Istanbul is a city that is remarkably made up of history, culture and architecture all united in a spectacular mixture. Situated on the borders of Europe and Asia, it is the center of three great empires, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, leaving behind their landmarks that are visited by millions of history lovers annually. During your walk down its old streets, gaze at its magnificent monuments, or the legendary palaces, Istanbul is bound to have the most amazing experience in time. In case you are planning your next vacation and look after the Best Places to Visit in Istanbul, you are entering a living museum, which tells you the stories of every century. The city is an out-of-doors museum ready to be toured with its iconic domes and minarets, secretive courtyards and underground riches.
To the Middle Eastern travelers, particularly those who want to visit Istanbul Packages in Oman, the city is not only a perfect place to visit because of the distance but also due to the rich heritage of the place. Istanbul is an ideal blend of past and present. The treasures of the history of the city will be present at every turn, regardless of whether you are coming to the city as a family tourist, a traveler on your own, or as a cultural explorer. This guide is a list and a detailed list of the best historical attractions, which are selected to ensure that the travelers maximize their visit. Gokite Oman and many other travel companies also promote Istanbul Tour Packages which are tailor made to assist you in revealing the real spirit of Istanbul and at the same time experience the comfort and ease.
Best Historical Sights in Istanbul.
1. Hagia Sophia -The Emblem of Empires.
Hagia Sophia is one of the most emblematic and ancient historic buildings in the world. It was originally built in 537 AD under the rule of the emperor Justinian, and it was the largest Byzantine Empire cathedral before being transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman rule in 1453. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest works of art today that portrays the architectural genius of two mighty civilizations.
There are huge domes, Byzantine Christian period mosaics, and calligraphy of the Tanzimat style that make up the interiors. These elements of art make the narrative of the change of Istanbul and its cultural synthesis. Hagia Sophia is certainly the Best Places to Visit in Istanbul of someone who is interested in the origins of the city identity.
2. Topkapi Palace -The Ottoman Empire Headquarters.
Topkapi Palace is an Ottoman Palace and the home of sultans during almost 4 centuries, which is situated in the historic Sultanahmet district. The palace offers a profound understanding of the life of the royalties, their rule, and their traditions with its green gardens and invaluable treasures and relics of a huge empire that once governed three continents.
Tourists have an opportunity to visit the Imperial Harem, Treasury, kitchens, council rooms and panorama terraces that overlook the Bosphorus. There is no way that a person can go to Istanbul without Topkapi Palace on his or her list of places to visit when booking Istanbul Tour Packages, as it would provide a memorable experience of a golden age of opulence, craftsmanship and political sway.
3. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque).
The blue Mosque is among the most photographed icons of Istanbul because it has six minarets and spectacular blue Iznik tiles. It was erected in the early 17 th century and serves as an active mosque to date receiving millions of tourists a year. The building is the best example of the classical Ottoman architecture that combines grandeur and spirituality.
The details of the craftsmanship of the Ottoman era are described through the interior designs of the mosque such as its courts, domes, and calligraphy pattern. The Blue Mosque is a most significant place in the list of every tourist, who wants to know the history and architecture of Islam.
4. Basilica Cistern The wunder der Unterwelt.
The enigmatic Basilica Cistern is covered in the throng of the streets of Sultanahmet. This is a colossal underground reservoir that was built in 6 th century and used to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. The cistern has a magical effect on its visitors with its dim lighting and reflecting waters, its rows of an ancient part columns.
The two Medusa heads at the bottom of the columns are also one of the most interesting aspects of it. Even the causes of their origins are still discussed, which makes this already magical building even more fascinating. This is an underground miracle that every person should not pass by to experience a unique historical experience.
5. The Hippodrome of Constantinople.
The Hippodrome, which was the great arena of the Byzantine Empire where chariot races, political meetings, and festivals were held, was the sports and social center of the Empire. The site is also one of the most significant historical parts of Istanbul despite the fact that only ruins of the original building can be found in the form of the Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius.
