours,
- The distance between Eskişehir and Istanbul is approximately 325 kilometres and takes 3 hours 40 minutes.
Where to stay in Sultanahmet: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/sultanahmet-hotels
