DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 40 minutes

"The Basilica Cistern, also known as 'Sunken Cistern' or 'Yerebatan Cistern' in Turkish, was built by Justinian in 532 to provide water to the Byzantine Palace. The Cistern is located in Sultanahmet Square. When you arrive at Sultanahmet Square, you will see the Basilica Cistern on the right bank. Next to the tram line is a small building, when you go down the stairs you will see the Basilica Cistern. It is open and the entrance fee for foreign visitors is 10TL (~ 7 USD) The groundwater road was used as a water tank for the Grand Palace and other buildings, It is 132 m long, 65 m wide, There are 336 columns in the cistern.

When you walk to the back of the cistern, you'll find an inverted Medusa head supporting one of the pillars. Why it is upside down is a mystery, but the most likely explanation is that the people who placed the stone believed, it would banish the evil spirits if the head was turned upside down.

A second Medusa head upside down, not far from the Medusa head, to the sides. Why does one deepen the question about its upside-down orientation and the other about its sideways orientation. Perhaps the builders thought that placing the two heads in the same direction would strengthen the evil forces that inhabit the snakes in Medusa's head. It is also interesting that they are in the first place in the cistern. Perhaps their long stay under water was to drive away the evil forces.

It has been completely renovated today. Water is still melancholy dripping from the ceiling, and the brick domed ceiling reflects classical music.

Basilica Cistern Tips:

The Basilica Cistern, also known as 'Sunken Palace' or 'Yerebatan Sarayı' in Turkish, was built by Justinian in 532 to supply water to the Byzantine Palace.

The Basilica Cistern is surrounded by a 3.5 meter thick firebrick wall and is covered with a special mortar to be waterproof.

The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinianus to provide water to the city of Istanbul. "

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 10 minutes

The word "Dolmabahçe" in English means "full garden", as the foundations of the "Dolmabahçe Palace" sit on the ground collected from the sea. It is a beautiful 19th century palace right on the shore of the Bosphorus. Architecture is in the Baroque and Rococo style and very French. Many people think this is a small model of the Versailles Palace in Paris, France. The palace can be seen as a group accompanied by a tour guide and is open every day from 09:00 to 16:00 except Monday and Thursday.

If you stay in the touristic peninsula, you should take the tram towards Sirkeci. The tram will first go to Sirkeci and Eminönü districts, then continue to Karaköy over the Galata Bridge. Stay on the tram until the last stop. When you get to the last stop, you will be in Kabataş district, which is only 200-300 meters from Dolmabahçe Palace. Get off the sea bus and the Kabataş ferry pier and after 200 meters you will see the Dolmabahçe Palace on the right hand side on the sea front.

Dolmabahçe Palace Tips:

Dolmabahçe literally means full garden.

Dolmabahçe is the largest and largest of the imperial palaces on the Bosphorus.

Dolmabahçe has the world's largest Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandelier collection.

Ataturk (founder of Republic of Turkey) when he visited Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace was used as a residence. On November 10, 1938, Atatürk passed away in this palace after a long period of illness.

14 tons of gold were used in Dolmabahçe Palace to decorate the gold leaf ceilings. "

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 30 minutes

"Topkapi Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. The design, first designed by Sultan Mehmed and later developed by Sinan, hides clues about the rituals of the structure of the Ottoman hierarchy and the functioning of state affairs. In addition to being a barracks, it tells about the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire.In addition to the priceless treasure, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelain, sacred relics, sultan's clothing and imperial weapons is also displayed in different parts of the palace.

Topkapi Palace Tips:

Topkapi Palace is one of the largest museums in the world, and for over four hundred years Topkapi was the residence of the sultans.

The Spoonmaker's Diamond is an 86-carat (17 gr) pear-shaped diamond that is considered the pride of the Imperial Treasure exhibitions at the Topkapı Palace museum. It is the fourth largest diamond of its kind in the world.

David's Sword is also exhibited in Topkapı Palace.

A stuntman who shot the James Bond movie 'Skyfall' in Istanbul lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the glass of a 330-year-old store in the city's 15th-century Grand Bazaar.

Jackie Chan's movie 'Accidental Spy' was partially shot in the Istanbul Grand Bazaar.

The 'Grand Bazaar', which means 'Grand Bazaar', is one of the world's largest and oldest covered bazaars with 61 covered streets and 3,000 shops, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors.

The Privacy Room houses contain the Chamber of Sacred Relics (Sacred Relics Office) what is considered "the most sacred relics of the Muslim world": the cloak of the Prophet Mohammed, two swords, a bow, a tooth, a hair of his beard, swords of war, a signed letter, and other relics are known as Holy Trusts. Other sacred objects such as the swords of the first four Caliphs on display, the Scepter of Moses, the turban of Yusuf and the carpet of Muhammad's daughter are also on display. During the reign of Murad III, the Sacred Mantle Chamber Bazaar was added, but was changed when the Circumcision Room was added. This passage was built before the 10th century in St. It may have been built on the site of the Temple of Poseidon, which was converted into a Church.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 30 minutes

It was the dying wish of Sultan Ahmet, who died of illness at a young age in the 17th century, to finish the mosque so that his name could live forever. It was named Blue Mosque by visitors who admire the elegant designs of Ottoman tiles adorning the walls of the mausoleum. The well-lit, spacious interiors as well as the floral patterns of the tiles are a testament to the eternity of the soul.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 30 minutes

The 16th century Ottoman Mosque, built in the name of Suleiman the Magnificent's treasurer and son-in-law, fell out of favor with the Sultan and was removed from service. It is known that it houses the most beautiful examples of handmade Iznik tiles both on its inner and outer walls; and of course, it sits above a complex of shops that will give you a view of the city's vibrant local colors.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 40 minutes

Bebek, which means 'baby' in Turkish, is a lovely and wealthy district rising from the Bosphorus to the trees-covered areas. Many people come to Bebek to enjoy a collection of upscale seaside cafes and restaurants, or to enjoy a Sunday brunch with local celebrities.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 15 minutes

Located on the hills above the Bosphorus, there is the Yıldız Porselen factory and intricately restored Ottoman Imperial summer palaces and hunting lodges.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 40 minutes

This historic park is located in the quaint area of Emirgan, right next to the Bosphorus. The park is particularly famous for its vibrant collection of tulips that appear every April.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 60 minutes

Maiden's Tower or Leander Tower (also known as 'Maiden's Tower' in Turkish) was built 2500 years ago. It was built on a small rock located where the Marmara Sea meets the Bosphorus and is also located between Asia and Europe. The history of the tower goes back to the Ancient Greek civilizations and continues throughout the Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Leander Tower served as a lighthouse and there are many stories about its history. One such story is about the love between Hero and Leander. One night, Leander was trying to swim to the tower to reach his secret love. The light from the tower faded and Leander drowned. Today, Leanders Tower is used as a restaurant and cafe and welcomes locals and tourists with its excellent location. To reach the tower, you have to go to the Asian side by ferry. Ferries depart from Eminönü to Üsküdar and take about 15 minutes. You will have to walk from the Üsküdar ferry pier to the tower, and small boats transport visitors from the mainland coast to the tower. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus and have a snack, but the prices in the cafe are relatively high.

DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL

Distance: 30 minutes

St. George Fener Greek Patriarchate and Hagia Yorgi Church are located in the Fener district of the Golden Horn and are also home to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in its courtyard.Aya Yorgi Church has many valuable objects and the 5th century throne is the most striking. It is one of the most popular churches in Istanbul.