As people stand at the Hippodrome, they are able to envision the vibrancy and the thrill that used to fill this grand place. It symbolizes hundreds of years of political history, cultural festivals, and spectacular events of the people.
6. Grand Bazaar Grand Bazaar is a 500-year-old market place.
The Grand Bazaar is not merely a shopping place, but it is also a cultural phenomenon to history lovers. It is one of the oldest covered markets in the world, and it was built in the 15 th century soon after the Ottoman conquest. The labyrinth of alleyways within the bazaar is now full of thousands of stores where can be found all sorts of goods such as hand wrought carpets and ceramics, jewelry and spices.
The experience of the Grand Bazaar is like traveling back in time. The design, structure and vibrant action maintain the allure of old commercial customs. This is a must make in your list of the Best Places to Visit in Istanbul because you will be living the history of trade and artisans.
7. Suleymaniye Mosque the Mimar Sinan Architectural Masterpiece.
Built under the order of Sultan Suleiman, the Magnificent, the Suleymaniye Mosque can be considered to be one of the most successful projects of the most outstanding Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan. The mosque complex complex, which was constructed during the 16 th century, incorporates schools, baths, library, and lovely gardens all of which bears the Ottoman genius in its urban planning.
The interior of the mosque is no less interesting as there are used harmonious proportions and the sense of tranquility. The trip to Suleymaniye helps one experience the architectural and spiritual richness of the Ottoman golden age.
8. Galata Tower -A Lighthouse over a Thousand Years.
The Galata tower is high above the city and has kept an eye on the city since the 14 th century. It was originally an observation tower, a lighthouse and was used as a fire watch tower later in the years which used to be operated by the Genoese. It is considered to be one of the most popular historical sites nowadays, and it provides a panoramic view of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, as well as the city skyline.
This tower is particularly favored by tourists that value the medieval architecture and desire to see how Istanbul has developed over the years. When you are sightseeing in Istanbul Packages in Oman the Galata Tower should be included on your list.
9. Dolmabahce Palace – Ottoman Meets European Beauty.
Dolmabahce Palace was constructed in the 19 th century and reveals the transition of the Ottoman Empire to the European way of life and architecture. The palace is a gorgeous combination of the Ottoman and European styles with its elaborate chandeliers, gold decorations, and grand staircases.
This was the residence of the final Ottoman sultans and it subsequently became the residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey. Tourists will have an opportunity to visit its ceremonial halls, personal chambers, and lovely gardens on the sea.
10. Chora Church The Jewel of Byzantine Art.
Chora Church is widely known because of its well-preserved frescoes and mosaics which present one of the best examples of the late Byzantine art. The detailed scenes of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary are spectacular and breathtaking.
History lovers remain amazed by the fact that Chora has the greatest artistic worth and can be used to interpret Byzantine religious customs. The church is placed slightly beyond the major tourist areas and thus it is the quiet place where one can explore more on history.
Conclusion
Istanbul is a city in which each stone, each corner of the street and each monument has its story. As a tourist attraction destination, the city presents an unending avenue of discovering the origins of human civilizations that defined the world history. Largely at the level of grand palaces and old mosques, but at the same time underground cities, colorful bazaars, Istanbul can offer a time trip as in no other place. Historical, cultural, or architecture enthusiast, whatever you are, there is something in the city that will keep you entertained even after you go home.
You can get the well-planned Istanbul Tour Packages or simply need to be comfortable in the way you are travelling to Istanbul with the Istanbul Packages of Oman, and you can be sure that you have been well taken care of, by the help of trusted travel partners such as Gokite Oman that will help you to visit all the great historical wonders of Istanbul. The journey to Istanbul will be more than a vacation with the right guidance and planning because it will be a worthwhile experience of centuries of heritage. Istanbul remains one of the cities where history lives at every turn, and it welcomes people of various countries to explore the ancient allure of Istanbul.